Canoe Wales Pool Blades Awards

Notes for Guidance of Assessors

POOL AWARDS

Purpose of Award

The Canoe Wales Pool Blade Awards are specifically geared to canoeing in the swimming pool and have been introduced to encourage more young people to take up the sport and to develop their skills in a safe and progressive manner.

Venue

For the purpose of assessment, it assumes use of a 25 metre swimming pool. Assessors should use their own judgement where a different size pool is used.

Assistance may be given on launching and entry to kayak where height from water to pool side is over 300mm.

Guidance Notes

These notes are not intended as a definitive guide but as a means of judging the level at which the award should be assessed. Should further clarification be required refer to the "BCU Canoeing Handbook".

POOL BLADE LEVEL ONE

Assessor

Level One Coach or Level Two Trainee Coach or above

Teacher with Two Star Kayak or higher, subject to approval of Regional Coaching Organiser

Level Four Pool Blade Award Holder

Theory

Sample Questions:

What steps should be taken to avoid damage to the pool or surrounds?

State two pool rules

What are the origins of the kayak?

Why put buoyancy in a kayak?

Describe why and where you would wear a buoyancy aid or helmet?

Name three parts of the kayak.

Practical

1. Take Part in an organised pool session.

No time period given as the aim is to give the candidate a basic level of ability, encouraging safe practise, regard for equipment and fun.

2. Swim the length of the pool wearing a buoyancy aid.

Candidate should understand difference between buoyancy aid and, life jacket and demonstrate how to correctly put on and adjust.

3. Capsize and exit kayak.

If a spray deck is worn, this may be released before capsizing. The candidate should remain calm, quickly regain and maintain contact with the boat. Swim to the side and empty the boat. Help can be requested, as long as the candidate remains in charge of emptying.

4a. How to get in and out of kayak.

Candidate to demonstrate good lifting technique and carrying principles (assistance may be given). Boat to be afloat and balance to be maintained. The paddle must remain within reach or can be used to assist in getting into the boat.

4b. How to paddle forwards.

Candidates must show evidence that they are able to control the kayak in a straight line over a distance of 10 metres. Some directional instability is likely to occur but this should not include complete loss of forward momentum or careering from side to side.

4c. How to turn the kayak using sweep strokes.

Rotate 360 degrees on the spot. Spinning in both a clockwise and anti clockwise direction.

4d. How to paddle backwards.

The kayak should travel a distance of 5 metres. Turning the trunk and looking over one or both shoulders must be in evidence.

4e. How to stop in both directions.

Opposite motion should be in evidence within four strokes.

POOL BLADE LEVEL TWO

Assessor

Level One Coach or Level Two Trainee Coach or above

Teacher with Two Star Kayak or higher, subject to approval of Regional Coaching Organiser

Level Five Pool Blade Award Holder

Theory

Sample Questions:

Practical

1. Take part in a minimum of 3 hours of pool sessions.

As session times vary minimum requirement 3 hours, record to be kept in back of log book for all sessions.

2. Know how to handle a paddle correctly and understand the use of the control hand.

Candidate should be able to select length of paddle to suit their height and demonstrate use of control hand.

3. a. Get in and out of kayak unassisted.

Launching:

Candidate to demonstrate good lifting and carrying principles. Boat to be afloat and entry into it without any aid from the paddle.

Disembarking:

Correct approach to the bank, exit kayak without use of the paddle. Balance and control of kayak to be maintained.

3. b. Paddle forwards in a straight line, the length of the pool.

Posture upright but natural. Continuous rhythmic paddling, some trunk rotation in evidence. A reasonable degree of steering accuracy to be achieved.

3. c. Turn the kayak, through 360 degrees, using sweep strokes- in three strokes or less on each side - forward and reverse.

Spinning using the appropriate combination of forward and reverse sweeps. Some body rotation in evidence.

3. d. Paddle backwards half the length of the pool, in a straight line.

Candidates should demonstrate controlled accurate reverse paddling towards a point defined by assessor. Looking over one or both shoulders and unwinding the trunk to produce power must be in evidence. Back (non drive) face of the paddle presented to the water.

3. e. Stop in both directions in less than four strokes.

The kayak should be travelling at a good cruising speed and motion in the opposite direction should be evident by the fourth stroke.

3. f. Low support stroke - both sides - kayak off balance.

A good firm push, with associated hip rotation, should be evident.

3. g. Make the kayak move sideways - half width of pool (both sides) using simple draw stroke.

Top hand high, blade well covered. The boat must keep a straight line sideways through the water. Blade to remain under water throughout.

4. Sit on back of the kayak with legs either side and paddle.

5. Capsize and exit (with spray deck) and empty kayak, with assistance.

Wearing of spray deck is optional for younger candidates or those with special needs. The candidate should remain calm and quickly regain and maintain contact with kayak. The paddle should be retained, or collected by swimming the kayak to the paddle. Swim not more than 5 metres and empty the boat on the side. Help can be requested as long as the candidate remains in charge of emptying.

POOL BLADE LEVEL THREE

Assessor

Level Two Coach or above

Theory

Sample Questions:

Practical

1. Take part in a minimum of 6 hours of pool sessions.

As session times vary minimum requirement 6 hours, record to be kept in back of log book for all sessions.

2. Capsize with spray deck and swim to the side of the pool (self rescue) - minimum 3 metres from side.

3. Support strokes - water on deck and on both sides.

a.) High support

Kayak well off balance. Both stationary and on the move.

b.) Sculling for ten seconds.

The paddle to be kept low, nearly horizontal, the kayak edged so that it is off balance. Good confident committal to the paddle both sides. Drive face on the water (controlling hand side), leading edge of blade raised on each slow scull. Arms flexed in a natural position.

4. Make the kayak move sideways - the width of the pool (both sides)

a.) Simple Draw

Move boat sideways maintaining directional stability. Blade to remain submerged throughout stroke. Top arm no lower than shoulder height. Body Rotation. Lower arm extends fully at start of stroke, top hand acts as pivot.

b.) Sculling Draw

Body well rotated. Paddle shaft vertical, blade deep in the water. Kayak edged slightly to avoid water going onto deck. An effective sideways movement must be in evidence without the kayak turning.

5. Stand upright in boat from sitting position.

Candidate should be well away from bank and other paddlers to avoid injury if control is lost. Paddle may be used for support but must not touch the sides or bottom of pool.

6. Exit boat leaving it upright and re-enter.

Exit from the kayak in deep water, leaving it upright. Re-enter without assistance

7. Dribble length of pool with a ball (polo or football)

The candidate should show an ability to dribble a ball. The boat must be moving constantly during the test. Some directional instability is acceptable. The ball should be no more than 5 metres in front of the kayak and the candidate must use no more than 6 strokes between throwing the ball and collecting it each time.

8. Perform an Eskimo rescue as casualty and rescuer - demonstrate two methods.

A confident capsize and banging on the hull, with the rescuer moving in from 5 metres distance. A first time recovery must follow, but two attempts may be made. Candidate to act as both rescuer and casualty. Both styles of Eskimo rescue to be shown ie bow and paddle presentation. The rescuer must not approach at right angles to where the hands or body are located.

9. Perform an X rescue as a casualty and rescue. (Time limit 2 minutes).

The candidate to perform an efficient deep water rescue, with the candidate in complete control. Help may be given by the second person. It is important that boats have sufficient buoyancy and if possible air bags. Time limit for each task is two minutes, which includes replacing spray decks and recovering paddles.

POOL BLADE LEVEL FOUR

Assessor

Level Three Coach or above

Theory

Sample Questions:

Practical

There is no pre-requisite of time prior to assessment for this award however the candidate should still maintain a log book of sessions/experience.

1. Use a reaching rescue to recover a swimmer.

The candidate should be able to demonstrate a number of types of rescue with a variety of aids, over a distance of between 2 to 5 metres. The candidate to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of the methods demonstrated. Examples of non rigid aids - T-shirt, spray deck, buoyancy aid. Examples of rigid aids paddle, kayak, pool equipment.

2. Paddle two lengths of pool with swamped kayak.

It is important that boats have sufficient buoyancy and air bags are recommended.

Candidates must show they are able to control the kayak and maintain forward momentum in a straight line, although some directional instability is acceptable.

3. Perform bow rudder/ bow turn for two circuits of the swimming pool - both clockwise and anti- clockwise.

Candidate to paddle circuit of pool and at each corner perform a bow rudder to turn the kayak through 90 degrees. The intention is to indicate the kayak can be pivoted around the paddle. The turn to be induced by applying a sweep stroke on the opposite side of the turn. The blade should then be planted in the water at a comfortable distance from the gunwale, about level with the knees, with the drive face towards the boat but the leading edge angled away from the bow. Trunk rotation should be in evidence, the top arm across the top of the head. The boat is driven around the paddle by use of the opposite knee.

4. Recovery on both sides with shoulder in water.

Both stationary and on the move - both paddling forwards and backwards.

5. Perform two of the following:

The candidate is to perform two of the rolls mentioned above, should further expansion of the techniques involved be required refer to" BCU Canoeing Handbook".

6. Demonstrate a throw line rescue of struggling swimmer 10 metres away. Time limit 60 Seconds - the line must land within reach of swimmer.

The rescuer must adopt a stable position. Instructions should be clear. The rope must land within arms reach of swimmer. As many throws as are needed within 60 seconds can be made.

7. Take charge of an all in rescue of 4 kayaks within three minutes (spray decks on).

Rescue must take place in deep end of pool, contact with the bank is not allowed. Candidate to take part and be in control, giving clear instructions. Time stops when spray decks on, and paddles in hand of all paddlers.

8. Cross deck paddling across the width of the pool, perform on both sides.

Candidate to turn head and shoulders through 90 degrees, in order to paddle boat sideways by operating the paddle as normal. A slight lean away from the paddle is necessary.

9. Pass and catch a ball (polo or football) on the move three out of five times.

The candidate must be able to throw and catch a ball over distance of 5 metres while on the move, achieving their aim three out of five times for both throwing and catching. Target may be stationary.

10. Roll on the move.

Candidate to forward paddle at a reasonable speed, capsize and roll, followed by forward paddling. Any roll is acceptable.

11. Perform a Crossbow Rudder.

Good forward momentum is required. The paddle is lifted across to the opposite side of the kayak without altering the hand positions, and by employing good trunk rotation. The drive face of the paddle needs to be towards the kayak and commitment given to the paddle. The kayak should turn through 90 degrees without any additional strokes.

12. Wiggle Test

The object of the exercise is for the candidate to complete a set course, as in the diagram below in under 75 seconds. As this is a test of skill no touching of the poles is permitted. Poles should be 1200 mm apart.

13. Supervise and coach a Pool Blade Level One group for two hours.

Candidate to provide lesson plan to assessor prior to start of session, this may be written or oral. Group to be coached should consist of a minimum of two.

The two hour period is a minimum requirement.

14. Assess two candidates for the Level One Pool Blade.

The assessment may form part of the coaching period. Candidates must demonstrate sufficient understanding and knowledge that in the opinion of the assessor the candidate would be able to run the assessment totally independently.

POOL BLADE LEVEL FIVE

Assessor

Level Three Coach or above

Theory

Sample Questions

Practical

1. Screw roll forward and reverse on both sides.

Refer to "BCU Canoeing Handbook."

2. Hand Roll

Refer to "BCU Canoeing Handbook."

3. Vertical Paddle Roll.

Refer to "BCU Canoeing Handbook."

4. Re-entry and roll.

Candidate to capsize with paddle and exit kayak. Candidate to re-enter upside down kayak, replace spray deck and roll up.

5. Clock Roll.

Refer to "BCU Canoeing Handbook."

6. Capsize pass paddle over kayak and roll.

Candidate to capsize and pass paddle over upside down kayak from one side to the other and than roll up.

7. Change over boats under water and roll.

As for item 4 but involves two paddlers - the candidate should not need to break the surface of the pool to breathe, if air is required raise head inside upturned kayak.

8. Draw stroke 5 metres in 8 seconds both sides.

Time is from standing start. 8 seconds to be allowed for each side.

9. Scull for support, both sides, shoulder must be in the water, manoeuvre boat through 360 degrees - clockwise and anti-clockwise.

Shoulder must stay in water for full revolution. If a break is made candidate to start from scratch.

10. Controlled scull down and up on both sides, from upright to horizontal.

The important part of this test is control; the candidate should show a smooth change from upright to horizontal, with no sudden reactions.

12. Rescue upside down unconscious casualty.

Casualty to be upside down with spray deck on in deep water. Candidate to right casualty, check for vital signs, recover to bank, remove from kayak and place in recovery position. Assistance may be given by one other person. Candidate and assistant must stay in kayaks until casualty is in contact with bank.

13. Paddle length of pool with the paddle only being used on one side of the boat, on both sides.

Candidate to paddle length of pool using J or Goon strokes.

14. Supervise and coach a Pool Blade Level Two group for 3 hours.

Candidate to provide lesson plan to assessor prior to start of session, this may be written or oral. Group to be coached should consist of a minimum of two.

The three hour period is a minimum requirement

15. Assess two candidates for the Pool Blade Level Two.

The assessment may form part of the coaching period. Candidates must demonstrate sufficient understanding and knowledge that in the opinion of the assessor the candidate would be able to run the assessment totally independently.