RIC/KA Sea Kayaking Levels
RIC/KA does not assign ratings to paddlers. We assign difficulty levels to our trips. A trip's difficulty rating is designed to be a guide for judging if you have the skills to participate in a trip.
Every paddler must decide for themselves to participate in a group trip. Your decision should be based on some of the following considerations:
- the difficulty level of the trip
- the forecasted weather conditions
- your skill and experience level
- your comfort level with the other participants
Every paddler that decides to participate in a group trip shares responsiblity for the safety of the group as a whole.
You choose to join RIC/KA coordinated trips at your own risk.
Level 1
- No previous kayak experience is required.
Level 2
Participants should be able to:
- Paddle 6 miles in a day.
- Perform a wet exit.
- Perform an assisted deep water rescue.
- Maintain a heading for short distances without the use of a rudder.
- Turn a kayak using forward and reverse sweep strokes.
Level 3
Participants should be able to:
- Perform skills listed under Level 2.
- Paddle 12 miles in a day.
- Control a kayak in 15knt winds.
- Feel comfortable in 2-3 foot waves.
- Handle SURF and BEACH LANDINGS.
Level 4
Participants should be able to:
- Perform the skills listed under Level 3.
- Paddle 15 miles in a day.
- Control a kayak in 20knt winds.
- Handle large ocean swells.
- Handle currents.
Level 5
Participants should be able to:
- Perform the skills listed under Level 4.
- Paddle 20+ miles in a day.
- Control a kayak in 25knt winds.