The River Hamble Adventures Flat Water Kayaking Skills Programme will equip the kayaker to paddle skilfully and safely in a flat water environment. The skills are divided into 3 levels which represent a progression from complete novice requiring close supervision to a expert flat water paddler able to participate in self-led trips over extended distances.
Appropriate rescue skills are built into the syllabi at each level. These are listed under Skills in recognition that effective rescue techniques are as important as good paddling technique and require skill to perform.
Relevant background knowledge is also part of the syllabi at each level, spreading important topics over the three levels.
Each level builds on the previous level. Therefore although it is not a prerequisite to have completed the previous levels paddlers will need to have the skills covered in the previous levels before continuing to the next.
This course is for kayaks of all kinds: sit on tops, closed cockpit kayaks and inflatables; it is not specific to the River Hamble. In assessing the skills, the assessor will make sensible allowances for the craft being paddled.
For each skill, key points are shown and in some cases assessment criteria. Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate / be aware of the key points and meet or exceed the assessment criteria.
On completion of the Level 1 course, candidates will have the basic paddling skills that will allow them to move boat in all directions. They will be able to exit the kayak in a controlled and calm manner and recover their equipment to the shore.
They would paddle under close supervision on very calm water with minimal flow.
In British Canoeing terms, this would equip them to paddle on Very Sheltered Water and is broadly equivalent to the Paddle Start Award.
See here for syllabus.
On completion of the Level 2 course, candidates will appreciate the use of the whole body in manoeuvring the boat. They will be able to carry out simple boat to boat rescues.
They would paddle as part of group with a designated leader responsible for the group’s safety on a calm river with significant flow.
In British Canoeing terms, this would equip them to paddle on Sheltered Water and is broadly equivalent to the Paddle Discover Award.
See here for syllabus.
On completion of the Level 3 course, candidates will have a full range of flat water kayaking skills and be able to blend the strokes together to achieve subtle adjustments. They will appreciate the importance of generating blade pressure in manoeuvring the boat. They will be able to help a fellow paddler back into their boat.
They would paddle as part of an unsupervised group on water with significant flow, swell and small waves.
In British Canoeing terms, this would equip them to paddle on Moderate Water and is broadly equivalent to the Paddle Explore Award.
See here for syllbus.