KAYAKING LEVEL 1 COURSE

Beginner Kayaking & Basic Water Skills Certification Course

Duration: 7 Days
Level: Beginner
Course Type: Theory + Practical Training
Certification: Certificate awarded to participants who successfully complete the prescribed training and assessment.

Course Objective

The Kayaking Level 1 Course is designed for beginners who wish to learn the fundamentals of kayaking, paddling techniques, kayak handling, water safety and basic rescue skills.

The course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely handle a kayak in suitable water conditions and forms a foundation for further kayaking training.

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction to Kayaking

• Introduction to kayaking and its types

• Basic kayaking terminology

• Understanding the kayaking environment

• Basic principles of water safety

• Introduction to responsible water sports

2. Kayaking Equipment & Safety

• Kayak and paddle identification

• Personal flotation device (PFD)

• Helmet and safety equipment

• Equipment fitting and adjustment

• Pre-use inspection and safety checks

• Care and handling of equipment

3. Basic Paddling Techniques

• Correct sitting and paddling position

• Paddle grip and posture

• Forward stroke

• Reverse stroke

• Stopping and slowing

• Basic turning strokes

• Coordinated paddling

4. Kayak Handling & Manoeuvring

• Maintaining balance and stability

• Straight-line paddling

• Directional control

• Turning and manoeuvring

• Launching and landing

• Handling basic changes in water conditions

5. Water Safety & River/Water Awareness

• Identifying basic water hazards

• Understanding currents and weather conditions

• Safe distance and positioning

• Communication on water

• Personal safety and group safety

• Basic risk assessment

6. Capsize & Rescue Skills

• Understanding capsize situations

• Safe response after a capsize

• Self-rescue principles

• Assisted rescue

• Emptying and recovering a kayak

• Basic rescue equipment and procedures

7. Practical Kayaking & Assessment

Participants will demonstrate their ability to:

• Prepare and check kayaking equipment

• Enter and exit a kayak safely

• Perform basic paddling strokes

• Control and manoeuvre the kayak

• Demonstrate basic water-safety procedures

• Respond appropriately to a capsize situation

• Demonstrate basic rescue awareness

• Follow instructor commands and safety procedures

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the required theory, practical training and final assessment will be awarded the GETHNAA Kayaking Level 1 Course Certificate.

Course Outcome

On successful completion, participants will have a basic understanding of kayaking equipment, paddling techniques, kayak handling, water safety and fundamental rescue procedures, providing a foundation for progressing to higher levels of kayaking training.