Packages

Grade 2 Certificate getaway

The Grade 2 certificate is now required by most multisport event organisers including the Coast to Coast, as it assures them that you are sufficiently competent to kayak the water the event is being run on, and that if you do get into difficulties that you are able to self rescue without putting other competitors, or yourself, at risk.

The course covers all aspects of the certificate (see below) on the first day. The second day we are running through the assessment criteria, ticking the boxes or identifying areas that need further practice.

River Kayaking Theory:

1. Fitting out a kayak
2. Barrel Rolls and H-Assists
3. River dynamics - How does water flow around obstacles and how do we use this knowledge to our advantage and safety.  River features to describe include bluffs, holes, waves, keepers, eddies, vees, whirlpools, sweepers, and strainers.
4. River lines - Choosing where to go
5. Safety equipment - Knowledge of what equipment is needed and how to use it.
6. Safe swimming techniques and explanation of foot entrapment and strainer danger and how to best avoid these situations.
7. River signals
8. Hypothermia symptoms and solutions
9. Throwing a throwbag / Receiving a throwbag
10. Stern carrying, deep water rescues, H-assists

River Kayaking Skills:

1. Display controlled eddy turns on both sides and both entering and exiting an eddy
2. Display controlled ferry glides on both sides of the kayak
3. Demonstrate kayak exit and entry techniques
4. Self rescue: Swim in a safe manner with all of your gear into an eddy and onto shore.  Swims have to be started in a rapid at least 10 metres from shore and completed with an emptied kayak back on your way downriver.
5. Show that you can choose safe lines for yourself and your group. This needs to be both described verbally and displayed physicaly on the river.
6. Demonstrate your knowledge of, and ability to use, the following strokes/braces: Forward, Backward, Sweep, High Brace, and Low Brace
7. Tie your kayak onto racks for transport in a safe and secure method.
8. Optional: Eskimo roll

If you do not pass your assessment, you may book another assessment with at least one week between each assessment as time to practice and study. 

Once you have successfully passed your Grade II Assessment you will be issued with a simple certificate stating our happiness with your grade 2 skills, your assessor's name and the brand and model of kayak that you passed in, as well as the weather and river levels. You will then be able to present this to any event organisers that require proof of your kayaking skills.

Meeting time   9am, Day 1

Fitness Level / Experience   A high Level of fitness and experience in rafting is required