PROGRAM OUTLINE
At Committed 2 the Core Sea Kayak Coaching, our Paddle Canada Level 3 Sea Kayak program stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering leadership, seamanship, and exceptional performance in paddlers. This advanced level course is designed to cultivate not only technical proficiency but also the ability to lead and navigate with confidence in diverse maritime environments. Through comprehensive instruction and immersive experiences, participants achieve Level 3 outcomes by honing their advanced paddling skills, refining their navigation techniques, and mastering open water maneuvers. Central to our approach is the exploration of various leadership models, empowering participants to lead effectively in both calm and challenging waters. Understanding the dynamics of group interaction is crucial, as our participants learn to work harmoniously with fellow members, ensuring safety and cooperation throughout their journeys. Furthermore, our program places a strong emphasis on leadership through challenge, encouraging participants to harness their resilience and decision-making skills when confronted with unexpected situations. At Committed 2 the Core, we take pride in equipping sea kayakers with the expertise and leadership acumen needed to confidently navigate the world’s waterways.
Program Aims
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Paddle Canada Level 3 – Course Outline
Day 1: Personal Paddling Skills – Argyle River
Focus: Refining boat control, strokes, and rescues in a moving water environment.
- Morning:
- Welcome, course overview, and safety briefing
- Gear check and outfitting for dynamic paddling
- Refining forward strokes, edging, and maneuvering in current
- Afternoon:
- Self-rescue & assisted rescues in moving water
- Ferrying, peel-outs, and S-turns in current
- Rolling practice (optional)
- Evening Lecture: Fundamentals of navigation and route planning
Day 2: Personal Paddling Skills – Surfing
Focus: Surf zone awareness, control, and safe surf landings & launches.
- Morning:
- Reading surf conditions and wave dynamics
- Safe launch & landing techniques
- Afternoon:
- Catching and riding waves with control
- Side surfing and bracing in dynamic water
- Surf zone rescues and recoveries
- Evening Lecture: Weather, tides, and coastal hazards
Day 3: Leadership & Incident Management – Rock Hopping
Focus: Advanced maneuvering and risk management in a rock garden environment.
- Morning:
- Tactical approach to rock gardens & coastal features
- Boat control and edging in surge zones
- Afternoon:
- Incident management scenarios in a dynamic environment
- Leadership strategies and decision-making in complex terrain
- Evening Lecture: Group dynamics and leadership in sea kayaking
Day 4: Expedition Begins – Charts & Route Finding
Focus: Planning and executing a coastal expedition.
- Morning:
- Trip planning: tides, weather, and navigation
- Packing and organizing for multi-day paddling
- Afternoon:
- On-water navigation exercises (range lines, bearings, ferry angles)
- Leadership roles and group decision-making on the water
- Evening Lecture: Expedition skills – camp craft & risk management
Day 5: Expedition Continues – On-Water Leadership
Focus: Applying leadership skills in real-world conditions.
- Morning:
- Paddler-led group navigation and decision-making
- Dealing with fatigue, changing conditions, and leadership challenges
- Afternoon:
- Final assessment scenarios (leadership, rescues, navigation)
- Debrief and personal development plans
- Evening: Course wrap-up and certification discussions
WHAT 2 EXPECT
Students will centre their attention on acquiring the aptitudes essential for guiding and overseeing groups within moderate sea states and tidal circumstances featuring currents of up to 4 knots. This journey encompasses imbibing leadership tenets tailored for orchestrating groups in confined landing zones, surf-laden beaches, and executing rescues under advanced conditions. The course equally delves into enhancing individual proficiencies within these contexts. It’s important to note that this program entails considerable physical exertion, requiring participants to be primed for extended periods of paddling under demanding conditions.
Who is participating in this program?
Students must have Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills or equivalent to participate in this program. We are happy to chat with you in advance to sea if the program meets your needs and goals.
Program Venues
Tusket Islands – Encompassing an archipelago adorned with quaint fisherman shanties, the Tusket Islands boast a captivating history deeply intertwined with Acadian culture. Within this realm, possibilities abound for leadership development, tidal strategizing, and navigating tidal races.
Cape Sable Island – Positioned a mere 24 minutes away from West Pubnico, Cape Sable Island proudly hosts the loftiest lighthouse in Nova Scotia, known as “The Hawk.” This island serves as our sea kayak surfing destination, offering an ideal locale for mastering the art of riding the waves.
Outcomes
By participating in this program, you will be eligible for assessment based on the Paddle Canada certification scheme. Clearly defined outcomes have been developed by Committed 2 the Core Sea Kayak Coaching that will be used during an ongoing assessment process. Outcomes will be discuses during the Online learning segment of the program.
You will have the opportunity to ask question and get clarification on what the following Paddle Canada assessment terms:
- Full Pass
- Conditional Pass
- Incomplete
Student are not required to be assessed if they do not wish to receive the certification and want to use this program purely as a development opportunity.
C2TC Classroom – Online learning
As an integral component of this program, a series of pre-program online learning sessions will be extended. The Virtual Classroom sessions will precede the program commencement, offering a platform to address inquiries regarding program specifics, gear prerequisites, rendezvous coordinates, and the overall program itinerary. Moreover, these sessions will serve as a fertile ground to sow the seeds of concepts that will flourish throughout the program. To enrich your learning journey during the program, complementary homework assignments will be provided. These Virtual Classroom gatherings have consistently proved their worth, especially during the COVID-19 social distancing measures. Comprehensive details will be shared upon your program registration, ensuring you’re equipped with all the essential information.
Equipment Requirements
Students are all required to have their own paddling gear to participate in this program. We do offer equipment rentals for this program. Dry suits can be rented for $30 per day, sea kayak rentals are $75 per day and includes P&H Sea kayak, Lendal Paddle, skirt, bailer, throw rope and helmet if the program requires it. Equipment rentals should be arranged in advance of the program to ensure availability.
“Sea you on the water everyone”