Become a Seattle Branch Sea Kayak Leader

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LEADER?

Contact our Leadership Chair, Curt Gelotte, to begin the discussion about leading trips for The Mountaineers and obtaining your Sea Kayaking Leader Badge. Our committee requires the following: 

• Graduation from the Mountaineers Sea Kayaking Course or having been granted the badge via the equivalency process.
• Having paddled for at least one year after graduation from class or granting of equivalency and completing at least three trips with the Mountaineers.
• A recommendation from two trip leaders. 
• Leading two supervised trips, including pre-trip planning, sign ups, leading the trip, dealing with on the water group dynamics, and completing a trip report. Each trip must be done under the watchful eye of a sponsoring leader who is listed as a mentor and each trip must be mentored by a different leader. 
• Nominees will be evaluated in several areas including but not limited to:
  • Leadership skills
  • People skills
  • Sea kayak paddling and handling skills
  • Judgement
  • Knowledge of potential risks, including those associated with group trips such as weather and currents
  • Trip planning
  • Safety
  • Emergency procedures