Kayaking

The kayaking module provides participants the opportunity to experience sea kayaking. Participants learn about the fundamentals of kayaking, basic paddling techniques, water safety and adaptations.

Kayaking

 

Objectives:

  1. Participants will learn about the basics of kayaking: the single and tandem kayak, paddle, hand adaptations for paddling, sponsons, safety equipment and safety signals.
  2. Participants will demonstrate kayaking in a tandem or single kayak.
  3. Participants will learn that kayaking is an integrative recreation sport that increases range of motion, endurance and upper body strength.
  4. Participant will receive information about the American Canoe Association (ACA) and its adaptive paddling workshops.

Plan:

  1. Coordinate kayaking date with kayaking organization.
  2. Recruit volunteers who are knowledgeable and avid kayakers.
  3. Rent open pit touring kayaks if needed (or ask if outfitter will donate rental kayaks).

Staff:

Ten to twelve staff for a group of twelve. One or two staff serve as a safety in kayaks for each participant.

Tandem requires one staff in back of tandem, with participant seated in front of tandem with one extra kayaker as safety. Participant in single kayak requires sponsons with one or two safety kayakers. Three or four staff remain on land to survey scene and to transfer participants in and out of kayaks and work on kayak adaptations. No more than four participants out on the water at a time. The more safety staff on the water, the better. A small inflatable powerboat works as an additional safety for all kayakers.

Site criteria:

Accessible cove of harbor or lake that is not populated by boat traffic. Look for shaded area near kayak site or bring tent for cover. Find an area with accessible bathrooms.

Equipment and supplies:

Open pit, touring kayaks
Paddles
Sponsons
Crazy Creeks
Personal flotation devices
Whistles
Pump
Bike tubing
Foam (for cushioning/padding)
Duct tape
Scissors
Handgrips/gloves
First Aid Kits
Water
Spray bottles
Sunscreen
Slide board
Tarp/tent for cover
Bug spray
Swimsuit
Towel
Gloves
Slide board
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle

Resources: