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EURO PADDLEEURO PADDLEPASSPASS

STANDARDSSTANDARDS

A European Approach toCompetency in Paddle Sport



NORDIC SEA KAYAK - LEVEL 3 - BLUE PADDLE

AimKayak safely on the sea in up to 6 m/s conditions as a member of agroup being lead. Be capable of negotiating difficulty encountered,assist in rescues and foster further participation in kayaking.Successful performance at this level indicates that candidates canconsider themselves as intermediate canoeists rather than beginners.

LocationThe Level 3 assessment should take place on open water 2-6m/s. Thejourney/test should be 20 km and held under moderate conditions(wind or sea 2-8 m/s) ideally during a day trip. The assessor willmake allowance if conditions are rough, but the kayak skills must beperformed in a competent manner. For reasons of safety three kayakswill participate. The test will not be taken in a flat calm.

EquipmentNordic Kayak, or a suitable straight running kayak. This award is obtained in asingle kayak.

Pre - requisitesProvide evidence of having taken part in at least 3 one-day tour at sea.



TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Lifting, carrying and launchingDemonstrate good safe lifting and carrying techniques appropriate togetting a kayak from or to a car roof rack or a trailer, with assistanceif available and safely securing using a rope and or straps. Anypractical system is acceptable but must be efficient. Candidatesshould demonstrate launching techniques appropriate for theconditions.

Efficient paddling technique, forwards and backwardsThe assessor will look for: correct dynamic seating position; correctentry and exit of the blade; ability to keep the boat straight; sufficientpower in the stroke to paddle against wind; trunk rotation; correctwidth of paddle grip. Common sense should be applied when judgingpaddling technique taking into account variation in physique andpersonal style.

Keeping courseCandidates should demonstrate techniques to keep a determinedcourse appropriate for the conditions. If kayak has a rudder thecandidate should control the rudder and show some knowledge ofusing the paddle to correct the course. Kayak without rudder shoulddemonstrate Stern Rudder. The paddle blade should be placed in thewater upright, well back ton the stern. Candidates should be able tokeep the kayak running straight, downwind on small waves, with thepaddle kept on one side of the boat.

Turning the kayak 360 degreesTurning should be preformed in both directions. Kayak without rudderturning by using alternate forward and reverse sweep strokes. Paddleblade just covered, reaching out to full arm extension, elbow slightlybent. Paddle drawing well into the stern with the forward arm pushingacross the body. Candidate’s body should turn to place the paddle inthe water at the stern of the kayak. If the kayak is fitted with arudder, steering with the rudder only is to be shown in both directionsand also quick turn by using alternate forward and reverse sweepstrokes in both directions.

Emergency stopsForwards and backwards; Reverse direction should be in evidencewithin 4 strokes (one kayak - length).

Drawing the kayak sideways in both directionsTop arm high, blade deep. The boat must keep a straight linesideways through the water in both directions.

Recovery strokesTo be performed on both sides. Where wave conditions are not



suitable the candidate must paddle hard forwards then glide with theblade flat on the surface at right angles to the kayak. If kayakappropriate for high braces the water must reach the candidate’swaist, at the onset of the stroke followed by a strong pull andassociated hip flick to recover. If kayak not appropriate for highbraces the kayaker must show skill to adapt strokes to recoverbalance.

LandingCandidate should manoeuvre the kayak into a beach forwards,sideways and backwards (backwards only if kayak is not fitted withrudder). This is controlled, not a ‘surf’ landing, while holding positionin order to allow for the waves.

Handling wavesCandidate should demonstrate an ability to paddle into a head sea,with a following sea and in a beam sea.

Negotiate moderate surfDemonstrate an ability launch and land in moderate surf (maximum1m/ 3ft) in order to safely commence a journey or achieve a landing.



SAFETY STANDARDS

Buoyancy aid, headgear and spray coverBrightly coloured headgear must be worn to provide adequateprotection for the head. Helmets used should be CE approved and besecurely fastened. If not needed a woolly or other hat isrecommended. The spray cover must be fitted.

Kayak and paddleThe kayak MUST be fitted with a minimum of 6.5Kg (60N) securelyfixed buoyancy at each end of the kayak, but it is recommended thatboats are fitted with total buoyancy (e.g. inherent buoyancysupplemented with air bags). If kayaks are provided with end grabsthey must be suitable for carrying out rescues without trapping thehand. Where safety lines are used they must be taut and not capableof coming loose accidentally, or fouling the cockpit area. The paddleshould have a brightly coloured stripe on the blade if there is boattraffic.

Extra security equipmentTo raise security equipment to facilitate rescue is allowed afterpersonally desire. The candidate has to show a capability to use itproperly. It must be fitted properly and its function checked.

Personal clothingPersonal clothing should be appropriate to the expected conditions,and should include windproof and waterproof clothing. Brightlycoloured clothes recommended if there are boats in the same area.

Capsize and rescuePerform confident capsize drill, followed by a deep water rescue withpartners. Take charge of a rescue and then act as a capsized victim.The capsize must be ‘accidental’ with spray deck in place - eitherwhile paddling or in an attempted recovery stroke or sculling forsupport.

Self rescueCandidates should be able to perform a safe self rescue using theirown appropriate equipment on flat water. The design of the kayak,equipment carried and personal skill decides the method. It ispermissible to allow the candidate to set themselves up beforecapsizing. A self rescue on one side only is required. Provided the restof the candidate's performance is sound, an inability to self rescue isnot a fail factor in itself.

Rescues and carriesThe candidate should demonstrate knowledge of boat based rescue asa rescuee and should be able to assist peers in a rescue situation.



EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

The following items, which must be both suitable and serviceable,must be presented for inspection. Where essential equipment ismissing, the candidate should not be assessed.

Kayak and paddleIf kayaks are provided with end grabs they must be suitable forcarrying out rescues without trapping the hand. Safety lines and/orpainters (if fitted) must be taut and not capable of becoming looseaccidentally, or fouling the cockpit area. Fitted buoyancy must besecurely fixed and fill all available space apart from cockpit in suitablycustomized ‘general purpose’ kayaks. Sealed bulkheads are regardedas sufficient in themselves for sea kayaks. Extra equipment to e.g.raise security must be fitted properly and its function checked.

Personal clothingPersonal clothing should be appropriate to the expected conditions,and should include windproof and waterproof outer garments.

Buoyancy aid, appropriate headgear and spray deckA buoyancy aid of minimum 50N inherent buoyancy should be worn.A lifejacket may be substituted; in which case the candidate shouldknow under what conditions it should be inflated, and shoulddemonstrate its inflation and deflation. Head protection in a brightlycoloured woolly, other hat or helmet is recommended. The spray deckmust be fitted.

Simple First Aid kit and repair kitThe First Aid kit should be appropriate to the level of First Aidknowledge required under the Theory section. The repair kit should beappropriate to the type of kayak used.

Spare clothingAdequate spare clothing should be carried.

Packed lunchA packed lunch and equipment for providing a hot drink (may be avacuum flask) should be carried.

Emergency equipment for personal useThis should include: simple compass (or GPS); emergency food;whistle; matches or lighter; simple First Aid kit. If required torch;flares or other suitable means of pinpointing position if in the water;exposure (bivvy) bag of minimum size 1.8m x 0.9m (6' by 3').

Waterproof kit bag(s)



Spare equipment must be stored in appropriately secured, waterproofkit carriers and must remain dry even after a capsize.



NORDIC SEA KAYAK - LEVEL 4 - RED PADDLE

AimThe award aims to enable participants to:

• Kayak safely and competently on the sea, up to and including 8m/sconditions.

• Be capable of negotiating obstacles likely to be encountered in suchconditions.

• Deal competently with rescue situations that might occur in theseconditions.

• Develop group awareness.

LocationThe Level 4 Nordic Sea Kayak assessment should take place inconditions with wind up to and including 8m/s. The assessmentshould take place on a journey of at least 20km (approx travellingtime of 5 hours). The journey should include a limited open watercrossing and should comply with national maritime regulations.


Pre - requisitesCandidate must have passed an EPP Level 3 Nordic Sea Kayak Test (orequivalent).



TECHNICAL STANDARDS

All sea kayak technical, theory, equipment and safety standardsassessed within Level 3 will be assessed within the Level 4 at Level 4criteria. However, the assessment should take place in open water upto and including 8m/s conditions outlined above.

LaunchingCandidates should demonstrate launching techniques appropriate for theconditions.

Efficient paddling technique, forwards and backwardsThe assessor will look for correct dynamic seating position; correctentry and exit of the blade, demonstrate the ability to keep the boatstraight and sufficient power in the stroke to paddle against wind orcurrent. Demonstrate trunk rotation and correct width of paddle gripthroughout the trip. Common sense should be applied when judgingpaddling technique taking into account variation in physique andpersonal style. Candidates should remember that 4 kilometre in onehour is a hint of pace which should be reached as minimum.

Keeping courseCandidates should demonstrate techniques to keep a determinedcourse appropriate for the conditions. If kayak has rudder thecandidates should control the rudder and show knowledge of usingthe paddle to correct the course. Candidate in a kayak without ruddershould demonstrate stern rudder. The paddle blade should be placedin the water upright, well back to the stern. Candidates should beable to keep the kayak running straight, downwind on small waves,with the paddle kept on one side of the boat.

Turning the kayak 360 degreesTurning should be preformed in both directions. Kayak without rudderturning by using alternate forward and reverse sweep strokes. Paddleblade just covered, reaching out to full arm extension, elbow slightlybent. Paddle drawing well into the stern with the forward arm pushingacross the body. Body turning to place the paddle in the water at thestern of the kayak. If the kayak is fitted with a rudder, steering withthe rudder only is to be shown in both directions and also quick turnby using alternate forward and reverse sweep strokes in bothdirections.

Emergency stopsForwards and backwards. Reverse direction should be in evidencewithin 4 strokes (one length of the kayak).

Drawing the kayak sideways in both directionsTop arm high, blade deep. The boat must keep a straight linesideways through the water in both directions.



Recovery strokesTo be performed on both sides. Where wave conditions are notsuitable the candidate must paddle hard forwards then glide with theblade flat on the surface at right angles to the kayak. If kayakappropriate for high braces the water must reach the candidate'swaist at the onset of the stroke followed by a strong pull andassociated hip flick to recover. If kayak not appropriate for highbraces the kayaker must show skill to adapt strokes to recoverbalance.

LandingBring the kayak into a beach forwards, sideways and backwards(backwards only if kayak is not fitted with rudder). This is controlled,not a 'surf' landing. Holding position in order to allow for the waves.

Handling wavesDemonstrate an ability to paddle into a head sea, with a following sea and in abeam sea.

Negotiate intermediate surfDemonstrate an ability launch and land in intermediate surf (above1m/ 3ft) in order to safely commence a journey or achieve a landing.



SAFETY STANDARDS

The demands on personal protective equipment in Level 3 is valid also on Level4.

Self rescueCandidates should be able to demonstrate a safe self rescue usingtheir own appropriate equipment. The design of the kayak, equipmentcarried and personal skill decides the method. The candidates shouldbe able to demonstrate a self rescue in windy conditions and wavesup to 6m/s conditions on one side. Beginning of self rescue on bothsides is to be shown.

VisibilityIf paddling is taking place in the same areas as boat traffic or passingboat routes visibility is an important issue and following isrecommended:

• A brightly coloured stripe on the paddle blade.

• At least some of the clothes brightly coloured.

• Alufoile as a flag for radar visibility.

Hypothermia/First AidShow a good understanding of immersion hypothermia, its causesand symptoms. Be able to deal with basic First Aid incidents - e.g., acut forehead or hand - It is recommended that candidates should holda First Aid certificate.

Rescue and towing on the SeaCandidates to rescue a capsized canoeist by a variety of methods.The candidate should also have a towing system and be aware of theneed for flexibility and be able to drop and pick up the tow with ease.They should demonstrate single tows.

PlanningShow an understanding of what is involved in planning a trip on thesea, such as access and egress, equipment requirements, significanceof a weather forecast, lunch stops, boat traffic and contingency plans.

Map Work

Candidates should be able to align a map, work out the distancebetween two points, and identify any particular features, which wouldindicate position. Active use of transits and use of compass in opencrossing navigation.



EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

Candidates will present themselves suitably equipped for the test. Allequipment should be both suitable and serviceable, and borrowedequipment will be judged as though it is the candidates own. Whereessential equipment is missing, the candidate should not be assessed.Extra equipment to raise security must be fitted properly and itsfunction checked.

Kayak and paddleThe kayak MUST be fitted with a minimum of 6.5Kg (60N) securelyfixed buoyancy at each end of the kayak, but it is recommended thatboats are fitted with total buoyancy (e.g. inherent buoyancysupplemented with air bags). If kayaks are provided with end grabsthey must be suitable for carrying out rescues without trapping thehand. Where safety lines are used they must be taut and not capableof coming loose accidentally, or fouling the cockpit area. The kayakshould also be fitted with a compass, a separate compass or a GPSshould be carried by and be readily available to the candidate.

Personal clothingPersonal clothing should be appropriate to the expected conditions,and should include windproof and waterproof clothing as well asfootwear suitable to conditions.

Buoyancy aid, appropriate headgear and spray deck

• A buoyancy aid of minimum 50N inherent buoyancy should be worn.

• If helmets needed for providing adequate protection for thehead it should be CE approved, brightly coloured and must becarried and accessible. If not needed a woolly or other hat isrecommended. The spray deck must be fitted.

Other Safety Equipment which must be carried includes; Map /Chart and Compass, Spare Paddle, Paddle Leash, hand held radio ormobile phone, means of towing. Additionally, the following would berecommended a sling, karabiner and knife, sleeping bag, flares.

An adequate First Aid kit and repair kit should be carried in the group.

Spare clothingAdequate spare clothing should be carried. The clothing should beapplicable to the prevailing conditions and suitable for use in a bivvybag to prevent hypothermia.

Packed lunchA packed lunch and equipment for providing a hot drink (may be a



vacuum flask) should be carried.

Emergency equipment for personal useThis should include: emergency food; whistle; matches or lighter. Ifrequired torch; flares or other suitable means of pinpointing positionif in the water; exposure (bivvy) bag of minimum size 1.8m x 0.9m(6' by 3').

Waterproof kit bag(s)Spare equipment must be stored in appropriately secured, waterproofkit bag(s) and must remain dry even after capsize.



NORDIC SEA KAYAK - LEVEL 5 - BLACK PADDLE

Aim• The purpose of this test is to ensure that the successful

candidates have sufficient knowledge and skill to paddle onsea journeys, up to and including advanced level, with safety.

• The candidate should have sufficient knowledge and skill tolead others of adequate ability on, open sea journeys, up toand including advanced level, with safety. A holder of theaward has themselves to have sufficient expertise to coachand lead groups in more demanding situations.

• This award is intended for candidates who journey on the seain areas where headlands, open crossings, swell andchallenging coastlines may be encountered.

• The award should be accessible to all those people whojourney on the sea on a regular basis and should not be seenas the preserve of a few elite performers. It is envisaged thatthe average club member canoeing regularly, should be ableto obtain this award within three years of starting to paddleregularly on the sea.

• A black paddler candidate is likely to face situations whenother paddlers depend on their knowledge. The assessment initself is not a leadership award, but due to the fact of othersexpectations it is recommended that the black paddlercandidate takes a leadership award to get sufficientknowledge to coach and lead groups even in more demandingsituations.

LocationThe Level 5 assessment should take place in 5-8m/s conditions withwind and rough seas.


Pre - requisitesDue to the nature of this test and its remit for leadership it isnecessary that paddlers seeking the award should have completed aformal training course prior to assessment. The candidate mustalready hold the Level 4 Nordic Sea Kayak Test (or equivalent). Thecandidate must hold an appropriate, and current, advanced First Aidaward.

The candidate will have documented a minimum of six journeys on



the sea. These will have involved a variety of different conditionsincluding:

• A journey of a minimum distance of 40 kilometres (see journeying).

• An open crossing of at least 3 kilometres.

• Navigation in poor visibility and darkness.

• Winds reaching up to and including 8 m/s.

• Exposure to no landing zones.

• Camping from a kayak.

• Paddling in swell and waves.



TECHNICAL STANDARDS

The assessment course will normally be run over a weekend or similartime span. The first evening will be spent on the navigation exerciseand course administration, followed by two days and a nightundertaking a journey of the appropriate level. It is anticipated thatan overnight bivvy or camp will be involved.

Forward PaddlingThe candidate should be able to demonstrate efficient and effectiveforward paddling technique in different wind and sea conditions. Thisshould include a following sea and a beam wind.

Manoeuvre and ControlThe candidate should show manoeuvring skills in relation to static andmoving objects and demonstrate good control in moving and brokenwater. Where a rudder or skeg is fitted the candidate shoulddemonstrate reasonable control in the event of a failure.

Launching and LandingThe candidate should show the ability to launch and land themselvesand the members of their group in a variety of conditions. This mayinvolve beaches, rocky inlets, headlands and surf. They should alsoshow the ability to land an injured paddler.

RescuesThe candidate should have a good repertoire of rescues and be ableto adapt them to a range of conditions. It is expected that theyshould be able to rescue a loaded sea kayak without assistance apartfrom the casualty.

In addition, the candidate should have knowledge of a variety of selfrescues and be able to demonstrate one. This part of the test shouldnot take place in calm conditions but it is not necessary to perform itin rough water.

TowingThe candidate should have a towing system and be aware of the needfor flexibility and be able to drop and pick up the tow with ease. Theyshould demonstrate single and multiple tows.

Navigation and Chart WorkThe candidate must be conversant with, able to interpret and usecharts and maps as key navigational tools. Also the candidate mustdemonstrate the ability to keep a compass course on open water andmake good a course using transits. They should be able to fix theirposition using a combination of bearings and transits.

The candidate should be able to navigate in poor visibility or the



hours of darkness. They should be able to plan alternative routeswhilst afloat which take into account wind and other conditions as ice,boat traffic etc. They should also be able to identify features from thechart and recognize navigation marks.

Group ControlThe candidate should exercise appropriate group control whilst on thewater. They should also be concerned for the comfort and welfare ofthe party throughout the whole journey. The importance of effectivegroup control cannot be over-emphasized.

IncidentsThe candidate should carry and have easily accessible suitable meansfor summoning help in an emergency. They should have a First Aid kitand be familiar with the use of its contents.

A repair kit should also be carried. It should be possible to affect arepair on a kayak whilst afloat as well as being able to deal with moresubstantial problems to the equipment whilst ashore.

The candidate should be equipped and prepared to deal with anyincidents which could occur during the course of the journey.



EquipmentIt is expected that by the time the candidate is ready for assessmentthey will be aware of what equipment is required for undertaking amulti-day journey. It is reasonable for people to make personalchoices as regards equipment but they should be prepared to justifythose decisions.

It is not essential for candidates to present themselves forassessment in a specialized sea kayak, but due to the fact that theymay have to paddle with people in those types of craft they shouldhave some experience of paddling a variety of sea kayaks includingsingles and doubles.

Training CoursesThe training course (minimum 2 days) should provide training in allareas of the assessment syllabi and provide a clear indication as tothe standards expected at assessment.

Syllabus

TheoryNavigation; Weather; Equipment; Environment; History; First Aid

Practical• Show an efficient and effective forward paddling technique, 5

kilometre in an hour is a hint of pace which should be reachedas minimum on a long distance.

• Demonstrate an ability to manoeuvre and control a kayak in avariety of different situations.

• Launch and land in a variety of situations.

• Perform a range of rescues.

• Perform a self rescue in rough water, adapt to the kayak andwith brought equipment.

• Be conversant with different methods of towing.

• Show the ability to navigate on the water.

• Exercise group control and show concern for the generalwelfare of other group members.

• Demonstrate the capability to handle a range of incidents.



Journeying• Have experience of a minimum of six journeys on the open

sea. These will have involved a variety of different conditions.

• Two of the journeys must have taken place in a different seaarea.

• At least one journey must have involved an overnight camp orbivvy.



Method of Assessment

TheoryAs well as oral questions over the course of the assessment it isenvisaged that there will be two written examinations. The first willtake the form of a written paper which is sent out in advance and forwhich the candidate will be able to utilize all the resources which areat their disposal to answer the questions. The second will be anavigation exercise, which will usually be undertaken on the firstevening of the assessment course. The candidate should haveproduced sufficient work for the assessors to make a judgment as totheir competence within two hours.

NavigationPlan a two day journey in an unfamiliar area which includes an open crossing.

WeatherKnow where to obtain relevant shipping and weather forecasts.Understand the probable sequence of weather which occurs duringthe passage of a depression. Have an understanding of the following:

• The formation of fog, onshore and offshore winds, the effect of relief,line squalls.

• The relationship between the pattern of isobars on a synopticchart and the probable resultant wind speed and direction.

• Be able to relate physical signs to the actual forecast.

• How the ice situation can develop depending on cold weather and thewind.

EquipmentShow an understanding of the variety of equipment which is availableincluding radio and navigation aids.

Environment• Candidates should be aware of the environmental factors that

affect the sea. These will include the effect of wind, swell,hypothermia and physical factors and know how to preventand treat injuries.

• The candidate should also show a basic knowledge of thewildlife which is likely to be encountered on the sea and beaware of times and areas when special consideration shouldbe given.

• The candidate should show a personal responsibility for the



environment.

HistoryShow knowledge of past and present developments in the sport of sea kayaking.

CoastguardHave knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the coastguard services.

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