The Start & DISCOVER Award (1 star) – This is a fun and safe introduction to the sport of kayaking. The course includes paddling skills with forwards, backwards, turning, stopping and sideways strokes. Getting in and out of the kayak safely. You will be provided with correctly fitting buoyancy aids, helmets and spray decks for any age group/size. You will learn how to adjust boat fittings (to suit your individual requirements) and learn about different paddles and kayaks. Re-requisites – None required for the 1 star assessment.
Assessment will cover:
1. Lift, carry and launch the kayak or canoe
2. Forward paddling over a distance of 100m with correct posture.
3. Steering and controlling the boat. Stopping both forwards and backwards within 4 strokes.
Rotate boat 180 degrees using forward and reverse strokes. Reverse paddling of 5 metres to a fixed point.
4. Return to river bank and get out in a safe and controlled manner.
5. Capsize drill – which involves both being rescued and swim to shore for the distance of 15 metres from the point of capsize.
6. Emptying boat with safe lifting and handling.
7. Theory questions
8. Evidence of 1 hour kayak journey (3km) duration.
