BCAB Weather, Tides, Surf and Swell, Navigation for Paddlers and Open Crossings modules
the building blocks for a reflective, flexible and dynamic decision making process
What to expect on a BCAB Weather, Tides, Surf and Swell, Navigation for Paddlers and Open Crossings modules course?
SUP Guides is able to provide the full range of British Canoeing Awarding body Navigation Awards. The following BCAB Navigation Modules can be delivered Shore based face to face, practically on the water or a blend of the two.
The moderate environment modules are: (suitable as the prerequisite for SUP tidal leader, SUP Coastal Leader, Sea Kayak Leader and Surf Kayak Leader)
- Weather
- Tides
- Surf and Swell
- Navigation for Paddlers
The Advanced module included with the above modules is suitable as the prerequisite for the Advanced Sea Kayak Leader.
- Open Crossings
These modules will provide you with the building blocks for a reflective, flexible and dynamic decision making process. You’ll develop your situational awareness whilst exploring the planning processes that will allow you to construct a reliable trip plan.
These modules are often covered during our leadership courses but some paddlers prefer a specific day looking at these areas in more depth. I would recommend these courses to aspirant leaders, coaches and any independent sea kayaker, surf kayaker or SUP paddler that wish to develop their seamanship/seapersonship.
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MORE ABOUT THE COURSE
COURSE CONTENT +
- How to interpret various sources of information including maps, charts, coastal pilots and tide tables.
- How to navigate on the water using visual references and simple pilotage techniques, e.g. transits and dead reckoning.
- Effective use of a compass.
- To source, interpret and apply weather information to the coastal environment.
- To understand and predict the effect of wind on tidal flow and swell conditions.
- About a range of resources required to plan trips in the coastal environment.
- About the role of the Coast Guard and the value of liaising with them.
- You will explore and practise different ways to access tidal stream information.
- You will have support planning more complex trips.
- You will develop techniques in calculating vectors and negotiating open crossings.
- Our tutors will share with you top tips in navigating in poor visibility.
- You will learn how to obtain, read and apply a variety of weather forecasts.
- We go into further depth about environmental factors affecting us.
- You will learn about swell generation, wind and current predictions including complex flows in turbulent areas and how these factors combine to increase or decrease conditions.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL +
There are no pre-requisites for these courses, it helps (but isn’t essential) if you have a basic understanding of some of the topics discussed.
Other than this, you just need to come with an open mind and thirst for understanding the dynamics of this amazing environment and the factors affecting how we interact with it.
AGE RESTRICTIONS +
The course is suitable for all ages. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an Adult.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? +
You may be part of an organised sea kayaking/ SUP club, a group of friends, an adventurous family or you may be a solo paddler.
The course is widely applicable and suitable for anyone wanting to undertake challenging journeys on the sea using a SUP or Kayak.
Technical and theoretical knowledge is not only useful, but essential for safe travel in the marine environment. This course will give you the confidence to plan and make sound decisions on an offshore trip including open crossings, strong tidal flows (greater than 3 knots) and stretches of coastline that are remote and hard to land on in poor visibility.
This course is very useful for anyone hoping to journey in the Advanced oceanic environment.
QUALIFICATIONS GAINED +
This is a theoretical skills course with no assessments or qualifications but you may wish to apply for a certificate of attendance from the British Canoeing awarding body.
WHERE? +
A venue will be decided upon before the course and all details will be sent through via email before the day.
WHAT TO BRING +
We will provide all the charts, maps and equipment you need for the day. You will have the opportunity to use chart plotters, diagonal rulers, compasses and dividers.
You will need to bring along a method for note taking e.g. notepad or laptop.