Intermediate Sea Kayaking

To complete this course, the paddler must have passed the Basic Kayak Class (or received Equivalency) and contacted the Olympia Intermediate Sea Kayak Chair to sign up for the Intermediate Sea Kayak Course.  Contact John Dunlap at j.b.dunlap1@gmail.com if you are interested.

It is a self-paced course that requires filling out a log book with each step of the process and having Olympia Mountaineers Intermediate Sea Kayak skill leaders (or Olympia-approved kayak leaders from other branches) sign off that you have completed each step.  The course must be completed within five (5) years. Once you have competed the requirements, present a copy of your log book to your sea kayak committee chairman and the sea kayak committee will vote whether to award you an Intermediate Sea Kayak Badge.

Participants will be developing and demonstrating the following skills/classes:

Skilled sea kayak handling  in waves generated by windy conditions

Competent handling of a sea kayak in strong currents and eddy lines

Competence when launching and landing in the surf zone in a sea kayak

A reliable sea kayak  roll in dynamic water conditions

Proficiency in basic rescue techniques including self and assisted rescue while in dynamic water conditions, use of tow belt systems and use of VHF radio

Complete an on-water Sea Kayak Incident Management class

Proficiency with effective sea kayak navigation skills

Complete multiple sea kayak paddles that are at least 12 nm long and rated SK IV or SK V

Volunteer a minimum number of hours helping to teach the Basic Sea Kayak Course and/or more advanced sea kayak classes through the Mountaineers