Skills Courses

Filtering by: Skills Courses
Jan
18
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Skills Class

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Basic fundamentals of safety equipment, paddling strokes , rescue techniques and entry and exit into the water will be covered. If you have wanted to try kayaking or want to be more confident in the sport, this course is for you.

Call Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for more information.

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Jun
21
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

For more information please contact Mike at (703) 850-1257 or by email to mike@ckapco.com.

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Jul
25
to Jul 26

ACA L2 Essentials of River Canoe Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The L2 River Canoe Skills Workshop will consist of two days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

The course venue will be on moving water on rivers up to and including class I sections.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information or questions.

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Jul
13
to Jul 14

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue Skills Class

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

For more information please contact Mike at (703) 850-1257 or by email to mike@ckapco.com.

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Feb
10
to Feb 11

ACA Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader Training and Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Training Overview: The L2: EKTTL training is designed to expose candidates to the skill-set required for leading paddlers in protected waterways. While this is not a teaching award, a L2: EKTTL should also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment. This training course is intended to be followed by an assessment course.

Assessment: The purpose of the Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader (L2: EKTTL) program is an assessment process for individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in protected waterways. The emphasis of the Trip Leader program is on leadership. Successful completion of the assessment will provide evidence of the candidate’s technical skills and confirm their knowledge, understanding and ability to plan and implement trips, for a wide variety of abilities, in environments up to and including L2: KTTL conditions. Overview: For successful completion of the L2: EKTTL assessment, an individual must demonstrate technical proficiency, trip planning, group management and leadership skills in the L2: EKTTL venue. While this is not a teaching award, an L2: EKTTL must also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment.

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for more information or if you have questions.

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Sep
9
to Sep 10

ACA L1 Kayak Skills Course and Paddlesports Safety Facilitators Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: We expect Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) for the Kayak to be able to effectively maneuver their craft, and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. The PSF will be preceded by a one day L1 Introduction to Paddling Kayak Skills module.

This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting.

Facilitators are encouraged to report all Paddlesports Safety classes taught while certified. This is a 4 year, nonrenewable certification

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information or questions

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Jul
15
9:30 AM09:30

ACA L2 Essentials of Canoe Touring Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater settings.

We will cover such topics as the paddling environment, personal preparation for safety, comfort and fun, equipment, strokes and maneuvers, safety and rescue and paddling concepts.

The course may be conducted for tandem canoes, solo canoes, or both.

Please call Mike at (703)850-1257 or email at mike@ckapco.com for more information or questions

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Jul
8
to Jul 9

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

For more information please contact Mike at (703) 850-1257 or by email to mike@ckapco.com.

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Jun
23
9:00 AM09:00

ACA Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Workshop Canoeing Module

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: We expect Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) for the Canoe Module to be able to effectively maneuver their canoe, and demonstrate competent rescue techniques.

This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator General Knowledge Module. Facilitators are encouraged to report all Paddlesports Safety classes taught while certified. This is a 4 year, nonrenewable certification

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information or questions.

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Jun
19
to Jun 20

ACA L3 River Canoe Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

L3 River Canoeing Course Overview: The River Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class I rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a high level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted versatile or whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information or questions

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Mar
11
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings. (Note: This course may be used for both spray skirted kayaks, as well as non-spray skirted kayaks.)

Course curriculum includes the paddling environment, personal preparation for safety and fun, equipment, safety and rescue, strokes and maneuvers.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for any questions or additional information.

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Mar
11
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Canoe Touring Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater settings.

We will cover such topics as the paddling environment, personal preparation for safety, comfort and fun, equipment, strokes and maneuvers, safety and rescue and paddling concepts.

The course may be conducted for tandem canoes, solo canoes, or both.

Please call MIke at (703)850-1257 or email at mike@ckapco.com for more information or questions.

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Mar
4
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring - Skills

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings. (Note: This course may be used for both spray skirted kayaks, as well as non-spray skirted kayaks.)

Course curriculum includes the paddling environment, personal preparation for safety and fun, equipment, safety and rescue, strokes and maneuvers.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for any questions or additional information.

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Feb
18
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L3 Coastal Kayaking Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Assessment Overview: This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate a participant’s ability to perform all of the skills listed along with demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge. This assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. This will meet the prerequisite for participating in an ACA L3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop.

Technical Skills  Effective wet exit  Launching and landing  Effective forward paddling  Effective reverse paddling  Rotate 360˚  Turning with forward momentum  Turning with reverse momentum  Sideways movement—static  Sideways movement with forward momentum  Preventing capsize  Sculling for support  Deep water rescue  Self-rescue  Towing  Rescues

Knowledge  Weather (knowledge of weather resources and the impact of weather on kayakers)  Basic navigation (interpret basic chart datum, plotting a course and adjusting for variation)  Leave No Trace skills and ethics  Group awareness and communication  Hazard assessment and avoidance  Recognition and avoidance of hypothermia and hyperthermia

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for more information.

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Feb
18
to Feb 20

ACA Coastal Kayak Stroke and Maneuvers Refinement / Trip Leader Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will consist of three days. The first day will focus on specific training in kayak strokes maneuvers, rescues, safety and on-water management. Forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort, edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others will be covered.

The next two days of ACA Trip Leader Training and Assessment will improve your ability to participate in and safely lead, trips in coastal areas including basic navigation, the use of the VHS radio, tidal currents and trip planning among other things.

Students who participate in all three days and who meet all ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 Trip Leader certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. While we encourage participation in all three days to maximize your investment, you may enroll in the two segments independently.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information.

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Feb
16
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Canoe Touring Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater settings.

We will cover such topics as the paddling environment, personal preparation for safety, comfort and fun, equipment, strokes and maneuvers, safety and rescue and paddling concepts.

The course may be conducted for tandem canoes, solo canoes, or both.

Please call MIke at (703)850-1257 or email at mike@ckapco.com for more information or questions.

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Jan
27
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L3 Coastal Kayaking Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Assessment Overview: This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate a participant’s ability to perform all of the skills listed along with demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge. This assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. This will meet the prerequisite for participating in an ACA L3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop.

Technical Skills  Effective wet exit  Launching and landing  Effective forward paddling  Effective reverse paddling  Rotate 360˚  Turning with forward momentum  Turning with reverse momentum  Sideways movement—static  Sideways movement with forward momentum  Preventing capsize  Sculling for support  Deep water rescue  Self-rescue  Towing  Rescues

Knowledge  Weather (knowledge of weather resources and the impact of weather on kayakers)  Basic navigation (interpret basic chart datum, plotting a course and adjusting for variation)  Leave No Trace skills and ethics  Group awareness and communication  Hazard assessment and avoidance  Recognition and avoidance of hypothermia and hyperthermia

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for more information.

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Jan
27
to Jan 29

ACA Coastal Kayak Stroke and Maneuvers Refinement / Trip Leader Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will consist of three days. The first day will focus on specific training in kayak strokes maneuvers, rescues, safety and on-water management. Forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort, edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others will be covered.

The next two days of ACA Trip Leader Training and Assessment will improve your ability to participate in and safely lead, trips in coastal areas including basic navigation, the use of the VHS radio, tidal currents and trip planning among other things.

Students who participate in all three days and who meet all ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 Trip Leader certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. While we encourage participation in all three days to maximize your investment, you may enroll in the two segments independently.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information.

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Jul
1
to Jul 3

ACA L3 River Kayak and Rescue Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings. This course will also cover rescue techniques and paddling in rapids up to Class 2.

Goals:Safety: To safely paddle on whitewater, perform self rescue and respond to emergencies that arise.  Enjoyment: To become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling.  Skills: To acquire the skills to safely and enjoyably paddle a kayak on whitewater.

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Jun
29
10:00 AM10:00

ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Coastal Kayak Assessment

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Assessment Overview: This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate a participant’s ability to perform all of the skills listed along with demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge. This assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability.

The assessment will cover skills commensurate with the ACA Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring course.

Note: This skills assessment may be used for both spray skirted kayaks, as well as non-spray skirted kayaks. Skills requiring modification for non-spray skirted kayaks are followed by the footnote notation: 1 . Bulkheads are not required, however, some form of flotation must be present to keep the kayak from sinking.

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Jun
25
to Jun 26

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue Skills Course

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

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Jun
23
12:00 PM12:00

ACA L3 Coastal Kayak Strokes and Rescues Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues course is designed to introduce basic coastal kayaking skills and safety to beginners.

Course Objectives: Participants will be introduced to: 

  • Proper fit and adjustment of their kayak for effective control and comfort 

  • Attaching and releasing the spray skirt 

  • Safely entering and exiting kayak, including wet exit  Effective use and control of the paddle 

  • Performing basic strokes efficiently 

  • Performing T-rescue and Paddle float self rescue 

  • The importance and influence of weather and tides on the coastal kayaker 

  • Dealing with marine hazards and other safety issues 

  • Understanding personal limitations and skill level

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Jun
8
9:00 AM09:00

ACA Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Canoe

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: We expect Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) for the Canoe Module to be able to effectively maneuver their canoe, and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator General Knowledge Module. Facilitators are encouraged to report all Paddlesports Safety classes taught while certified. This is a 1 year, nonrenewable certification

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Apr
15
10:00 AM10:00

ACA L3 Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement Skills Workshop

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement course is designed to assist coastal kayakers at all levels in refining basic strokes and maneuvers. It may be beneficial to re-take this course at different levels of skill progression.

Course Objectives: Using on-water practice, and classroom discussion , participants will practice strokes/maneuvers to increase efficiency, fluidity and control.

Experienced paddlers or those who have participated in Essentials of Kayak Touring,, Basic Coastal Kayak may participate in this skills class. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for more information.

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Mar
20
9:00 AM09:00

ACA L3 Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Overview: The Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement course is designed to assist coastal kayakers at all levels in refining basic strokes and maneuvers. It may be beneficial to re-take this course at different levels of skill progression.

Course Objectives: Using on-water practice, and classroom discussion , participants will practice strokes/maneuvers to increase efficiency, fluidity and control.

Experienced paddlers or those who have participated in Essentials of Kayak Touring,, Basic Coastal Kayak may participate in this skills class. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for more information.

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Jan
19
10:00 AM10:00

L1 Introduction to Kayaking

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals. The course will cover such things as equipment, safe paddling, basic strokes and entry and exit off of the water. It is designed for flat water paddling within swimming distance of the shore.

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Sep
27
to Sep 28

ACA Skills Essentials of River Safety and Rescue

  • Rileys Lock Road Darnestown, MD United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Essentials of River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters, or boaters who anticipate paddling in moving water but not whitewater.

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Jul
17
to Jul 18

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue

  • Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, LLC (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

We welcome all craft, but will check craft for safety features , flotation etc. Please bring webbing, throw rope, med kit , knife, 2 carabiners , and webbing (if you have them) , Contact Mike at mike@ckapco.com or call (703)850-1257 with any questions.

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May
10
to May 12

ACA L3 River Safety and Rescue Skills

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

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