Now that three star is no longer a requirement, it is highly likely that your Sea Kayak Leader assessment will be the first time you have taken part in a formal paddlesport assessment. It can all be a bit daunting. This is Kate's ten point plan to being at your best on the day.
1. Turn up on the day with all the paperwork in order. Make sure you have your LR form, first aid certificate and evidence of your coastal navigation and training course with you. You can hand these over all smug while others are squirming in their seats as they make excuses. It makes a good first impression.
2. Read the syllabus. Seems obvious, but it's amazing how many people don't.
3. Have a good log book. Make sure it is in an easy to read format so the assessor can easily check that it meets the minimum requirements (minimum requirements are listed in the syllabus). If you are also a coach, or you paddle other disciplines try to separate out your sea kayak paddling log.
4. Have a well thought out selection of kit. Make sure you have used all the items you carry and store them where you will be able to access them as needed. Something like a group shelter which is only going to be used on land can easily go in a front or rear hatch, things which will be used on the water need to be accessible while afloat.
5. Do your training course when you are ready for lots of new learning. If you are paddling at a really good three star standard you will be able to make the most of the leadership training. If you are still having to think about your personal skills you will struggle to take on-board the new information.
6. Go paddling: Different places, different people, different weather conditions, different seasons, then go paddling some more. Long trips, short trips, calm trips, windy trips, hot trips, cold trips. Rocky landings, surf landings, harbour landings, slipway landings. Make sure you have done a bit of everything.
7. Go paddling some more.
8. Keep on paddling.
9. Lead some groups that really need your leadership. Just paddling with your buddies as equals does not give you the chance to practice your leadership.
10. When you can plan and lead a real trip, without it being a big ordeal; when you can deal with whatever happens on your trip; when you are the first person in the group to be ready to paddle; when your kit always goes in the same place in your boat so you know where to find it.....you are probably ready for assessment. If you feel you need to train for an assessment, you are probably not ready.
Finally, get a good nights sleep beforehand, eat a big breakfast and try to relax and enjoy it.
1. Turn up on the day with all the paperwork in order. Make sure you have your LR form, first aid certificate and evidence of your coastal navigation and training course with you. You can hand these over all smug while others are squirming in their seats as they make excuses. It makes a good first impression.
2. Read the syllabus. Seems obvious, but it's amazing how many people don't.
3. Have a good log book. Make sure it is in an easy to read format so the assessor can easily check that it meets the minimum requirements (minimum requirements are listed in the syllabus). If you are also a coach, or you paddle other disciplines try to separate out your sea kayak paddling log.
4. Have a well thought out selection of kit. Make sure you have used all the items you carry and store them where you will be able to access them as needed. Something like a group shelter which is only going to be used on land can easily go in a front or rear hatch, things which will be used on the water need to be accessible while afloat.
5. Do your training course when you are ready for lots of new learning. If you are paddling at a really good three star standard you will be able to make the most of the leadership training. If you are still having to think about your personal skills you will struggle to take on-board the new information.
6. Go paddling: Different places, different people, different weather conditions, different seasons, then go paddling some more. Long trips, short trips, calm trips, windy trips, hot trips, cold trips. Rocky landings, surf landings, harbour landings, slipway landings. Make sure you have done a bit of everything.
7. Go paddling some more.
8. Keep on paddling.
9. Lead some groups that really need your leadership. Just paddling with your buddies as equals does not give you the chance to practice your leadership.
10. When you can plan and lead a real trip, without it being a big ordeal; when you can deal with whatever happens on your trip; when you are the first person in the group to be ready to paddle; when your kit always goes in the same place in your boat so you know where to find it.....you are probably ready for assessment. If you feel you need to train for an assessment, you are probably not ready.
Finally, get a good nights sleep beforehand, eat a big breakfast and try to relax and enjoy it.