2. Experience Sea Kayaking
SAFELY
EFFICIENTLY
WITH MOUNTAINEERS GROUPS
BEGIN BUILDING SELF SUFFICIENCY
HAVE FUN – PLAY!

3. 2017 Introduction to Sea Kayaking Course
Course Structure and Schedule:
The course consists of three lectures, one pool session, one open water session and one “wet paddle”.
Lecture Sessions Friends Hall 6:30-9:30pm
Thu., April 27: Introduction, orientation, equipment overview, safety, introduction to basic techniques.
Thu., May 4: Hypothermia, first aid equipment, introduction to tides and currents, weather for kayakers.
Thu., May 11: Boat handling, leadership/followership, wilderness ethics, volunteerism, the next steps.
Pool Session - River Ridge High School 6:00-9:30pm Fri., Apr 28:
Swim test, entry and exit, rescue techniques, fitting your kayak, bracing.
Open Water Session, Kenneydell Park, Black Lake 9 am - 4 pm Sat., May 6:
Boat loading and tie down, forward paddling, braces, turning strokes.
Wet Paddle, Boston Harbor 9 am - 4 pm Sat., May 13 or Sun., May 14:
(There will be two wet paddles, each student must attend one of these sessions.)
Four hour paddle and cold water self and assisted rescue clinic. (Plan to get wet in COLD water.)
One additional club sponsored paddle is required to graduate.
Graduation Requirements:
Swim 25 yards.
Attend all three lectures.
Successfully complete both pool and the open water session.
Successfully participate in two club sponsored paddles, one of which is a “Wet Paddle”.
Complete all requirements by Dec. 31, 2016

4. TERMINOLOGY Other features: Waterline length Beam Chine Rocker Keel
Hard
Soft
Rocker
Keel
Skeg
Thighbrace
Backrest – back band

5. Chines

6. Hull Rocker

7. Sea Kayak Rocker

8. Rocker - Edging

9. PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE (PFD)
Type III is most applicable to sea kayaking
Fit low and tight – shouldn’t ride up around ears
Unrestricted arm movement
Will:
Help keep you on the surface
Allow you to set up for self or assisted rescue
Won’t:
Keep your face out of the water if you are unconscious
Keep your face from periodically going under in rough conditions
Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
Type V

10. Characteristics of a Sea Kayaking Paddle
A Woman’s Guide to Sea Kayaking, Shelley Johnson, © 1998

11. SAFETY Lifting and Carrying Kayaks and Gear
Probably where most kayakers are injured
Use teamwork
Cold Water – Hypothermia – Muscle Control
50 degrees = <1 hour
Weather – Wind & Waves
Be informed (forecasts) and be aware (pay attention)
Floatation
For yourself and your boat!

12. Experience Paddle Trips
Day
Date
Trip
Dist
Rating
Leader
Sat
03-Jun
Budd Inlet
SK-II
Dan Halsey
Sun
04-Jun
Jim Wilson
10-Jun
Boston Hbr to Dana
Carolyn Burreson
05-Jul
Boston Hbr to Gull Hbr & beyond
Jean Fisher
16-Jul
Nisqually Delta
22-Jul
Eld Inlet - McLane Creek
Tim Burke

13. Navigation 1

14. Intro to Charts Latitude/Longitude Scale
Compass Rose (magnetic variation)
Depths – Fathoms below MSL
Heights – Feet above MSL
Markers
Symbols

16. Compass Rose

17. Magnetic North Pole

18. Symbols

19. Intro to the Compass Deck Compass Handheld Compass Fixed
Best for maintaining a course
Watch out for deviation
packing metal
Handheld Compass
Good backup
Best for fixing position
Taking bearings.

20. Weather Main concern is wind (and resulting waves)
Make sure to check the marine forecast
Review planned route relative to forecast wind (fetch, protection, funelling)

23. Tides & Currents Check against planned routed and timing
Tides will affect launches/landings, beaches, shore access
Current effects can have a huge impact on a trip – Good or Bad.
Current/Wind interactions

35. Required and Recommended Equipment For Kayakers
Kayaking 20 Essentials:
Kayak with floatation in both ends†
USCG approved PFD†
Paddle†
Spray Skirt†
Bailing Device†
Self-rescue paddle float†
Whistle or air horn
*Chart in waterproof case
*Waterproof compass
*Sunglasses with strap
Waterproof Sunscreen (at least 25 SPF recommended)
Drinking water
*Extra food
*Extra clothing in waterproof bag
Signaling device (e.g. flares, mirror, dye)
*Waterproof flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs or chemical lightstick
*First-aid kit
*Knife
*Waterproof matches
*Candle or fire starter
* (Mountaineer 10 Essentials)
† (Included in most rentals)
Additional Recommended Kayak Equipment (may be required by leader)
Paddle tether
Sponge
Rescue sling
Waterproof jacket
Repair kit (e.g. duct tape and multi-tool)
50 ft floating tow rope
Wet suit or dry suit
Hat/sun visor with strap
Pogies or gloves
Weather radio ($20 from Radio Shack)
Toilet paper, trowel and plastic bag
Spare paddle
Chemical light stick
Deck light
Waterproof wristwatch

37. Discover Pass

38. Pool Preview PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH TO HELP BRING BOATS INTO POOL!
Swim test
Boat Fitting
Getting in and out
Wet exits
Self rescue
Assisted rescue
Leaning and Bracing
Strokes