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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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upcoming courses -
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Q - What do I need for my
kayak course?
A. You need a
sea kayak.
If you don't have one, we can provide one for you with all the
required safety equipment at a minimal cost.
You also need;
. A propulsion device: A sea kayak paddle.
. A hailing device: A whistle is great. I recommend a
fox 40...great whistle.
. A baling device: A kayak pump is recommended.
. A 15 meter floating line - In the kayak world, it is called a
throw rope.
. A personal floatation device (PFD). Make sure that your PFD is
suitable for sea kayaking. If you are planning to buy one, get
the right one. If you are renting one, the store should know.
. Enough food and water to keep you going through the day.
. An extra set of dry clothes in a dry bag or plastic bag...a
good dry bag or plastic bag that doesn't leak.
. A wetsuit, a drysuit or enough layers of clothes not to get
cold in the water.
. Finally, a good attitude.
PLEASE NO COTTON or JEANS, you won't make it on the
water if you wear cotton or jeans.
Q - What do I need to wear?
A. Do not
forget that sea kayaking is an "IN WATER SPORT".
The water in Victoria is cold (8 to 11 degree celsius) so you
need at least a wetsuit or a drysuit, if you can afford one,
because you will have to spend time in the water if practicing
re-entries. You will get cold if you do not wear the
appropriate gear and you might not be able to complete the
course. Bring a towel and a change of clothing, and maybe a
Thermos with a hot drink. Also, you will want to wear some sort
of water shoes or an old pair of running shoes. Do not forget
mitts and/or gloves, hat, toque, anything you will need to keep
you warm. Bring more than not enough!.
Q - Where can I get a sea kayak?
A. Check your
local kayak stores for rentals. You may have friends who are
willing to lend you their equipment if you want to save some
money. Some clubs have equipment for their members. Once again,
check out the possibilities but at the end of the day, make sure
you have the right equipment for the course.
Q - What is Paddle Canada?
A.
PADDLE
CANADA is a non-profit organization supported entirely by its
members and by our programs. Conceived in 1971, Paddle Canada
was derived from the need of recreational paddling enthusiasts
from across Canada to co-ordinate the efforts of non-competitive
canoeing and kayaking. Refer to Paddle Canada website for more
information - Click Here -
Q - Do I need to get certified to paddle?
A. No. You
can take as many courses as you want and become a great
paddler. It is up to you if you want to be certified, and for
your own reasons. Being Paddle Canada certified helps identify
the skill level your are at if you enrol in a club or an
organization. Some clubs require that you obtain a certain skill
level before going out on club paddles. Check the club policies
if you are planning to join a paddling club, ask questions about
their requirements. Certain clubs have their own skill level,
outside Paddle Canada.
Q - Do I have to carry my equipment to the course site?
A. Yes. You
are responsible to transport yourself and all your gear to the
course site. Some stores offer delivery and pick-up for an extra
charge. Learn how to properly tie your kayak on the roof of your
car. Also check with you insurance company for your equipment
coverage in case of an accident. Always be prepared.
Q - Do I need to take a course to sea kayak?
A. Yes and
No. Taking a course is a great way to learn proper skills and
the challenges of sea kayaking. It will help to develop the
right paddling skills and understand the challenges of the
ocean. Starting with good paddling basics will certainly help
you to become a better paddler. Remember that only time on the
water will help you to develop and improve your paddling skills.
So if you are not sure what to do or how to do it, yes a course
is highly recommended. I won't get in to the “NO”, I do believe
that everyone should take a course, regardless the skill level.
Q - I am afraid under water and not a good swimmer, can
I take a course?
A. Once
again, do not forget that sea kayaking is an "IN WATER SPORT". The human body is not meant to be upside down
(butt over your head), under water, in an environment deprived
of oxygen. If you are "big time" afraid of water and do not want
to get wet, you may not be ready yet!
If you are taking a sea kayak course under Paddle Canada, you
will have to perform in-water skills such as wet exit,
re-entries and swim your kayak for a distance of 50 meters.
These skills have to be executed under control to get the
certification. Being comfortable in-water helps a lot to pass
the course.
If you do not want to be Paddle Canada certified but still want
to take a sea kayak course, the course will still be beneficial for you.
Certified courses are registered under Paddle Canada and follow
the Paddle Canada curriculum.
I myself am claustrophobic and through a lot of time and
practice, trying and trying again different sea kayak re-entry
techniques, step-by-step, overcame my "under water fear". So it
is possible, but you have to give yourself enough time and
determination to get there.
Before taking a sea kayak course or thinking about sea kayaking,
ask yourself...is it something that I can feel comfortable at?
For the rest, you are your only judge.
Q - What happens if I do not pass the course?
A. Under
Paddle Canada certification, you have up to one year to complete
the requirements. You will have to contact your instructor to
set a time and a date to be reassessed. After one year, you will
have to complete the course again and pay the applicable fees if
you want to get the certification. If Paddle Canada
certification is not a priority or necessity for you, you will
walk out of the course with tons of useful information about sea
kayaking. There is always something to gain by taking a sea
kayak course.
Q - What else can I do to be prepared for the course or
to sea kayak?
A.
Read books on sea kayaking, check the web for kayak stuff
(re-entries, paddling techniques, etc.) There is a lot of
information you can get from the web.
If you already have a sea kayak, go out and paddle, and paddle
and paddle again. The best way to learn is to practice and get
time on the water. Go out and play, get wet, get to know your
kayak, how it feels on the water...push your limits in a controlled
environment so you know where you are at. Enroll in a paddle
club, take workshops. |
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