If you would like to improve your kayaking skills,  Ivan our canoe master usually runs a leaders’ focused kayaking session on Thursday evenings April – Sept. From your perspective, this is a great way to develop kayaking skills and on the water leadership. For the Group it is the primary means through which we develop and maintain a core of qualified instructors and ventures/adult leaders that can provide support. This is generally appropriate for all levels, whether you are a weak paddler or someone looking to log their hours as an MSS trainee kayaking instructor.

In order to take Beavers, Cubs or Scouts out kayaking you have to be a CI (Canoeing Ireland) qualified kayaking instructor. Prior to qualifying as an instructor, but after passing the Level 2 skills proficiency, you will be recognised by CI as a supporting ‘peer’ paddler and will then be most useful in supporting the lead instructor on the day.

We have a number of kayaking instructors in MSS who are only too happy to help someone complete CI kayaking proficiency skill levels.  To undertake instructor training you have to have attained CI level 3 Kayaking Skills (and should be able to Eskimo roll). See CI level 1-3 summary below:

Level 1 – you have to be able to perform fundamental paddling skills.

Level 2 – you need to be able to kayak safely and competently on flat water and Grade I rivers as a member of a group being led.  Also assist in basic rescues.

Level 3- you have to be able to kayak safely and competently on rivers up to and including Grade II rivers as a member of a group of peers.  Be capable of negotiating obstacles likely to be encountered on Grade II rivers.  Assist in rescues.

From a timing perspective you will comfortably move from zero skills to Level 2 skills qualified in one April – Sept season.  If the kayaking bug grips you, paddling with us over the winter can bring you to Level 3 skills, which would leave you well positioned to commence Level 2 Instructor training. The Instructor Training takes around 18 months, before final assessment and qualification.  This may seem a long time, but both the proficiency and instructor training is all fully integrated into our weekly Scout paddling sessions and very much learning by doing and so is really enjoyable.

As a parent, becoming an instructor or level 2 peer support is very rewarding and a great way of bonding with your Scout children on the water. It is a unique environment where parent leader and Scout can enjoy the thrills of paddling on the estuary and on many river trips together and often surprise each other in what they prove capable of.