Level 2 Kayaking Skills

      *   The Level 2 Kayak Skills Award aims to enable participants to:

      *       Kayak safely and competently on flat water and Grade 1 rivers as a member

           of  a group.

      *       Assist in basic rescues.

      *       Foster further participation in canoeing.

      Requirements :

      *   Participant must successfully demonstrate the following techniques and skill.

      *       An understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.

      *       An ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.

      *       Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.            

      *       An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse

           Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes

      *       Simple Draw Stroke.

      *       Low Brace.

      *       Low Brace Turn.

      *       Edging while the kayak is moving.

      *       Capsize Drill.

      *       An ability to assist in an H Rescue, and in an Assisted X Rescue.

      *       Lower Body Rotation.

    

     Assessment :

      *       During an assessment all techniques and skills must be

           demonstrated to an assessor's satisfaction in order to achieve this

           award.

      *       No part of an assessment can be taken in a swimming pool. All

           assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on flat water (i.e.

           water of Grade I difficulty). 

      *       It may not be feasible for a junior or disabled person to assist fully in

           rescues - such candidates should, however, have a full understanding

           of the correct sequence of each of the required rescues and have some

           role to fulfil in the completion of these rescues.

      *       A spray deck must be worn throughout an assessment.

      *       All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e. use of a

           simple draw stroke to manoeuvre the kayak to the bank. Strokes

           should be demonstrated on both sides of the kayak.

      *       The Level 2 Kayak Skills Award is not a compulsory pre requisite for

           any subsequent Irish Canoe Union skills awards.

      *       All required assessment rescues are kept until the end of an

           assessment.

      *       No age restriction applies to this award.

    Assessment Guidelines :

      *       The Level 2 Kayak Skills Award can only be assessed by a currently

           registered ICU Coach.

      *       The assessment will be carried out with a maximum of four

           candidates to one assessor. However, a ratio of 3:1 is preferable.

      *       Generally guidelines will be given, should a candidate fail an

           assessment, as to the areas that they need to improve on.

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