ISKGA has developed a range of training modules and enhancement courses to benefit commercial sea kayak guides. These modules are the building blocks to becoming either an ISKGA Coastal or Advanced guide. The modules can be completed through either with an Authorised Centre or over a period of time with a number of Module Providers.
The modules below are the prerequisites to becoming either a ISKGA Coastal or Advanced Guide.
Generic:
Generic Modules Minimum Duration Details Incident Management 4 Days A training course to help you manage a variety of incidents at sea effectively. Sea Survival 1-2 Day Training in sea survival including the use of signalling equipment and life rafts. Coaching 2 days Coaching while guiding groups on the sea. Expedition Skills 2-3 days Lighting fires, building shelter, foraging for food, camp craft and more. First Aid Varies It is the responsibility of the guide to ensure that the level of training and certification he or she gains is appropriate to the environment they operate in and the type of trips and clients that they are leading.
For more information on first aid requirements click here.
Coastal:
To become an ISKGA Coastal guide you must complete the following as well as the Generic modules.
Coastal Modules Minimum Duration Description Coastal Skills 2 Days Rolling, Surfing, Rescues in intermediate conditions. Coastal Leadership 2 Days Leadership in an intermediate environment. Coastal Planning 1 Day Planning trips in an intermediate environment.
Advanced:
To become an ISKGA Advanced guide you must complete the following as well as the generic modules.
Advanced Modules Minimum Duration Description Advanced Skills 3-5 Days Rescues, Rolling, Surfing and general boat handling in advanced conditions. Advanced leadership 2 Days Leadership in advanced conditions. Advanced Planning 1 Day Planning in advanced tidal environments.
ISKGA Sea Kayaking Fundamentals:
ISKGA Sea Kayaking Fundamentals Levels are a pathway of progressions for those who are new to sea kayaking and for those participants wishing to develop skills so that they can undertake multi-day expeditions. They also represent the prerequisites for moving towards becoming a sea kayak guide.
- Sea Kayaking Fundamentals Level One
- Sea Kayaking Fundamentals Level Two
- Sea Kayaking Fundamentals Level Three
ISKGA Coastal or Advanced Guide – Generic Syllabi:
ISKGA Coastal Guide – Course Syllabi:
- Coastal Skills
- Coastal Leadership
- Coastal Planning
ISKGA Advanced Guide – Course Syllabi:
ISKGA Environmental Modules
ISKGA Environmental Modules have been designed to increase a guide’s experience and knowledge in a variety of different environments. At present these modules include Paddling in Ice, Hostile Environments, working with the environment and Winter Skills and survival .
These are stand alone courses and are not part of the core guide programme. It is recommended that before an ISKGA guide leads commercial groups in any of the below environments a guide seeks to gain knowledge and experience of that environment. We recommend a guide contacts the specified Module Provider to book onto a course with them or for technical advice in these areas.
- Paddling in Ice Course written and delivered by Martin Rickard
- Working with the Environment Course written and delivered by Dr Lou Luddington
- Paddling in Hostile Environments: Hef Jones