The OAG Introduction to Kayaking Course falls under the Open Water Kayaking Adventure Guiding qualifications (OWK401), and leads to an Open Water Explorer rank. The Assessment Course evaluates candidates’ ability to perform all of the skills listed along with demonstrating the required level of knowledge.
Course Essentials.
The Introduction to Kayaking Course is open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria.
1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently
5. Manage personal mobility independently
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently.
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket.
8. Get on / off or in / out of a kayak independently
9. Independently get out and from under a capsized kayak
10. Remount or re-enter the kayak following deep water capsize independently or with a partner
11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Handbook, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
Dates, Costs & Assessments.
The OWK 401 course runs on Sunday, April 16, 2023 and costs 500-GHS. The Assessment cost is separate to that of the Training Course. The assessment consists of a written exam and a practical field assessment after candidates have recorded a total of 12 open water kayaking experiences across a minimum of 7km in their log book.
“Jesus walked on water; the least a Christian can do to emulate is to kayak.” JayJay Addo-Koranteng
Participant Requirements
The course is open to any reasonably healthy and physically capable person over the age of 18. Courses for younger participants can be arranged on request. Previous mountaineering experience is not required, but would be helpful. Participants must have an English speaking capability of SSCE Level. A minimum of four students is required for the course to run, and the maximum allowable number of students per course is 12. There is a maximum of 1 Instructor : 12 students for the practical assessment.
Equipment
The OAG will provide all group and specialist equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to have and bring their own equipment where available. Students are required to have their own suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, and need to pack with the list below as a guide. Meals, water and tent-camping equipment are included in the fee. Return transport to the Trident, the training location, is each participant’s responsibility:
- A 20-litre backpack
- Outdoor walking sandals
- A cap or hat
- 1 water bottle
- Change of clothing
- A can of insect repellent
- Rain coat
- A compass
How to Apply
Fill out the Introduction to Kayaking Guiding Course Application. It has all the information you need to provide to be a candidate for the Course.
