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Sea Kayaking Courses
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Knowing how to enjoy the sea.
At Meridian Kayak we believe in putting
the students' needs first. Every student comes to us with a new
set of expectations and ambitions.
It is our mission to fulfil those ambitions
.
From the novice,
having never paddled a sea kayak
before through the skilled and experienced to outdoor adventure
leaders seeking professional
development opportunities.
The sea can seem a bit scary at first.
Developing self confidence in real paddling conditions is the key to survival and
enjoying your sea kayaking. The techniques are actually very
simple. Having the confidence to stay in the kayak, relax and use
them when needed is the tricky part. Our painless and
progressive instruction methods deal with this in detail.
Class sizes are kept small (max. 4
students to an instructor) to ensure individual attention A
range of fully equipped sea kayaks is used to gain experience with different handling
characteristics. Full catering to fuel the engine and protective
clothing are provided to ensure warmth and comfort.
Something to think about. A
responsible attitude to safety is paramount to sea kayaking. A
respect for the sea is critical. "Don't argue with the sea... , it will win every time!"
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Which course?
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Ian Ribbons - Aust. Canoe Inc. qualified
Sea Instructor and Assessor.
as well as designer of the
Meridian "Cygnet"
single sea kayaks.
All instructors employed on our courses are accredited to at least AC Inc. qualified Sea Instructors.
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Paddling tip!
Energy efficient and injury preventative
paddling techniques!
To some these two may seem to be at odds
with each other. However, they are the same as each supports the
other.
Paddling Injuries mostly affect the wrists, forearms and shoulders and
are usually associated with tendon strain, joint damage and nerve
damage. Paddling injuries it would seem, occur together with
inefficient and energy wasting techniques.
How does this happen? Energy is wasted when the arms are
raised high in the air and often results in shoulder damage and forearm
tissue damage.. Raising the upper arm above the shoulder joint
causes undue wear and tear to the ball joint as well as possible
dislocation during a bump or capsize.
If the paddle is held too close to the body and the wrists are bent,
the levering action is reduced thus causing excess force to be
applied to the wrists and forearms. |
Wrists and forearms are affected when excess weight is placed on bent
wrists and when hands and fingers are squeezed on the paddle as in
"pulling" the stroke. This can affect blood supply to the fingers
and nerves.
How to fix it?
ALL strokes require torso rotation. That means using the muscles
in the upper body (back
and abdomen) instead of the arms to do the
work. When both shoulders rotate with the body, the arms, wrists
and hands do not need to change shape or position on the paddle shaft.
The upper hand will tend to push and the bottom hand to pull on the
paddle shaft. Doing this will also relieve strain on the bicep
muscles at the front of the upper arm.
A sea kayak is not a gymnasium. The effort required ought to be
consistent and firm, not heavy and jerky. Efficient technique will
beat brute strength any day. |
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Introduction to
Sea Kayaking Course. (1 Day)
What is sea kayaking?
What's the attraction?
Can I do this? Is it for me? How do I get started?
All your questions are answered on this specially designed
1 Day "Introduction to the sea kayak" course.
The aim is to simply get you aquainted
with sea kayaking. We begin with a tour of the sea kayak's
features (safety and convenience), accessories and gear used in sea
kayaking. Then onto the water for some energy efficient and injury
preventative paddling techniques so you can make the kayak go where you
want it to go. Once you are comfortable in the sea kayak, its off
on a short tour of the bay taking our lunch with us. Along the way
you will be introduced to rescue techniques and some seamanship theory
such as weather, navigation, planning, etc.
NO previous experience is required as this course is designed for
the novice in particular. People with disabilities are encouraged
to attend this course. Until you have a go you will never know
what you are capable of.
The only prerequisite is a sense of fun and adventure as well as a
desire to expand your horizons.
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Sea Kayaking Fundamentals Courses.
2 Day or 4 Day durations.
A perfect introduction to the fundamentals of sea kayaking required to enjoy fun
and safe sea kayaking.
Watch a video..
The "Fundamentals" of these courses will
build a good foundation for further skills development. With effective
instruction there is no sea kayaking skill too advanced for the
beginner. The same techniques that apply in calm water also apply in
advanced sea conditions ( only better done with more practice and
experience). Instead of teaching beginners to paddle like
beginners, we teach you how to start using and developing sound techniques.
That is why we prefer to call it "fundamental skills" rather than
"beginner skills". The course content is mostly practical - sea kayak paddling
skills with some theory covering seamanship such as a working knowledge of weather,
tides, trip preparation, and responsibilities. The courses are conducted on sheltered
waters with low waves up to 1/2 metre. The ideal primer to lakes and estuary
paddling and a solid foundation for the more intrepid.
NO previous experience is required as both courses begin with
basic stroke technique, rescues and seamanship theory.
From there our fully qualified Sea Instructors will continue to
progress you through more proficient skills of surf negotiation,
coastal navigation, weather prediction and of course Inuit (Eskimo)
rolling!.
The only prerequisite is a sense of fun and adventure and a
moderate level of fitness.
Options to choose.
Wilsons Prom - residential courses:
2 Day
and 4 Day
durations.
OR
Port Philip Bay :
2 Day sea kayaking courses
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Sea Proficiency and Advanced Skills.
Building
on the Fundamentals Sea skills, these instructional
days are a fun way of
developing and refining more skills to enjoy extended sea kayak touring.
Practical skills days with surf up to one metre for Proficiency and two meters for Advanced.
Plus expedition style
Surfing!
Rolling! Expeditions! Stroke technique! Wow!
Course details.
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Sea Instructor and Sea Guide Award Courses.
Meridian Kayak offers opportunities for leadership training in the sea
kayak industry. Globally, sea kayaking is the fastest developing nature
based adventure activity with an increasing need for competent and well
qualified staff.
Sea guides lead
a variety of sea kayaking activities as well as extended expeditions into remote places and are
responsible for the well being of their clients.
Sea Instructors are charged with the responsibility of instructing
students in a broad range of sea kayak skills and knowledge.
Our innovative training programs are designed
to equip adventure leaders with the necessary skills to secure employment
in this exciting and growing industry.
 Meridian Kayak has a variety of options to gain skills and qualifications.
All Australian Canoeing Inc. Sea Instructor competencies are covered in these
courses.
Course
details are explained in full..
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BOOKINGS
To book your place on any of these courses or to simply find out more, you can simply,
- Phone the office -
1300 656 433
- and speak to someone directly who can answer
any further questions,
OR
- Go to the Booking Page to download the forms (#!#!! paperwork!)
OR
- Simply use the
email facility here!
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