BCU 1 Star test (closed cockpit Kayak)

As lifted from page 25 of the BCU Coaching Service Directory of tests and awards CT.401/96/1

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BCU Star Awards

AIM

A basic assessment of ability at the end of an introductory course. An encouragement award. The test itself should encourage safe practice, regard for the equipment, and fun.

PRE-REQUISITES

None.

VENUE

Sheltered water (not a swimming pool).

ASSESSOR

Level 1 Kayak Coach (Supervisor) or higher, (includes level 2 Kayak Trainee Coach (TI)).

THEORY

-a question or two of a simular level should be asked under each heading.

EQUIPMENT

Sample questions

1. What fittings should a kayak have?
2. Inherent bouyancy, airbags, foot rests, end grabs
3. What fittings should a spray deck always have?
4. release strap
5. How long should your paddle be?
6. Depends, generally....stand up with arm stretched above your head. You want to be able to curl your fingers over the top of the paddle. If you are paddling in surf or polo a shorter paddle would be an advantage, and if you are paddling a racing kayak you want a longer paddle.

SAFETY

Sample questions

1. What would you never do if you capsize a kayak?
2. panic. (I think they mean dont let go of the kayak and paddle).
3. Why should you not paddle alone?
4. Because if you get into difficulty there is no one to help.
5. Why should you keep a straight back when lifting a kayak?
6. So you dont do your back in.

Hypothermia/first aid

Sample questions

1. What would make a mild day seem cold to a kayaker?
2. The wind chill especially when wet, since you loose 25 times more heat when wet than dry.
3. Why is a waterproof cag or anorak important to a kayaker?
4. Significantly reduces the windchill factor and helps prevent heat loss to the water.

ENVIRONMENT & ACCESS

Sample questions

1. If you found litter on the bank or shore, or floating in the water, what should you do?
2. The simple answer is remove it and put in a bin.
   However this is not always practicable or safe (eg needles, efluent etc).
3. What sort of things make a kayak trip on a quiet river or canal an enjoyable experience?

GENERAL

Sample questions

1. What are the main differences between a canoe and a kayak?
2. A canoe is an open boat paddled with a single blade.
   A kayak is an enclosed boat paddled with a double blade.
3. Who are the famous users of kayaks for hunting?
4. The Inuit. (Eskimo's)

PRACTICAL 'A'

1 Lifting, carrying and launching.

Demonstrate good lifting and carrying techniques, with assistance if required. The candidate should be able to launch safely and efficiently from any reasonable launching spot. eg pier, steps, high river bank. Paddle must be within easy reach.

2 Forward paddling over a 100m course.

Candidates must be able to control the kayak, and paddle in a straight line over a distance of 100m. Some directional instability is likely to occur but this should not include complete loss of forward movement or a continuous careering from side to side.

3. Stopping.

This should be demonstrated in both directions. Opposite motion should be in evidence within four strokes.

4. Rotate 360 degrees on the spot.

Spinning in a clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation using the appropriate combination of forward sweeps and reverse sweeps. Some body rotation to be in evidence.

5. Reverse paddling.

The kayak should travel a distance of 25m. Turning the trunk and looking over one or both shoulders must be in evidence.

6. Paddle a figure-of-8 course.

The candidate should paddle a prescribed figure-of-8 course using a combination of forward strokes and sweeps to demonstrate a basic level of steering contol.

7. Return to the bank and disembark.

Correct approach to the bank, relative to wind, current and type of bank or shore. Control must be maintained whilst exiting the boat. Exit without damaging the kayak or the bank.

PRACTICAL 'B'

1 Capsize, swim ashore and disembark.

If a spraydeck is worn, this may be released before capsizing.(Editors comment: I think that if the candidate is going to wear a spraydeck then they must know how to use it). The candidate should remain calm, and quickly regain, and maintain contact with the kayak. The paddle should be retained, or collected by swimming (Editors comment: with the kayak) to the paddle. Swim not more than 10m and empty the boat on the land. Help can be asked for, so long as the candidate remains in charge of emptying the kayak.

Show Satisfactory beginnings in...

1 Moving Sideways.

Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be in evidence. Blade to be well immersed. Paddle shaft probably not upright at this stage. Recovery of blade through the air or sliced in the water is acceptable. Clear evidence of sideways movement should be in evidence but some bow or stern swing is acceptable.

2 Ruddering.

With forward movement of the kayak, the paddle should be inserted to one side of the boat. Blade should be almost covered, front arm relaxed over stomach, shaft parallel to side of boat. The kayak should be kept running in a straight line with the paddle remaining on the one side.

3 Preventing a capsize.

The kayak should be edged sufficiently to be nearly off balance. Low recovery strokes should be demonstated on both sides.

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