Adventure Guide Stand Up Paddleboarding
Water Skills Academy
Who and what is WSA?
WSA offers instructor qualifications, workshops, mentoring and consultancy across the disciplines of SUP, surfing, lifeguarding, coasteering and sit on top kayaking to support the water sport enthusiast in their pursuit of a relationship with wind, water and waves while nurturing a vision of sustainability through responsibility. Over the years WSA trainers have learnt their trade through to understanding the oceans, waterways and rivers is not something that happens overnight, as anyone with experience will tell you.
Why Choose Us?
WSA trainers have pioneered and been at the leading edge of stand up paddleboarding, surfing, coasteering, sit on top kayaking and lifeguarding courses WSA trainers are extremely highly qualified and experienced in their chosen disciplines with a wealth of knowledge skills that span the globe from the frigid North to the tropical South Pacific islands.
The depth of coaching and leadership knowledge in all areas is unsurpassed bringing together experiences, owning and managing schools, national centres and commercial businesses. We listen to industry needs, however more importantly we listen to our clients to help grow the WSA family These key features combined separates the Water Skills Academy from any other provider in this field and guarantees you the best experience whether you are becoming a coach, leader, school or centre owner or just simply wanting to improve your own ability.
About this Course
The WSA SUP Adventure course has been designed to leave candidates feeling confident with the knowledge and skills to manage groups, plan and operate journeys, and coach and lead groups in a range of open water environments. Open water can be classed as coastal
areas (excluding over falls and strong tidal races), estuaries, slow moving rivers, large lakes and lochs, bays and large waterways.
Whilst the course will increase knowledge of this type of area of operation, it is the coach / leader / guide who must ultimately act within the remitts of their experience and knowledge.
The remit of the Adventure Award is to be able to effectively manage groups on journeys in open water/slow moving rivers (see moving water grades) over periods of more than one day in daylight hours. Operational area should be no more than 1km from shore and journeys with regular accessible stops no more than 2km apart
Recommended Ratio: 1:6 / maximum 1:8 (conditions dependent).
This award encompasses moving water; however it is not a whitewater award. WSA consider moving water to be rivers without sections of whitewater above grade 1 and not in spate. This includes the running of weirs as this is considered above grade 1 and will be presented in the WSA SUP Whitewater Award. For the instructor, the challenge is in passing on issues central to safety, logistics, equipment choice, and board and paddle skills.
Chapter 1: Open Water and the Law
This chapter will explore the various laws and legal considerations that should be taken into account when operating in the open ocean and open waterways Although this chapter seeks to inform the prospective guide about the considerations he/she must take, it must be stressed that it is ultimately the guides responsibility to inform themselves and adhere to any laws and/or policies that may affect them. This is subject to change depending on the location and therefore careful research and planning is required
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Understand the need and requirements for holding a AALS license.
● Understand the need to research local byelaws.
● Understand the need to research various environmental laws which may be subject to geographical variations.
● Understand how these laws may affect your sessions and activity offerings. In the United Kingdom when offering adventurous activities commercially to young people under the age of 18, we must hold an Adventure Activities License (AALS), issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Activities that are ‘in scope’ include Stand-up Paddle boarding (SUP) in open water This includes large lakes/lochs and rivers and coastal environments. For further guidance on the licensing procedure refer to www.hse.gov.uk.
Many countries will have specific laws related to ‘Craft’. We must, as responsible coaches/guides, research and recognise these and adhere to them. Local byelaws may also often apply for craft operating in areas under local constituency control These may also extend to marinas and other coastal environments.
In its simplest form we, as coaches, guides or instructors, school owners and centre owners, have a duty of care to all those we introduce to our activity, take on the water and journeys. Whilst ensuring their safety we must also provide a positive experience to return or tell others.
Environmental
Access and environmental laws differ throughout the world. It is again essential that we as coaches are aware of and understand access restrictions. For example, paddling on canals in England and Wales requires a license. We must also consider seasonal restrictions to water, for example, journeying on lochs in Scotland may have restricted landing due to the stag-hunting season. The internet, local knowledge and reports from relevant authorities are all sources of information. These situations differ throughout the world and on a smaller scale locally. In some areas we as outdoors people are encouraged to use waterways. This encouragement can come in many forms with purpose built access and egress points, paddle trails and also shuttles being readily available. In all circumstances as professional coaches and guides we must remain positive, courteous and sympathetic to those who share our environment.
Chapter 2: Leadership
This chapter seeks to highlight the key considerations that need to be met in order to effectively lead and manage a group on an adventure tour. Due to the highly variable nature of SUP on exposed coastal routes and waterways it is crucial that good group management practice is adopted and adhered to. This not only extends to careful planning in advance but also to your position within the group itself and how you communicate with them
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Understand what is meant by the C.L.A.P.T model.
● Understand how we can communicate effectively with our groups with you use of signals and positioning.
● Understand the importance of maintaining a clear line of sight in order to have absolute control over the group.
● Have an awareness of the ocean and open water environment.
● Have an awareness of how we avoid potential hazards.
● Know what is meant by a CATCH area and how to identify one
● Be able to explain what is meant by the term, ‘position of most usefulness’.
● Have an awareness of time frames when planning and conducting a session/tour.
When operating in exposed areas we need to maintain a level of control over our groups, this is essential as our environment can change suddenly and / or be affected by others It is essential that for some journeys we ensure that our group members are capable of completing the journey safely and with enough skill and fitness. However, we can also design small journeys and sessions to challenge group members and enhance their skills and knowledge. This is something that we as coaches/leaders need to decide on using our experience, knowledge and skill. We can apply a simple process to be reflected in our leadership of journeys and during sessions. When coaching, leading, guiding if we implement the C.L.A.P.T model an easy to use management system will be in place.
2.1 Communication
How we communicate with individuals and groups prior to the session with regards to setting out the parameters of the session, how we plan to and off the water and the methods used is very important. This could encompass the use of hand signals, paddle signals, whistle, radio, VHF and phone. Whilst we may not use a VHF radio or phone to communicate during a session, the group should know where the instructor’s phone or radio is and emergency numbers to call in the case an emergency situation arises. This should be backed up by briefing our students on the route, emergency plans and actions to be taken so that everyone is aware of the procedures to follow in an emergency
Air Traffic Control: We may need to consider and introduce new hand or paddle signals additional to those used in our SUP Foundation Coach Award. Examples of additional signals may include ‘one paddler at a time’, ‘all paddlers together’ or ‘all paddlers to up’. Whilst the WSA offers some ideas, as long as you, your team and your clients know what each signal means then this is fine, remember, keep them simple as they may be used in adverse conditions.
2.2 Line of Sight
When leading and coaching we need to maintain a ‘line of sight’ with all our clients. This allows us to view the progress of our group, assessing their competence during the journey / session. Therefore we must constantly be working around our clients and environment to be able to maintain this. When negotiating areas where we may have to lose sight we must design and employ a strategy that sight. We can also consider using an assistant member of staff and encourage clients to look out for one another and paddle at the pace of the slowest paddler to ensure the group stays together.
Figure 2: Here we can see a situation where to group is navigating a tight series of arches and submerged rocks. It is this type of situation that requires a well-controlled and well managed group in order to maintain a line of sight with all group members.
2.3 Avoidance or Awareness
Awareness of the Environment: this requires an ongoing dynamic risk assessment based on previous experiences in a range of situations and conditions. As experienced outdoor professionals we develop a good understanding of the weather, paying attention to the changes in weather, approaching fronts and the how they affect local conditions and the
conditions of our overall environment. This essential skill can make a journey more pleasurable or more importantly reduce risk. Details of how to plan for weather are covered in chapter 5.
Avoidance: we must consider planning our journey to avoid high-risk areas where possible. However during journeys or sessions we may come across areas or obstacles which we have not planned for In this instance we must make every effort to avoid increased risk whilst not placing more risk on our clients. At times we will need to avoid stopping or slowing down such as when crossing a lane of marine traffic or in a developing head wind.
To help manage the group we can identify a CATCH area, out of way of traffic or in shelter from the wind. We can use this as a target and a way of breaking up a journey into manageable chunks. We can use the CATCH area to rest, brief, re-group and assess. When leading and using several of the catch areas we may refer to the part in between as a ‘leg’. We must also consider avoiding fisherman fishing from both land and sea. You should always anticipate that a fisherman’s equipment may potentially stretch 100’s of meters from their location and you should actively make efforts to paddle your group around a fishing area if viable to do so.
group to gather and for the guide to give any important information regarding the next leg of the journey.
2.4 Position
Position of most usefulness is an ongoing assessment where the guide will position him or herself in areas around or within the group to be the most effective. An example of this may be positioning between an entrance to a pontoon allow the guide to see ahead, plan ahead and take action if necessary before a client/group is placed at risk. A positioning plan or tactic will be used when we are launching clients and/or landing them on beaches, banks, pontoons etc Position of most usefulness also plays a large part when launching or landing a group.
2.5 Tops Tops and / or Time
Top Tips: Providing the groups with tips whilst on the move not only keeps the session engaging but also makes paddling more effective, especially over long distances. A Top tip for a crosswind leg is to ‘paddle on the downwind side’; this keeps the board on a steady course and limits the board slipping downwind. This tip can be mentioned to the whole group or just given to individuals as and when necessary.
Our group management extends to the shape of the group to allow us to be able to manage the situation; leading from the front may not be the answer Structuring the group in a certain shape and positioning ourselves appropriately should ease the management process, allow us to communicate easily and have sight of all our group members. Being able to communicate effectively allows us to pass on tips to clients in order to help them gain more from the session.
Figure 4 below: In this picture, the wind is moving right to left. The instructor has positioned herself on the downwind side of the client and will be able to stop or limit the amount of drift by the other paddler.
In this picture, the instructor is between the two rear paddlers with another paddler in front. Here, she is able to communicate with everyone as well as see the entire group easily and control the group’s speed.
Time: When guiding a session it is vital that you take into account the time you have for the session/tour to take place. This includes considering how conditions may change throughout or group fatigue, both of which slows down the pace and increases journey time Although your tours should challenge the participants you have a responsibility to plan a route that is easily manageable in the allotted time. You should also take into account time needed for any rest stops along the route and where such stops can be taken. It is recommended that, before doing a route with clients, the guide knows the route extensively in all conditions so that accurate timing predictions can be made. You should also consider time needed to set up and move equipment and if necessary arrive early to prepare in advance.
2.6 Effective Leadership on the Water
We have discussed positioning earlier however being a leader or guide does not always mean doing this front the front. In certain circumstance we must position ourselves and use other group members or coaches/leaders throughout a journey or leg
In this image, the instructor is calling a student off the beach. A simple signal is used. As the instructor is on the water she is able to wait for the swell to pass and call the student out in between sets
Whilst we may send our clients to a designated, pre identified area, such as a catch area, person or bank / beach, we must avoid sending clients off without clear and concise instructions about where and what they are aiming for. Failure to do so will undoubtedly cause confusion and a breakdown in communication When communicating we must ensure that our instructions are understood prior to being used, therefore where we position our group and ourselves is very important to ensure our signal is not only seen but also understood
There is no point in shouting up wind to a group desperately trying to maintain position and stability. Choose what you say, how you say it and where you say it wisely.
Chapter 3: Launch and Recovery
This chapter is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to safety manage your group when launching and landing through surf at beach breaks. Due to the potential risk for incident the WSA recognizes this as an area of guiding that must be covered in detail. By having an effective procedure for launching and landing you will be able to minimise the risk of injury and decrease the time required to launch and therefore increase journey time
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Identify the considerations you must make when launching and landing groups.
● Have knowledge of how you should navigate a group through small waves and shore dumps.
● Be able to explain to correct procedure for launching including paddle handling.
● Be able to explain correct prone paddling technique whilst navigating waves.
● Have an understanding of how you would manage a group when returning to shore with small breaking waves.
● Have knowledge of the way in which we should explain to clients how to return to shore.
When launching and landing groups we need to apply a strategy but be willing to alter or change it. As a Foundation coach we understand how we can safely instruct a group to launch or land by getting into a safe prone or kneeling position When launching or landing groups we will need to consider where the guides position is most effective. This will depend on the group’s ability, the conditions and the landing on. It will be through trying different methods in different environments we will learn, gain knowledge and apply this
For example, in some situations we as the coach can launch or land first calling each member to us or alternatively we may want to launch the group to a safe area or with an assistant and then follow. This is ultimately down to being the position of most usefulness and in a position where we manage the highest risk.
3.1 Navigating Shore Dump or Small Surf
When entering the water where waves are breaking it is crucial that you do so safely in order to minimise risk and chance of injury. Since SUP boards are large pieces of equipment it remains important that you keep your board under control at all times whether launching or landing through surf. It is important that at an instructor you educate and inform your group on how to do this as it will speed up the process allowing you to have more time on your journey for travelling.
Depending on the conditions we may choose to launch our clients one by one or as a group. This can be made easier by making use of assistants if available to help launch the group between sets. If conditions are tricky it is wise to take an assistant with you. If this is the case you should always have the more experienced member of staff helping launch the clients and the other waiting out past the waves as a visual marker.
When launching through surf do so by pushing the board by your side through the waves. It is useful to position yourself towards the tail end of the board so that you can push on the tail to elevate the nose when a wave approaches. The paddle should be placed on the deck and pressed against it with your leading hand.
When working with groups and launching in a surf zone you should either:
● Ensure there is enough room between each individual so as to minimise contact should someone lose control of their board.
● Or, launch clients one by one.
When you reach waist depth it is quite often a good idea to lie on the board in the prone position with the paddle firmly wedged under your chest. As each wave approaches paddle hard towards the wave to gain momentum and push up as the wave passes underneath. Keep the nose of the board always pointing straight into the oncoming waves. Timing is key. It may be better to wait for a break in the swell or chop (lull) rather than to rush into launching
On days in when the surf is smaller and you are confident in your group’s ability you may encourage paddling out on knees. If you choose to do this you must make sure your group know the correct action for a wipeout and that all members of the group fully understand.
When paddling on your knees it is important to remain in the ‘sweet spot’ of the board whilst maintaining a neutral position with your knees. When approaching the oncoming wave you may wish to sit back onto your heels in order to brace the impact and then reach with your paddle over the top of the wave to pull yourself up and over (see figure 5). If is important to build up some speed in order to ‘punch’ through the oncoming waves.
3.2 Returning to Shore
When returning to shore it is important that the instructor remains vigilant at all times when returning through the surf zone This can be for a number of reasons including:
● Members of the group may drift towards surf zone.
● Rogue waves may break further out than anticipated.
● Other water users and their equipment must be avoided.
● Rip currents where water from the beach is exiting in deeper channels must be avoided.
If your group is made up of strong and efficient paddlers it may be sensible to paddle your group in through the rip currents since this is where there will be the least number of waves breaking However this should be a dynamic assessment of your group capabilities since they may have started the journey strong but may be fatigued by the time they reach the shore. If you are in any doubt then you should find the safest area of the beach to land. When landing it is crucial that you give clear and concise instructions on how to do so and make clear to the group what you expect to see. Again it is useful to reiterate the action for wipeout and command signals.
Depending on the conditions you may wish to demonstrate to your group first or have them go in one at a time whilst you wait with the rest of the group. You should make use of assistants when they are available for this This is a dynamic decision based on the prevailing conditions, location and ability of the group. When instructing the groups how to return to shore make sure you do so well past the breaking zone of the waves to avoid any risk of being caught in the impact zone. You may wish to position yourself facing out to sea so you can observe oncoming swell.
1. When paddling in through the surf it is recommended that clients paddle either in the prone position or on their knees. When doing so it is important that the paddle is secure and that their position on the board is towards the tail to avoid the board from nose-diving.
2. If a wave is unavoidable encourage clients to paddle in between waves. Look over shoulder every 2-3 seconds to anticipate what is coming and to adjust paddle strokes accordingly (Remember clients are not actively trying to catch the waves and make sure the pathway is clear).
3. As the wave picks the board up lean back onto heels to transfer some weight to the tail to avoid nose-diving.
4. Once the board is planing across the water maintain your speed by paddling. This should be done whilst remaining in a kneeling position to maintain a flat planning board.
5. Once the board is in shallow water and you have dismounted ensure that the board remains by your side at all times with the nose pointing towards the shore. The image below is the wrong position and the board will be ripped from the hands
Chapter 4: Equipment
Having the correct equipment that is fit for purpose is a fundamental element of any paddle boarding experience. This chapter identifies the equipment available to guides and what considerations should be taken when planning a journey and the equipment that you take with you.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Identify different leash types and where they should be used.
● Understand when a buoyancy aid should be worn and how they should be checked
● Understand the breadth of board choice available and what types of boards are suitable for journeying.
● Identify the different paddle types and how certain features can be beneficial for paddleboard journeying.
● Understand the different clothing options that are available and the advantages of each relating to the environment you are guiding in.
● Be able to identify all key safety equipment and why we need to take them. There are many pieces of equipment that we can use to achieve a safe and positive session on the water for both guide and client. In this chapter we list the range that it available to us but this is not exhaustive and it is essential to use the correct equipment for the situation, journey time of year or group make up.
4.1 Leashes
The essential piece of equipment when on the water. If we are running flat water and journey sessions it is appropriate to use a leash that sits mostly out of the water to limit drag, snagging and loading- in this instance a coiled leash would be the preferred option. If SUP schools orcoaches cannot afford a new or spare set of leashes then we can improvise by coiling the leash, securing with an elastic band to keep the leash out of the water If the leash is then loaded the elastic band simply springs off and the leash is functional.
Leashes can be ankle or knee fitting and if they were equipped with a quick release system this would be an additional safety measure.
Moving water leashes should be coiled, limiting snagging. It is essential that the paddler can release the leash if under load. It is therefore appropriate to recommend a knee leash with quick release or a harness (waist or chest) rig with a quick release system. See the Waist System and Knee Fitted Leash below:
4.2 PFD’s / Buoyancy Aids
At adventure level and above the WSA insist on wearing buoyancy aids for journeys and tours where there may be a potential increased chance of a client spending time in the water due to varying conditions and operating away from the shore. A guide’s buoyancy aid can be selected to encompass some simple but useful features such as pockets to carry communication equipment, knife, and whistle
All buoyancy aids should fit correctly and meet the weight requirements of the user. They should carry a CE marking and ISO as pictured above.
It is advisable that the buoyancy aid should be tested annually (see hse.gov for guidance) and is stored to manufacturers advice.
There is a great variety of buoyancy aids available - a good retailer will advise you on good centre buoyancy aids and instructor buoyancy aids.
4.3 Board
With such a variety of boards available to us, when undertaking journeys we must consider a balance between a stable but effective craft for moving forward over distance However for short journeys and adventures through arches, caves and along cliff areas perhaps slightly shorter boards may be more suitable. Inflatables (iSUPs) are a mainstay of schools and perhaps are suitable for fun adventure tours where bumping on rocks will occur. When considering boards for the leader we must select a board that is practical, performs well in challenging conditions and includes safety features such as bag/paddle storage and side handles for rescue. Generally, adventure boards should be over 10 foot 6 inches in length with enough volume to easily float the paddler and one other person if required.
4.4 Paddles
As we will be operating away from shore and our base we must consider not only the paddle we use but we should carry a spare paddle which we may have to use if a paddle breaks. In this instance spilt or break down paddles are suitable and can be carried very easily on the board under cargo strapping. When paddling a distance a lighter weight, smaller blade would benefit both client and staff.
4.5 Clothing
We must consider the time of year and environment we are undertaking our sessions/journeys and choose the most appropriate clothing. However, as with any country and weather, the clothing must provide protection from the environment and be fit for purpose. This change can often be seen occurring in minutes and we must ensure we are not caught out both clients and coaches.
To ensure your clients are easily identified by group instructors and guides we recommend coloured rash vests and branded if possible to be easily identifiable in busy areas
Dry Suits: These can be a superb and excellent addition. By wearing a thin layer / or thick (depending on activity and time of year) we can stay totally dry and warm throughout a session. They are ideal for winter months, providing water protection, wind proofing and with the addition of a few layers, suitable warmth Post session or times of emergency, we as the coach can stay comfortable while loading a van, trailer or while assisting others.
Wetsuits: A go to piece of clothing for the majority of water sports users, available in a range of styles, thicknesses and lengths. Whilst a great piece of protection, we must consider, time to be spent on the water and time of year of our sessions
Paddle Jacket or Cag: These items of clothing are a great addition to keep wind off the wetsuit or body, keeping the paddler warm and protected from a changing environment. They can be easily carried and stored.
Footwear: We have included this as a separate clothing item as there is nothing better than paddling bear foot with the texture of our boards under our feet, water washing over them When the temperature changes or we have to exit over a riverbank, pebble or rocky beach or worse deal with an emergency. Footwear is required and must not be neglected. Thought must also be given to footwear design and application. Many manufacturers are designing good footwear, which allows positive connectivity whilst maintaining protection. We could always stash our footwear in bum bags or under deck straps (this will be an essential consideration when planning)
4.6 Safety Equipment
As guides operating away from immediate assistance we need to consider carefully what safety equipment we carry and how we utilise it to manage emergencies that may occur during our session/journey. We must also undertake as well as the environmental considerations such as weather, time of year.
It will be a decision or preference for the coach whether the safety kit is on the person or secured to their board.
When we operate in saltwater areas it is essential that all equipment be washed with clean water after use, reducing corrosion, extending the life of equipment and maintaining safety features. In addition we must also take into account exposure to the sun and frost if storing or paddling during the winter months.
Chapter 5: Weather and Navigation
Being able to understand the weather and how to navigate around it or through it plays a large role in the planning and implementation of a session This chapter seeks to highlight the key considerations you should make with regards to weather and how they will affect your journey. It also seeks to make the reader aware of the various ways in which we can navigate on the water and therefore get to intended destinations.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Identify sources of weather information.
● Understand why monitoring the weather is important.
● Understand how the tides are affected by the sun and moon.
● Be able to name a variety of methods in which we can navigate on the water.
● Identify buoyage markers and what they are used to indicate
● Understand basic rights of way on the water.
5.1 Weather
As guides weather plays an essential part of our planning, location choice and session types. Ultimately weather can drastically change and make sessions/journeys a success or failure. Sources of weather information include the internet, radio, TV and on site inspection. When planning a route we must also apply the current weather, wind swell size, direction and period with any changes in the forecast and remnants of previous weather systems.
Using sites like Wind Guru and Magic Seaweed we can also ascertain the sea state, direction and period of swell. This is extremely important when planning a coastal journey. The picture below is a typical swell chart found on Magic Seaweed with the darker shaded areas indicating significant swell height. These models allow predictions of how and where the swell will arrive and at what height.
5.2 Tides
The state of the tide and its height can have a considerable effect on how we deliver our sessions Certain locations that have an adequate amount of water on a high tide can
turn reveal areas of exposed rock and sand as the tide drops.
Tides exist due to gravitational pull of the moon and sun, producing high and low waters, subject to a 6 hour flow time either way. This tidal flow is strongest in the 3rd and 4th hours, the strength of flow determined by the moon's proximity.
Some areas of the world are subject to very large tidal ranges, leading to many meters of variance (11m plus) and strong tidal flow, while areas such as the Mediterranean have marginal tidal range as do equatorial regions
Tidal effect is due to the sun and the moon moving around the earth. Their greatest effect is on a spring tide; the least is on a neap tide. Generally the seas reach their highest and lowest levels on the shore twice a day with an average interval between two successive tides of 12 hours and 25 minutes.
1 The rate of flow can present serious safety issues Spring (King) tides in particular can cause the greatest concern.
2. A thorough understanding of the relationship between the tides and how you operate at your location is vital prior to conducting sessions.
3. Variance in high and low waters can create a range of contrasting conditions.
4. Local knowledge of tides is essential and can be gained by seeking a local tide chart and / or speaking with experienced locals.
The alignment of the sun, moon and earth dictates whether the tides are Neap or spring
The moon orbits the earth in monthly cycles. The moons position affects the amount of gravitational pull on the earth’s oceans and seas.
5.3 Navigation
In this section we aim to provide you with some basic tools for navigation, however we would recommend a specific coastal navigation course (WSA Coastal Navigation).
Once we have planned our journey we will need to be able to apply our plan to the
actual process of carrying out the journey. We will be required to know exactly where we are at all times and therefore need to be able to navigate We can navigate by using various means including, maps, GPS, sketches or by using guidebooks. One of the most effective and simple ways will be to use an OS map and have the ability to use it by locating your position from the water to the land and also way marks throughout your journey. An OS map will show in details, bends in rivers, beaches and landmarks, which we can relate to They allow grid references to be used and stopping and escape routes planned.
GPS devices and mobile phone apps are now commonplace and are extremely useful. However we need to consider that we are operating in a marine environment and conditions may reduce our ability to use them. These devices and apps can assist in planning and recording distance, giving an exact location / grid reference or longitude / latitude.
When applying our local knowledge we can also add key features, safe areas and areas to avoid easily with pencil or pen. A good tip is to copy or cut the map to an area, which is manageable whilst we are on the move, but giving us space around the journey in case we choose to over run This is budget dependant We are also presented with the opportunity to impart our knowledge about the area and navigation allowing clients to learn a new skill, essential if they are to venture out not under the instruction of a qualified coach / guide.
Transits can be used while navigating and traveling with clients. Once mastered this skill allows an easy guide to speed and movement across ground
5.4 Buoyage
It is important to be aware of any local rules and regulations that apply in your operating area. Inland waterways and working ports have numerous rules and laws that you must make yourself aware of. Instructors must identify relevant channels, working areas and port boundaries prior to entering the water or conducting sessions Your risk assessment and Local Operating Procedure (LOP) should outline these areas in detail. Not respecting or adhering to these rules could prove fatal.
An isolated danger mark as defined by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities is a sea mark used in maritime pilotage to indicate a hazard to shipping such as a partially submerged rock.
A Safe Water Mark, as defined by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is a sea mark used in maritime pilotage to indicate the end of a channel. It usually implies that open, deep and safe water lies ahead, though it is sometimes also used to indicate the start and end of a buoyed section of a continuous narrow channel or a line of these marks can be used to mark a safe route through shallow areas.
A lateral buoy, lateral post or lateral mark, as defined by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is a sea mark used in maritime pilotage to indicate the edge of s channel. Each mark indicates the edge of the safe water channel in terms of port (left-hand in red) or starboard (right-hand in green)
Emergency wreck marking buoy can be used to mark a newly discovered hazard not yet shown in nautical documents Emergency Wreck Buoys provide a clear and unambiguous means of marking new wrecks. This buoy is used as a temporary response, typically for the first 24 - 72 hours. This buoy is coloured in an equal number of blue and yellow vertical stripes and is fitted with an alternating blue and yellow flashing light.
A Special Mark, as defined by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is a sea mark used in maritime pilotage. It is recognisable by its yellow colour and X, (often referred to as a St Andrews Cross) top-mark It has a distinctive sequence of various flashes that does not match any other navigational mark flashes in its vicinity.
Cardinal Marks
A cardinal mark is used in maritime pilotage to indicate the position of a hazard and the direction of safe water Cardinal marks indicate the direction of safety of which to navigate For example; a north Cardinal mark would indicate the you should keep to the north to avoid danger.
5.5 Other Craft
There is a hierarchy on waterways and rights of way. We must be aware that if we are using waterways and shipping channels that there is a certain order for rights of way. Powered vessels generally give way to sail unless under certain conditions or size of craft Sail then should give way to paddle craft We must understand whilst this is how it should work it is not always the case. We may not have been seen or
perhaps the other vessel with a draft (the part of the boat under the water) cannot move due to restricted water The simplest solution is to avoid busy areas, be seen if crossing a channel or simply, as we have a small draft, avoid channels.
Chapter 6: Journey Planning
Thorough planning of a safe, fun and challenging journey makes a big difference in the overall outcome and satisfaction of your clients You will already be aware of the need to take into account the weather and other environmental factors when it comes to planning a session.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Understand what needs to be included in a journey plan.
● Understand the importance of having emergency exit points.
● Understand the importance of local knowledge and trialing routes prior to taking clients
● Explain the different types of journey that can be feasibly undertaken.
When planning journeys we must consider a range of parts that make up the positive experience of a journey These include, equipment, groups capability and experience, weather, location, break out areas, landing and launching, environment and emergency exit points, tides and flows. Once we have gathered this information we can apply this collective knowledge to a suitable journey. Journeys, long or short can be undertaken in several different ways, the return journey or out and back or the one direction journey
Return Journeys or out and back can be great for a mid way stopping point, out and around islands and back or using tidal or river movement. If planned properly any water movement can assist the group in making the journey as easy and enjoyable as possible. We must however consider, what are we going to do if the wind increases, flow increases and how are we going to return to our start point
One-Way Journeys, this often gives a real sense of adventure but will require more
planning and often a feeling of more commitment. In this instance we will need to consider transport from our exit point, what will our exit be like when we arrive and have contingency plans in place. When planning any journey we must plan in stopping or safe points to gather, rest and evaluate. We must without doubt also build in emergency exit points. Local knowledge can never be underestimated and a pre-paddled journey would be advisable in all circumstances It is essential that you leave a plan of the journey with a nominated person / centre.
Chapter 7: Hazards
As with any sport paddle boarding comes with its own set of associated hazards. This chapter seeks to highlight the main hazards that are encountered during an adventure tour and how they can be minimised and managed. By understanding the nature of hazards and how they can be managed the guide can provide a safe yet challenging experience for all participants.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
● Identify the risks and hazards associated with the open ocean environment and how they can be managed.
● Understand that all routes have unique hazards and should be researched prior to tours.
● Understand the hazards associated with inland waterways.
● Identify hazards associated with moving water.
● Identify the hazards associated with lightning and how they can be managed.
● Understand the 30/30 rule.
8.1 Open Water
We may view hazardous areas as a place to avoid all times however, in the right conditions and with the right group we may find that testing our groups will develop skills, our leadership, and the enjoyment of paddlers. We must therefore look at the risk benefit and apply this to stages of our journeys.
Caves or openings can provide great excitement and enhance turning in close quarters, whilst learning about how they are created.
8.2 Cliffs
Cliffs may cause clapotis (lapping of water from rebound swell), and unbalance paddlers. In this instance it may be advised to adopt paddling in the SAFE position. Tidal flows will need to be calculated for a journey and can and will assist the journey if calculated correctly. A low flow no more than 2 knots is ideal
At this level we must avoid over falls as they are for advanced journeys and lower ratios.
8.3.1 Other hazards
Other hazards may include fishing lines and other water users. Becoming tangled in line can happen and with the danger of hooks in the between the line and us. This is where it is advisable to carry a knife should such an issue occur
In the image below, the instructor has not only identified the fisherman and line in the water ide of any
8.3.2 Marine life can become an issue and this may depend on seasonal variations. For example, September and October in certain areas of the UK coast, seals are having their pups We must ensure that we do not disturb any animals and avoid certain areas at this time. In other areas this avoidance can be down to other ocean predators and nesting seabirds.
8.3.3 Open crossings add a real sense of adventure (with 1km of coast), when undertaking these we must set up our group, ensure we are in the position of most usefulness and fully brief clients to take action quickly if required.
8.3.4 Beach breaks can present challenges and cause injuries if not managed carefully As previously mentioned we must consider options for landing an launching groups and ensure clients are briefed on safe approach to shore with equipment and egressing.
8.4 Inland Moving Water
When paddling on slow moving rivers and waterways we must pay attention to hazards appearing more quickly that we might have thought. This can be due to the increased speed of travel as well as other water users under power; marinas are a prime example of this
Dynamics of Moving Water
Moving water in a channel or river will always flow quicker on the outside of a bend. This will create a deeper channel on the outside and together will force objects and paddlers on this course
We must be aware of river dynamics as even on slow moving rivers the flow, coupled with trees or debris on outside banks can be fatal so must be judged correctly or avoided.
8.5 Associated Hazards
Another particular hazard of waterways can be bridge stanchions. These can cause a ‘wrap’ where the paddler goes one side the board the other. Getting out of this circumstance will be challenging.
In the image below the paddlers are paddling against a slow moving current and are aiming to stop behind the bridge stanchion under the direction of the instructor.
Marinas with moving traffic, blind corners and obstacles will often cause issues to groups, however again with good group management they can be a great place to paddle. If we are crossing traffic lanes then we must cross directly at 90 degrees or travel in the correct direction of flow, to the outer edges perhaps in the shallower water where other craft cannot use.
Estuary flows will work in two directions and whilst seemingly slow at first may increase with and stages of tide. They may also cause back eddies or re circulating currents which may lead / take us into higher risk areas. When operating in such areas we must pay particular attention to underwater / submerged obstacles, buoys, mooring lines, engine blocks and debris to name a few.
Other craft will be able to identify us with a good line of sight however in areas where we may be prone we must remain visible and avoid or pass through navigation channels.
8.6 Weirs
Weirs are found on rivers throughout the world. They range in size and level of danger. For this course we will assume that all weirs are dangerous and will cause injury, therefore are to AVOIDED at all costs from approach below or above. If we are undertaking a journey where weirs are present, we must insure that the group is stopped and egress well above the hazard and enter the water well below avoiding any turbulence or tow back. (This award is not a moving water award of grade 1 – 2 water).
8.7 Canals
Canals are a great way of exploring in a sheltered environment. We must remain vigilant to other water users, tunnels and locks. As it’s simple to step onto the bank before and after most locks we recommend portaging them.
8.8 Lightning
Lighting can be a real danger when we are outside First and foremost a good weather forecast will equip us with the knowledge of the weather for the day or over an expedition. However, we may be forced to take action when out on the water or when coaching outdoors. If possible when seeing lighting we should seek shelter.
● Ideally, seek shelter inside a large building or a motor vehicle keeping away from, and getting out of wide, open spaces and exposed hilltops.
● If you are exposed to the elements with nowhere to shelter, make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, hands on knees and your head tucked in. This technique keeps as much of you off the ground as possible.
● Do not shelter beneath tall or isolated trees, it has been estimated that one in four people struck by lightning are sheltering under trees.
● If you are on water, get to the shore and off wide, open beaches as quickly as possible as water will transmit strikes from further away. Studies have shown that proximity to water is a common factor in lightning strikes.
30/30 Rule
Research shows that people struck by lightning are predominantly hit before and after the peak of the storm. This means that you should be thinking about the proximity of the lightning, not the occurrence of rain The 30/30 rule provides a good way of ensuring one is sheltering during the most risky parts of the storm. It proposes that if the flash to bang is 30 seconds in length or less you should seek shelter. Staying inside this shelter is advised until 30 minutes past the last clap of thunder. This ensures that any distant strikes at the beginning of the storm (lightning can travel up to 10 miles), or trailing storm clouds at the back of the storm do not take anyone by surprise. We must also remember that under the Health and Safety Act we also have a responsibility to our employees.
We must, as skilled and experienced leaders find ways of limiting risks if possible, the most effective way may be just getting a paddler to knees or prone safe position. Experiences built while adventuring are invaluable when decision making, planning and guiding.
Glossary
This section describes the meaning and definitions of some phrases you may encounter when guiding/touring on a paddleboard. This list is by no means exhaustive and the WSA encourages all instructors to study and educate themselves in common nautical and navigational phrases.
● Back Eddies: this is when a piece of water is moving in the opposite direction to the main current.
● Beach/Bank fast; Getting stuck with no way to re-launch, perhaps in a heavy surf zone or mud bank on a river.
● Beaufort Scale; a numerical method of describing wind strength.
● CE/ISO markings; The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops standards that help companies monitor and improve their processes and products, in terms of quality, environmental impact, safety, reliability, efficiency and interchangeability. These marking are present on all safety equipment.
● Chart datum; the reference level on charts to which tidal heights are referred.
● Clapotis; This is where incoming waves meet waves bouncing away from a solid surface, such as a cliff or breakwater, causing a very confused piece of water.
● Ebb; out-flowing tide.
● Flood; incoming tide
● Height of tide; a figure taken from the tide tables indicating the depth of water above the chart datum.
● Isolated Danger Mark; buoyage marks indicating a hazard, such as a wreck directly below the mark.
● Knot, (Kts.); a unit of speed, nautical miles per hour.
● Leeway; sideways movement of a vessel usually caused by the wind.
● Magnetic north; the northerly position of the Earth’s magnetic field, this is varies from the True North
● Nautical mile; a unit of distance that is equal to 1/60 of a degree as measured along a line of longitude at the latitude of the distance to be measured.
● Neaps; the lowest tides in the tidal range, occurring when the sun and moon are in quadrature.
● Range Markers, or Transits; marks or lights which when in line indicate a safe channel.
● Secondary port; in the Tide Tables this is a port where the details have to be worked out in relation to a Standard Port.
● Slack water; the interval at high and low water where the stream ceases momentarily before changing direction.
● Spring tide; where the rise and fall or range of the tide is greatest, occurring around the time of the full and new moon.
● Standard port; a port for which the Tide Tables give full details and from which Secondary Port details can be extrapolated.
● Strait; a narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
● Transits; by selecting two points, lining them up we can use our vision to see if we are staying still (the two points stay together) or moving in a particular direction Either way will allow us to see if we are gaining or losing ground.