The RST is a regional based opportunity to train and promote the advancement of paddle and rescue techniques for sea kayakers.
The successful participation on such a course is a pre-requisite for registration for “Taster” Trips and participation on A-courses.
Participation on an RST course should be undertaken on a regular basis, since development of paddle and rescue techniques is an ongoing process.

The RST usually takes one day and is normally carried out on inland waters. Course leaders are Instructors and Trip Leaders, and, experienced sea kayakers who have assisted on at least one RST. If costs arise for the course leaders, through running such an event, then these costs are to be divided among participants.

Participants do not necessarily have to be a member of the Salzwasser Union (SaU).

Participants with physical disabilities should consult the course staff on registration or prior to the commencement of training. Swimming in canoeing clothing, as well as an under water exit from a kayak, form part of these physical conditions.
The sea kayak and the pertinent equipment must correspond to the safety standards laid down by the Salzwasser Union in its “Seekajakhandbuch.”

During RST, knowledge and training in the following will be covered:

• Equipment
• Warming up and stretching
• Paddle techniques (related to the sea kayaking)
• Safety and rescue techniques (with loaded kayaks)
• Risks to sea kayakers
• Health

There is no theoretical test.

It is not intended that RST should involve a practical examination.
If a course leader has the impression that a participant is not safe on the water, or shows fears that would jeopardise participation on an A-course and/or Taster Trips, or if the participant shows undue over-confidence, then that participant will not receive written confirmation of successful completion of training.

• Correct sitting position
• Sense of balance
• Edging and leaning
• Leaving and approaching a launching 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 stroke to enable lateral movement of the kayak
• Stern rudder
• Emergency stop

• Partner rescue methods (parallel entrance, V-entrance, baling out and re-entry - in each case followed by pumping out the boat)
• Eskimo rescue,
• swimming with the boat in a capsized position
• All in rescue

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

• Attention!
• Come!
• Wait!
• Distress!

On successful participation, (see: Practical parts of the training) members of the Salzwasser Union will receive a pass and confirmation of having participated. The presentation of this qualification record is a precondition to participation on Tester Trips and A-courses.