Sea Leader Training

The gold standard of sea kayak leadership.

This is a popular course we’ve been running for more than a decade, adapted to maximize practical experience in a variety of sea conditions. Designed for paddlers with dynamic water experience seeking development as leaders, Sea Leader Training provides content, inspiration and a safety net for developing leaders to acquire the tools of the trade and try them out. Feedback and guided self-reflection round out the learning experience.

Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning (CNTP) is included in this course. CNTP is now the only official course prerequisite for taking British Canoeing’s Sea Kayak Leader assessment, and provides an excellent foundation for organizing reasonable outings on the sea. Good planning with a knowledge of your environment is the frontline of risk management.

At the core of our leadership philosophy is the concept of “building the team”. After aligning expectations, it is supported by assessing and building resources within the group as well as facilitating communication and group-involved planning. Being part of an effective team is a satisfying experience. Creating one takes skill and experience. This is true leadership.

During 6 days, we utilize the features in the Loreto area. Rocky coastlines, seasonal wind, close islands, varied coast with protected coves and exposed beaches, warm water, and stunning mountain scenery. We gather in the Sea Kayak Baja Mexico classroom for portions of the course. The course often attracts guides from throughout Latin America and around the world, for a rich peer-to-peer learning environment. Courses are run by a bilingual British Canoeing-certified coaching team.

Here is a link to a terrific resource for leaders, British Canoeing’s leadership eLearning online. It’s free.

In ACA parlance, we will cover: Level 4 Open Water Skills, Level 4 Trip Leading, Level 5 Rough Water Maneuvering and Towing. Depending on conditions, we may also cover Level 4 Surf Zone.

Prerequisites

Ability to paddle at a “Sea Kayak Award” standard (BCU 3-star), meaning competence in wind up to Beaufort 4 (11-16kts), surf up to a meter, and current up to 2 knots.
(Note that membership and pre-registering with British Canoeing are required before assessment, but NOT before this course.)

Details

Duration: 6 single days in a row based in Loreto.
Setting: Single day courses based in Loreto. 8 classroom hours, plus practice mostly in sea conditions.
Craft: sea kayaks
Transportation: 1-2 walking days; vehicle transportation needed 4-5 days.
Available Outcomes:
o Personal learning and development
o Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning credit
o Solid foundation for Sea Leader Assessment