Sea Kayaking Equivalency Evaluation - Illahee State Park to Blake Island

The goal of this equivalency test is to make sure that the paddler has the skills and equipment/clothing necessary to be a safe participant on an SK II Mountaineers trip as well as to be aware of what is expected of them on a Mountaineer trip.   They are expected to have the skills and equipment that we expect from our Basic Sea Kayak Course student graduates.  This test can be administered by any Kitsap Mountaineer sea kayak leader that is in good standing, the candidate must go on a 7nm or greater Mountaineer paddle, and then must be approved by the Kitsap Mountaineers Sea Kayak Equivalency Coordinator.  

The equivalency candidate(s) must arrive on time for the equivalency test with the following items:  

Sea kayak with flotation at both ends and with deck lines around the perimeter of the kayak, kayak paddle, spray skirt, Coast Guard-approved PFD, paddle float and pump, and wearing either a wet suit or dry suit. 

Wearing a wetsuit or dry suit, the candidate must demonstration of the following skills:  The candidate must be able to perform the paddle strokes and rescues with minimal instruction.

• Basic paddle strokes:  forward stroke and forward sweep, reverse stroke and reverse sweep, low brace
• Perform a wet exit followed by a self re-entry (such as a “paddle float re-entry” or a “re-enter and roll” or “Cowboy” style are acceptable).  
• Perform both roles of an assisted re-entry (as rescuer and again as rescuee)