This is suited to those who have already been a sea paddler for a year or two at least, have a level 2 skills certificate and have a good number of sea trips in their log book.
Course Duration
1 Day course.
Certification Offered
Irish Canoe Union Level 3 Sea Skills
Start Times
10am.
Finish Times
5:00pm
Cost
155 euro including ICU Certificate.
Our Improvers Sea Kayaking course offers a step up in your technical skills, an introduction to more challenging sea conditions , a greater awareness of safety issues a definitely more focused on being a better paddler at sea. It is the award which you need to kayak safely and competently on the sea as a member of a group being led.
Course Content
As per Level 2 Skills plus
- paddle competently in fol lowing winds, head winds and beams winds of up to force three.
- assist in rescues.
- have an understanding of the importance of weather as a factor in kayaking on the sea.
- Sculling Draw
- Sculling for Support
- High Brace
- Stern Rudder
- Bow Rudder
- Edging
- paddling in a following wind, beam winds and head winds
- Record and interpret a marine weather forecast
- Paddling into, bracing and turning in small surf. ( 1 Foot)
- Read a tide table to ascertain the time of high-water.
- Capsize Drill in deep water, getting back into kayak with assistance.
- Assisted X Rescue and an X Rescue
- Eskimo Rescue
- Eskimo Roll
- an understanding of staying with your boat in the event of a capsize at sea.
- an understanding of the effects of the wind on the sea with particular reference to the danger of offshore winds. The candidate should show an understanding of what is meant by a leeshore. dumping surf, riptides and tide races.
- an understanding of good control (i.e. responding to various signals an commands)
- Environment recognises several of the significant flora and fauna in the seashore environment.
You have already entered the Irish Canoe Union award scheme and become certified with their Level 2 Sea Skills Award. This level 3 skills award allows you to tap into the instructorship award scheme following your separate assessment after the course. (Click here to see more about the ICU).
Equipment
We can we provide all specialist equipment that you will need. However if you have your own equipment please bring it.
Our fleet consists of Easky 13ft , 15ft and 17ft kayaks. We use Carlisle magic paddles. You can be assured of suitable and well-maintained equipment. We have a large stock of wetsuits, jackets, spray decks and Buoyancy Aids in a range of sizes to fit all shapes & height's.
Here is a list of essentials that you will need to bring along.
- Your own paddling kit.
- A towel
- In colder weather a thermal top and light fleece is advisable. I will have limited numbers of these.
- Lunch and snacks
- A sun hat / sun cream/sun glasses or wooly hat depending on weather.
- A water bottle
- Swim Goggles and nose clip (optional)
