Training

The RMSKC is now able to offer an official ACA Basic Coastal Kayak Strokes and Rescues training program to its club members at a nominal cost. It’s a great way to improve your paddling skills to get ready for club trips. Training classes will provide you with the opportunity to become a RMSKC Certified Paddler. Certification is intended to promote competency in paddling and to provide Trip Leaders with a means to evaluate paddler skills. Some club trips may require the certification by all participants. This will be at the Trip Leaders discretion.

All members are encouraged to take the class, learn the skills, get acquainted with other members doing the same, and ready themselves to participate in the events the club offers.

The club holds several one-day, paddling instruction events each year. Attendees must have the following minimum equipment and clothing to attend class:

• Clothing for immersion - fuzzy neoprene, wet suit, or dry suit.
• Touring kayak with closed deck and bulkheads (or internal floatation)
• PFD
• Spray skirt
• Paddle
• Paddle float
• Bilge Pump
• Whistle

Training Class will consist of instruction regarding equipment, paddling skills and safety practices as listed below:

• Clothing (Dress for immersion)
• Spray skirt
• Bulkheads / flotation
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Forward and reverse sweep strokes
• Low braces
• Wet exit
• Self Re-entry
• Assisted, side-by-side reentry
• Clothing (Dress for immersion)

The class schedule is as follows:

• June 7, 2008
• July 12, 2008

The course outline can be viewed here.