River & Expedition Paddler
Overview:
The Element67 River & Expedition paddler is a must have course for anyone looking to venture further afield than the normal confines of lochs or lakes.
This is a practical on water program to give experienced paddlers environmental awareness and river & expecition skills and knowledge.
The Element67 River & Expedition paddler course is only delivered by selected and experienced instructors.
The program is broken into three and taken over a period of six - nine months. This allows for candidates to build knowledge and skill over varying seasons and water conditions.
As you book onto trips and expeditions with Element67 we are looking to build on your experience over the course of those trips.
Each level river trip or expedition develops and reinforces key concepts and skills as well as introducing new scenarios and situations.
The result is fun and enjoyable river and expedition paddling experience.
It also provides valuable hours on the water under the watchful eye of an Element67 instructor who will provide feedback and coaching throughout the time on the course.
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Aim:
This course aims to provide an introduction to stand up paddling and to gain the basic skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in SUP paddling sessions at enclosed flat water locations.
The course program covers environmental awareness of water, weather conditions and hazards of paddling at the course location. SUP paddling techniques to keep you safe including how to safely enter and exit the water, stopping and turning, paddle techniques, falling off and getting back on.
Locations:
Applies to inland waterways and large bodies of water including Lochs, rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals:
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no wider than 1 km (0.6 miles)
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with no swell or breaking waves
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wind speed less than 12 knots
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no more than 250 metres from shore
Entry Requirements:
Be able to Swim 100 metres (164 ft)
A minimum of 40 hours paddling experience.
Course Requirements:
This is a participation course with no formal assessment.
Topics Covered:
Environment & Safety
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Awareness of the the water environment, locations, water, and weather conditions and local hazards
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Self-rescue techniques
Equipment
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An introduction to equipment used for river & expedition paddling
Technique & Guidelines
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Safe entry and exit
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How to stop, safe falling and dismount
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Getting back on board in fast flowing water techniques
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Rescue techniques & first aid
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Board packing & gear selection
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Nutrition and hydration
Equipment:
The following is required to complete the training:
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Flat water stand up paddle board, paddle, coiled leash
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Flexi or short river fin for your board (ideally 4 inches maximum)
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SUP clothing suitable for paddling in harsh envrimoments
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Quick release style river belt for your leash
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​Watersports helmet
No equipment is provided on this course but you can hire anything you may need to complete this list above prior to your trip / expedtion date.
Course Cost :
No addtional cost, all you need to do is just book onto three trips with Element67
