The aim is to provide a basic level of competence in sea kayaking skills and theory. The successful examination enables the kayaker to participate, with others, simple trips, and under an Instructor, trips under more difficult conditions, on tidal waters.

An A-course is run over 5 days and/or two weekends and should involve some tidal work. In the context of this training a tour of at least two days is undertaken. The course is run by an Instructor of the Salzwasser Union; Trip Leaders and/or Trip Leaders under training, can actively assist the Instructor. An A-course has the character of a tour. Participants are required to pay a course fee of Euros 75 Euros to the Salzwasser Union. Instructors are reimbursed from the course fees. Campground fees and any tourism taxes are to be paid by participants themselves. The minimum number of participants on an A-course is four; the maximum number of participants is not to exceed ten.

The participants must be members of the Salzwasser Union. Participants with known physical disabilities should consult the Course Leader at registration or at the latest prior to the commencement of the course. Confident swimming in paddle clothing is a further requirement with regard to the physical condition of participants. The sea kayak and the pertinent equipment must be in accordance with that set out in the “Seekajakhandbuch.” The successful participation at a Regional Safety Training (RST) day is a prerequisite. Required course reading is the “Seekajakhandbuch.” In the event a candidate does not meet the required number of pre-course trips at registration for an A-course, then the candidate is required to participate in at least one “Taster” trip before course commencement.

Knowledge gained through RST, Workshops, Taster Trips, homework, and A-course will be imparted:

• Equipment
• Warming up and stretching
• Paddle techniques with waves and wind (including surf)
• Safety and rescue techniques (with loaded kayaks)
• Simulation of an emergency
• Navigation
• Rule of the road
• Meteorology
• Tides
• Trip planning
• Health, first aid
• Nature protection and ecology (knowledge and interpretation of access regulations)
• Culture and history of the trip area

As homework, which covers the theoretical test part, questions and work-book problems, which are part of the basic knowledge of sea kayaking, will be set. In addition chart work involving planning a trip (of two days duration), and which is related to the planned A-course will also be set. Approximately 40 questions, in short form, covering navigation, tides, traffic law, meteorology, nature conservation, tour planning, route planning, dangers at sea, rescue measures, first aid, will also be set. Participation in workshops, such as navigation, meteorology, etc, which are offered by the Salzwasser Union is recommended as pre-course participation.

During an A-course, participants will be required to demonstrate competence in the range of techniques listed in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.5 below. Whenever possible, these should be demonstrated in realistic conditions (for example: sweep strokes to position the boat prior to pumping out; support strokes in surf; draw strokes when forming or breaking up a raft; emergency stop when surfing; stern rudder when surfing; unexpected capsize and partner rescue; swimming with the kayak through surf to the beach, etc).

Boat control and paddle techniques

• Correct dynamic sitting position
• Sense of balance
• Edging and leaning
• Leaving and approaching a landing place
• Basic paddling forward and to the rear
• Sweeping forward and to the rear
• Low and high support strokes in the stationary position
• Low and high support strokes on the move
• Draw strokes
• Stern rudder
• Emergency stops
• Landing in surf

• Ability to read a chart
• Maintain a given course (in part also without a rudder)
• Ability to determine location
• Identify sea marks
• Course maintenance to destination
• Application of transit intersects
• Identification of designated emergency refuge points

• Partner rescue methods (parallel entry, V-entry, etc, - in each case the boat is emptied and re-entry performed)
• Eskimo rescue; swimming with the boat in capsize position
• All in rescue

• Solo-tow (1: 1-tow)
• V-tow (2: 1-tow)
• Nose-tow (Push and Pull)
• Raft-tow (1: 2 - and/or 2: 2-tow)

Swim with paddle clothing in the deep water over at least 50 meters

The theory part (homework) and the practical test parts are to be carried out independently by two Instructors of the Salzwasser Union. The practical test parts should be carried out under moderately severe wave and wind conditions (wind force approximately Beaufort 3-4). At zero wind conditions, no practical examination shall takes place - this part of the test may be tested at a later date. In conditions which are more difficult to those stated above, the examiners may relax test objectives, however, boat control must be reliably proven. If part of the test (theory and/or practice) is not successfully carried out to the satisfaction of the examiners, that part of the test may be retaken at a later date. The question of whether an A course has been successfully completed lies with the course examiners. The successful participation on a course is confirmed on the issue of a certificate that also confirms the candidate’s knowledge of conservation in sea kayaking.