Course Description
Individuals participating in this course will be at a minimum 17 years of age. Some of the participants are already working as guides and others are looking to gain experience and skills to begin a journey working in the sea kayaking industry in Alaska and beyond. Still others are just interested in personal development and learning from both qualified instructors as well as other students.
Through out the course we will be developing the skills so that participants will communicate effectively, show good judgment and act as leaders in group paddling situations. Participants will be able to show these skills during teaching opportunities with fellow participants as well as during risk management scenarios
Skills to be developed and demonstrated
We will be working on developing as well as teaching the following paddling and group management skills in a marine environment
Paddling Strokes
Forward and reverse stroke
Forward and reverse sweep
Draw stroke (Both out of water and in water recovery)
Sculling draw
Turning while moving (stern rudder, low brace turn) High and low brace
Edging
Ferrying
Surf and non surf launch and landings
Rescue Techniques
Self rescues
Assisted rescues
Towing
Swimmer Carries
Additional Skills
Navigation Weather
Tides and Currents
Emergency communications
Leadership and Judgement
Trip planning and preparation
First aid and equipment repairs
Positioning and
on water communication
Wildlife
Camping Techniques
Gear management
Proper storage and management of safety gear
Certifications available
SEAK Expeditions Certificate of completion and competence
Alaska Rescue Certification
Possible ACA L2 or L3 Skills Assessment Certification
Day 0
Arrive in Haines and have a pre course meeting at the SEAK Expeditions Headquarters in downtown Haines, AK. 7:00pm
Day 1
Day 1 (Based in the town of Haines)
Morning Session – Introductions, Gear Discussion, Managing wildlife encounters
Afternoon Session – Paddle strokes and rescues
Evening Session – Introduction to Navigation and Weather
Day 2
Day 2 (Based in the town of Haines)
Morning Session – Continue Weather and Navigation
Afternoon Session – Paddle strokes, Rescues and Towing
Evening Session – Packing and sorting.
Day 3
Day 3 (Backcountry around Haines)
Morning Session – Launching and landings, Communications
Afternoon Session – Depart Haines, Group travel
Evening Session – Orientation to scenarios, Leadership, Risk Management
Day 4
Day 4 (Backcountry around Haines)
Morning Session – Surf landings and launches
Afternoon Session – Group travel, leadership scenarios
Evening Session – leadership scenarios
Day 5
Day 5 (Backcountry around Haines)
Morning Session – Leadership scenarios
Afetrnoon Session – Leadership scenarios
Debrief back in Haines
Included
Whats included
Professional Instruction
Group Camping Gear
Food while in the field
(Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)
Kayak and associated gear
Not Included
Travel to Haines
Accommodations while not in the field
Food while not in the field
Personal camping gear
Immersion gear (Drysuit)(Limited number available for rent)
Snacks
Instructors
Joe Oesterling
Owner of SEAK Expeditions,
20+ years of guiding and instruction experience,
ACA L3 Instructor,
USCG 50 ton Captain, WFR
SAR Dog Handler/Trainer with SEADOGS.
Dick Rice
Owner of Alaska Rescue,
40+ years of guiding and instruction experience,
USCG 100 Ton Captain,
Retired Capital City Rescue FF, EMT.
Instructor #3
TBD
Sponsors
Partners
