Sea Skills
Attaining club grade 3 by gaining a Paddle Australia Sea skills qualification.
The qualification is aimed at getting paddlers able to plan and conduct personal sea kayaking day activities. It is also a significant step towards achieving club leadership qualifications.
Members who have obtained Sea Skills are considered to have the skill, knowledge and experience to undertake open sea trips and the ability to contribute to group safety while out on open seas.
The time needed to develop skills depends on the individual’s time, availability, base skill set and dedication. Typically, it can take members around two years to build the skills and knowledge to attain sea skills. The great thing is that you learn while out paddling.
The assessment process includes the demonstration of on water paddling skills in open sea conditions and small (0.5 m to 1.0m) surf, including a kayak roll, assisted and self-rescue techniques, and also preparing a trip plan and knowledge tests.
There is a minimum log book requirement to complete. You should start to use PA Paddle log to record your paddling history which is available as a desktop or Smart Phone app. Paddle Australia re-registration information provides links to these options.
What is involved is outlined in the NSWSKC Sea Skills Assessment Guide.
Knowledge can be learnt and tested in a variety of ways. To supplement your learning process, members who enrol for Sea Skills will gain access to written training material from Paddle Australia. The NSWSKC has a Sea Skills Study Guide to compliment Paddle Australia material and make it more relevant for NSW sea kayakers. The Training Coordinator organises enrolment to the Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) courses which in turn provides you with access to PA training material.
In some cases, assessors conduct a review session before final assessment to give feedback on the current level of practical, on-water skills and answer any questions candidates may have.
For additional information, the go to the Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme, then select the “Sea Kayaking” menu and expand on Sea Skills.
Contact the club Training Coordinator to register your interest in obtaining sea skills.