Sea Kayaking Leadership

For a sea kayak day trip, say 10 - 15 KM what level of skill do you require of your leader. Is there any requirements?

Details needed...where are they going? What's the skill level of the group? Lots more questions better asked by someone other than myself.

For 10k-15k on the Rideau Canal, not much to worry about. Just 1k off the coast of Newfoundland (noting that you might be from there yourself?) could be lots to worry about!

I am from Newfoundland.

The group would be largely CRCS level 1 perhaps a little less with the odd beginner. The venue would likely be a place called Cape Broyle, ( a large natural harbour in spite of the name.) Avondale or Aquaforte. All reasonably protected. Everyone has their own boat or has scrounged one and gotton to a put in . Water temp is normally 4 to 8 C for these events.

What we are dealing with now for guidelines is leaders, sweeps and safety people should have CRCA 2 and current First Aid . Equipment includes Frirs aid kit , Marine VHF. a dry bag with a change of cloths, basic survival gear. a thermus with hot water or a hot drink etc. This is on top of the Coast Guard required equipment.

For a trip on the Rideau , where swell from a passing boat may capsize one of your club members , what is the normal skill level of guides leaders and sweeps? The Great lakes may be a better example. Most paddlers here don't go 1 KM off the easternmost shore. 50 KM winds there ( here ) are typical. Thanks

Lucky you. The Rideau Canal is interesting, but doesn't quite match up with the action out your way

I don't do the group thing myself, so someone else is better suited to answer that.

I read May We Rant And Rave No More by Michael Paul last year. I wouldn't go more than 1KM either!

We manage to sneek the odd photo onto Kanawa the odd time. Kayak guides here are seasonal and the skill level runs from Mr. J. P. or M.H. Spectacular to others that have a borrowed boat and will guide. Some of the locals are good but there are no provincial standards. The season ( Fot tourists ) is too short to get and hold highly skilled people. For club runs we normally have CRCA 2 leading . We are looking at a standard and I was wondering what is normal. We are trying to set a standard for ourselves.