Tandem Safety Certificates

If you are are joining a friend in the Tandem section at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast then as a minimum requirement you will need to do some base training in the safety and rescue component of the Grade 2 Certificate.

Course Details

Location: Orewa Estuary

This course is designed to give you the fundamentals of how to handle your kayak in moving water and of course what to do should you fall out and have a swim. It is not a full grade 2 certificate.

Please contact Rob for session times and cost as this depends on your previous experience.

Forwards paddle technique.

You spend of lot of time paddling forwards, whether you are using a wing paddle or a regular blade, it is vitally important to develop good technique as the base for everything else. Strong efficient forwards paddling will not only give you endurance but also stability in rough water.

Base paddle strokes

• Reverse paddling & stopping

• Steering & turning using rudders and sweep strokes.

• Draw strokes (moving sideways)

• Bracing for stability in whitewater

• Railing or edge control.

Introduction to Moving Water (Whitewater Skills)

• River features, terminology and river signals

• Breaking in and out of eddies

• Ferry gliding

• Stability & control in rough water

Safety & Rescue

• Equipment requirements

• River hazards, broaching, strainers, foot entrapment.

• Capsize & self rescue including efficient emptying of kayak.

• Deep water "team" rescue (re-enter your kayak on the river)

• Stern deck rescue

• Safe swimming position including assertive swimming to safety

• Use of rescue throwbags

• Hypothermia