Essential Level- 1 strokes
skills 1:  ACA EKT L-1 on-water - 6 hour

Course Length: One session - 6 hours

Cost: $150 / 3 Person Minimum / 5 person maximum per session

Pre-requisite:

• Must have taken ACA EKT L-1 four-hour in-class instruction with “A Paddle; For Hunger’s” Kevin R. Burkitt

• Own or access to a recreational sit-in kayak, paddle, and PFD

• The ability to transport a kayak more than 10 miles at highway speed in variable weather conditions

This course prepares the kayaker for flat-water instruction which is protected by wind over five (2) knots, waves less than one foot, and direct boat traffic. This on-land course follows the same Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) who can perform the following requirements, which are required for future on-water ACA instruction

1. 1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)

2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water

3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support

4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion

5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance

6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion

7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket*

8. Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*

9. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft*

10. Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance

11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation

Class Ratios:

• On-Water 5 participants per section

Instructor:

• Level 1 or higher ACA Instructors within their discipline

• I hold EKT-L 1/2 Coastal Touring Instructor Certification

Course OBjectives:

Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:

• Welcome, introductions, paperwork

• Student and instructor course expectations and limitations

• Course itinerary and site logistics

• Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure

• About the ACA

Preparing to Depart:

• Discuss weather conditions, forecasts, and other environmental hazards (wind, water, weather, waves)

• Make sure the boat is securely fastened to the car or racks, using proper tie downs, straps, or knots.

• Review proper techniques to safely lift and carry the kayak on shore

• Review life jackets appropriate for the operator’s size, kayak, and activity, assuring all others in the group are properly wearing their life jacket

• Describe and follow safe boating practices (behavior, substance abuse, on water and land etiquette, leave no trace ethics)

• Review elements of a float plan (Who, What, When, Where, filing practices)

• Review personal equipment needed for the kayak, activity and environment

• Prepare kayak for departure: stowing gear securely, and ensuring it is balanced How to hold the paddle in correct orientation and grip for effective paddling

Maneuvers: to be performed with appropriate and efficient strokes,
while maintaining the trim and balance of the craft.

• Enter and launch kayak from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure

• Propel the kayak forward in a straight line 15-20 boat lengths

• Stop the kayak within two boat lengths

• Move the kayak backwards 3-4 boat lengths

• Turn the kayak from a stationary position 180° to the right and left

• Move the kayak sideways 10 feet (3 meters) to each side

• Arrive at destination point, checking for clear approach, and exit the kayak in a controlled and safe manner

Technical Knowledge:

• Review paddling equipment, terminology (kayak and paddle), and care of gear

• How to avoid and prevent cold water shock, hypothermia and hyperthermia by choosing proper clothing; recognizing and treating early symptoms; 1-10-1 rule.

• Recognize the importance of hydration

• Recognize and appropriately use communication (paddle/oar and whistle) signals

• Describe best paddling practices: posture, balance, awareness of body-kayak-blade relationship

LEVEL - 1 paddle strokes and techniques

• Catch, Propulsion (Power), Release

• Controlled Forward Paddle

• Controlled Reverse Paddle

• Edging

• Turning on the Move

• Sweeping Turn (left & Right)

• Controlled 360-degree spins

• Figure 8 paddle

• Stabilization Paddle Bracing

• Low Brace Paddle Turn / Emergency Turn

• Group Paddle Awareness and Communication

L-1 Practical awareness and techniques

• Demonstrate awareness of other boat(s), people, kayak(s), paddle(s), and gear

• Describe the responsibilities of the group, rescuer, swimmer during an emergency

• Identify in-water hazards using situational awareness(es)

• Identify and demonstrate proper paddling techniques for flat water conditions

• Demonstrate the ability to paddle up to one-mile in light wind, current under two (2) knots.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up:

• Group debriefing or individual feedback

• Course limitations and realistic expectations

• Importance of additional instruction, practice,
  experience

• Life sport and paddling options

• Local paddling groups and clubs

• Handouts and reference materials

• ACA membership forms