Sea Kayaking Equivalency

Welcome!  The goal of the equivalency assessment is to ensure that you have the basic knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to be a safe participant on Mountaineers sea kayak trips.  You must be a Basic Sea Kayaking course graduate or have equivalency status to join our club trips.   The assessment takes place during a club outing (see below), in which you can demonstrate your level of competence.

Process

1. "Apply" to join this class ("Apply" button to the right).  (Note: do not register yet at the “Register Participant” button to the right).
2. You will be asked to fill out an application detailing your paddling background.  The equivalency coordinator will review your application.
3. The coordinator will contact you, and will confirm that you may register if it appears you are ready for an assessment ("Register" button to the right).  Registration includes paying a $25 non-refundable fee.  (Note: do not register until notified by the coordinator).

You'll then join an equivalency assessment outing.

Assessment Outing

You'll join a kayak day trip for assessment of:

1) Understanding of tides & currents, navigation, weather and other issues we may encounter (written quiz).

2) Paddle float self rescue (if you have a roll we will still ask that you perform this rescue as we are all between swims). 

3) Assisted rescue (as swimmer and rescuer).

4) Basic paddle strokes - e.g. forward, sweeps, edging, stern rudder, draw strokes, reverse strokes and stopping.

5) Ability to complete a journey of at least 7nm at a reasonable group pace.

Once we have established that you have the necessary knowledge and skills, you'll be graduated and awarded the Basic Sea Kayaking course badge.  This certifies your equivalency status as a Basic course graduate, and you can then join our trips.  Looking forward to having you aboard.