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Sea Kayak Instructor Introduction to Kayaking

Aim
To provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Introduction to Kayaking course.

Upon Successful Completion
The Sea Kayak Instructor Introduction to Kayaking is certified to:

Teach the following courses:
Sea Kayak Skills Introduction to Kayaking


Assist and/or Apprentice (Mentorship) on the following courses:
Sea Kayak Skills Level 1


Prerequisites
• At least 16 years of age.
• Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Level 1 certification.
• Current certification in Standard First Aid with CPR(8 hrs).

Course Length
• 2 days minimum

Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 6 Participants

Location
• Enclosed and sheltered with easy landing options immediately present.
• Appropriate portions of this course can be taught in a pool.

Conditions
• Wind calm (< 8 knots)
• Sea state calm to rippled.

Program Overview
Participants will demonstrate knowledge of the following topics, as applied to the teaching of recreational kayaking:

Teaching and learning
• How one learns.
• Conditions that encourage and promote learning.
• Skill, knowledge and attitude areas of learning.
• Goals and objectives.
• Teaching strategies.
• Lesson planning and organization.
• Class management.
• Group dynamics.
• Evaluation techniques.
• Instructor behavior and attitudes.
• How to plan and organize a Kayaking course.
• Paddling activities and games.

Course administration
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the following topics:
• Paddle Canada policies, programs, accreditation and re-certification.
• Organization and management of a course.
• Other germane institutions and programs (National associations, Provincial associations, clubs, etc.) available in Canada.
• Overview of resources (publications, manufacturers, retailers, web sites, repair persons, etc.) available in Canada.
• Legal and liability issues affecting the instructor.
• Safety procedures, hazard recognition, waterfront regulations and safety equipment.
• Equipment choice, teaching sites and areas, and scheduling.
• Development of appropriate teaching progression.
• Kayaking activities, games and events.
• Staffing and staff management.

Instructors
The following instructors are accredited to offer this course:
Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer Introduction to Kayaking
Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer Level 1
Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer Level 2
Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer Level 3


The following instructors may assist/apprentice (Mentorship) on this course:
Sea Kayak Instructor Level 1
Sea Kayak Instructor Level 2
Sea Kayak Instructor Level 3
Sea Kayak Instructor Level 4


Assessment
The Instructor will be evaluated by:

• Observation throughout the course.
• Written test of knowledge of course content of approximately one hour in length. Participants must achieve a mark of at least 80% to pass.
• Written and oral presentations demonstrating ability to communicate course content.
• Ongoing evaluation (by observation) of the participant’s performance in the areas of safety, care of equipment, group dynamics and leadership.
• A minimum of 2 demonstrations of teaching ability by each participant, 1 of which shall be an “on water” session in which the participant teaches a kayaking skill. The participant must select a site appropriate to the skill being taught and to the skill level of the students. In addition, development of appropriate teaching progression and strategies must be demonstrated.
• Teaching topics may be previously assigned or chosen, or may be assigned at short notice from a previously issued list. The course staff will determine the methods and number of tests in each content area.
• Retesting may occur at the discretion of the Course Director.
• Post Course evaluation may be undertaken only by the Course Director or designate within one year of the end of the course.
• The following grades will be used for the evaluation of each test item: P (Pass) W (Weak) F (Fail)
• Prior to the assessment, the Instructor Trainer will clearly outline the criteria for grading. To achieve Instructor status the participant should achieve a P in all tests. One W may be accepted at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer.
• Participants will demonstrate all the skills at a high level of proficiency suitable for instructional demonstration purposes.
• Rescue and general paddling skills will exceed minimum skills and be suitable to the instructional environment.
• The instructor is a leader in the paddling community and must demonstrate above average judgment in all matters relating to safety, group management and the health and welfare of all participants. The demands of the paddling environment make demonstration of good judgment an important skill for the completion of the course.
• If re-assesment is conducted by a designated instructor, the designated instructor must currently hold the appropriate level of certification.