Day Three

A Student/Instructor team getting to know each other. Here a team develops objectives for a successful weekend.

First thing to do is figure out the boat to meet those objectives. Here a team selects a boat.

Now begins the process of boat fit, equipment adaptation and dry land instruction.

A team working together developing adaptations for a Student’s kayak.

During this time, the Student, in addition to helping develop the adaptations is also being taught about paddles, boat design and other relevant topics as part of their paddling lesson.

Here a student is receiving a lesson about paddles. Note in the back ground team members are cutting foam for some adaptations.

Team members working on a hand adaptation for a Student who is unable to grip a paddle. An adaptation is developed that allows the Student to grip the paddle shaft yet be able to pull their hand out when needed.

A test before heading to the pool. The student is sitting in their kayak on an inner tube while being spotted by people on each side. While paddling with their eyes closed, the boat is rocked by a third person. This simulates waves and tests out how well the adaptations support the student.

Once the equipment checks out, the team then moves to the pool for the next phase of instruction.

All students go through a swim test. This determines comfort in the water, their ability to safely put their head under the water and their ability to turn face up after being face down.

Here a student is getting use to paddling on water and the adaptations are assessed for the amount of support they provide.

Once the adaptions appear ok, on water paddle stroke lessons begin. This also helps to assess how the adaptations are working while the student learns their paddle strokes.

Next step is a wet exit. Here a team prepares their student.

The paddlers capsize with spotters observing, the other team members are in their boats ready to do a rescue.

After a successful wet exit, the student is first assisted into place for a scoop rescue.

A successful wet exit means the student independently (ie without assistance) pops their sprayskirt, exits the boat and floats face up on the surface.

A successful rescue has the student back into the cockpit.

A successful rescue is when a student is back into their seat with only the assistance of other people in their kayaks and if they are in a double, with the assistance of one swimmer. No one can be touching the pool bottom or sides.

A successful end to the rescue and the day. Tomorrow the team will head out to Harlow Lake.

To paddle at Harlow Lake, a student must have successfully completed an independent wet exit and participated in a deep water rescue.