Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Planning trips, kayaking in groups, safety procedures and guidelines under demanding conditions
• Equipment and its correct use, both when paddling a kayak and during a rescue

and further knowledge of:

• Coast nature and culture
• Weather, wind, currents, and drift with relevance for sea kayaking
• The history of kayaking and the role of kayaking in Norwegian outdoor life

Skills

The candidate can demonstrate/explain:

• Satisfactory paddling technique carried out in a fully loaded kayak at star level 3-4*

• Self-rescue and rescuing members of the group in a loaded kayak at star level 3-4*
• Rolling the kayak during self-rescue
• The satisfactory use of maps and a compass under demanding conditions
• Physical and mental resiliency during long kayaking trips with overnight camping
• How to pack a kayak for a demanding overnight trip
• How to teach nature and cultural topics related to coastal areas from within the kayak

General competence

The candidate can:

• Analyse and protect their own safety and that of the group at sea up to 3-4 star level*
• Plan and execute trips and courses up to 2 star level*
• Analyse and evaluate their own and others kayak paddling techniques
• Analyse and evaluate rescue exercises
• Analyse and evaluate areas for teaching and exercises in kayak paddling and rescue techniques
• Identify and evaluate areas suitable for teaching nature and cultural topics whilst in the kayak

Course Description

• Trip planning: A-plan, B-plan and emergency plan
• Risks, equipment, etc.
• Safety, responsibility and awareness of consequences when paddling kayaks on the sea under demanding conditions
• Trip guidelines, procedures, organization and working methods
• Packing your sea kayak for overnight trips
• Shelter and camping on the coast
• Technique: kayak paddling techniques and rescue techniques for 3-4 star* conditions with fully loaded kayak
• Group dynamics: various roles and distribution of roles within the group
• Navigation: using a map and compass in a kayak during demanding conditions
• Practice and skills of good seamanship
• Coastal outdoors, leaving no trace, management of the coastal zone
• Guidance and instruction, and the planning and implementation of programmes

(* - The star rating is NPF's grading system, which is measured from 1-5 stars)

Teaching and Learning Methods

• 1 lecture
• 7 days with a supervisor

• Tuition, reading of curriculum literature by students, and training skills that correspond to the learning outcomes described above. All practical teaching is obligatory.

Assessment Methods

The course requires 100% compulsory participation in practical activities. The practical component counts for 60% of the course grade; the written examination counts for 40% of the course grade. The course grade is awarded on a descending scale using letter grades from A to E for passes and F for fail.

The assessment methods are designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and competence, and ability to communicate the subject; please refer to the learning outcomes above.

In content and level, the course is equivalent to the Norwegian Canoe Association's Activity Leader's Course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean