Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium

Step 1 – Assess your skill level based on the descriptions below …
Please use the following descriptions and criteria to place yourself into one of the three categories. Self-assessment is important to you, to us and to other participants. As a participant, it helps ensure that you’re learning at the most appropriate level. When a class is too challenging or not challenging enough, effective learning is greatly reduced. Self-assessment helps us manage risk and allows participants to learn and perform at a reasonably equal level.

Self-assess yourself into the category that bests describes your paddling experience and competence. You do not have to meet every criteria of the category, but should meet many of them

If you have difficulty self assessing yourself, please consult a paddling partner or coach for advice. You can also ask Dwight Welch email her at signup@bofsks.com

Comfortable Beginner

Based on paddle Canada’s Class System Class-1 Environment: Non-challenging waters with mild wind effect (0–11 knots), little or no current (0–0.5 knots), uninterrupted easy landing options, and ready access to land-based assistance. Sea state is calm to light chop.

Paddling skills	Some formal instruction; can paddle forward with efficiency, steer their kayak, move sideways and prevent capsize effectively in flat water
Rescues	Can perform self rescue and peer rescue in flat water
Rolls	No roll required
Practical limits	Paddle 6-8 miles in a protected coastal or inland environment in a day

Intermediate

Based on paddle Canada’s Class System Class-2 Environment: Moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy-landing opportunities and short crossings. Moderate potential wind effects (12–19 knots), surf of less than 1 meter and a combined sea state of less than 1 metre, gentle to moderate non-turbulent currents (< 3 knots), and light surf beaches. Short delays in access to land-based assistance should be expected.

Paddling skills	Can perform all of the desired skills of an advanced beginner efficiently and effectively; can paddle backwards and maintain a course in wind and current; understands paddling theories such as trip planning, navigation and equipment.
Rescues	Proficient with deep water rescues and towing techniques
Rolls	Roll in flat water and scull for support
Practical limits	Can perform in winds up to 15kt, moving water up to 3kt and swells up to 6ft; can paddle 8-15 miles in a day

Comfortable Intermediate

Based on paddle Canada’s Class System Class-3 Environment: Exposed water, with more committed crossings and any combination of the following: moderate to strong currents with turbulence (≥ 3 knots), moderate to strong wind effects (12–19 knots), ocean swells and a combined sea state near 1 meter with occasional rough sea state. Difficult but frequent landing opportunities, surf-beaches with surf up to 1 metre. Delays in access to land-based assistance can expected.

Paddling skills	Has a variety of experience in the cockpit in lumpy and moving water; has good group awareness and some leadership experience; assesses personal risk accurately and can travel well in a group of led paddlers
Rescues	Proficient with deep water rescues and towing techniques in advanced conditions
Rolls	A reliable roll in lumpy and moving water
Practical limits	Can perform all the fundamental skills and deep-water rescues in wind up to 20kt, moving water up to 4kt; in good physical condition and can paddle 15-20 miles in a day

Definition of the sessions being offered at the Symposium

Sessions