Level 5 Advanced Open Water Certification Evaluation Workshop
The Advanced Open Water (AOW) instructor certification was added in 2003. This certification takes and builds on the skills of an Open Water Instructor and tests the ability of candidates to lead and teach in conditions of winds to 25 knots, seas to 5 feet and currents to 5 knots. Candidates are expected to be competent in conditions exceeding these. Conditions must be present for the certification to be awarded. The workshop date is selected to maximize the chance of these conditions on Lake Superior. There is no AOW IDW, only the AOW ICE. Candidates are expected to have the necessary experience and training which can include the ACA Coastal Kayaking (CK) Rough Water Maneuvering, Towing and Rescues and the CK Surf Zone Skills Advancement course.
All candidates are interviewed via phone before being accepted to ensure they have the appropriate background for this course. Applicants without the appropriate experience and/or skills will not be accepted.
Additional information is in the following document:
Essential Eligibility Requirements:
Participants need to be:
- 18 years or older.
- Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
- Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
- Able to wet exit a kayak independently.
- Able to re-
enter the kayak following a capsize, with the assistance of one other boat. - Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water as well as rough water.
- Physically fit with the endurance and strength to paddle up to 8 hours a day in adverse conditions including high winds, rough seas and cold temperatures.
- Coastal Kayaking Level 4 Open Water Instructor.
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