Essential Sea Kayak Safety / Rescue Skills Course

Sea kayaking has inherant risks that cannot be eliminated - simple fact.
So to enjoy sea kayaking you need to gain skills to make it as safe as possible for you and everyone else you paddle with.

Cost: $25 : Duration - 1 day
Who is this for? :- first-timers & beginners:

This course will give you the essential skills you need to be a safe sea kayaker.
You will learn:
1. What to do when you capsize. That means what to do when this happens! (don't worry, it's actually fun)
2. How to swim with your kayak (your best friend).
3. How to (safely) land your kayak and then empty it. Sounds simple, but this is very important and not what you expect.
4. How to be rescued after you capsize (before, during and after the rescue).
5. How to help a capsized paddler (you are the rescuer!)
6. If time permits, how to self rescue in the event of a capsize.

Sea kayaking is an amazing experience, but it requires skills and knowledge to be both enjoyable and safe.

Do you need equipment or transport?
Equipment is available for hire at $20 for the day.
Full list below.

Introduction:
Paddling a sea kayak is easy to do—perhaps too easy, sometimes lulling the novice into a false sense of security, thinking that everything is simple, when in absolute fact, the opposite is the truth.
But no matter how well you think you have prepared, things can go wrong.

Course overview
This course will give you the knowledge and techniques to know what to do if you capsize your sea kayak. Absolutely essential knowledge for any person who wants to go sea kayaking. No exceptions!

Your Instructor
Dave Wilson has over 50 years of sea kayak and whitewater kayak experience, providing professional kayak instruction and guiding in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North & Central America.

Broad itinerary
09:30: Arrive, change into sea kayaking gear (a list is provided after registration)
10:30 - 11:00: getting wet. How to wet exit after a capsize and swim with your kayak.
11:00 - 12:30: Understanding the T and X rescue.
12:30 - 13:30: lunch:
13:30 - 16:00: self rescue techniques (cowboy / paddle float)
16:00 - 16:30: reflection, group safety & pack away equipment.

What to bring:
Attitude to learn, to help, to enjoy.

Personal safety gear: water shoes (no thongs), refillable water bottle (min 1l), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, rash vest or t-shirt (wear when kayaking), sunscreen.

Kayak gear: kayaks and all gear are available for rental @ $40 / day
seaworthy sea kayak
Spray deck for sea kayak (essential)
Paddle
Buoyancy vest

Lunch: Bring a wholesome, packed lunch.
Please ensure it is in a waterproof bag or container, as we will be having our lunch somewhere in Lake Macquarie. Bring ample water for the day in a reusable water container. We do not allow single-use water bottles due to their impact on the oceans.

Simple rules:
If you RSVP going, turn up.
If you RSVP going & cannot turn up, change your RSVP to not going at least 48 hours before.
If you cannot give 48 hrs notice, contact me directly via chat or my number, so that I know you are not coming.

My contact details are:
within4hours@gmail.com
whatsapp / ph 0493377171