AY Honors/Kayaking/Answer Key
Kayaking
South Pacific Division
2001 Edition
Kayaking
Qualified Instructor Required
Prerequisite: Intermediate Swimming Honor
1. Satisfy the examiner that you have knowledge of different types of kayaks (Slalom, river, touring, sea); the uses for each and the equipment necessary for safe kayaking (helmet, life jacket, sprayskirt, bow and stern loops, floatation in kayak).
Slalom Kayak: These are used in slalom racing. A slalom race takes place on a whitewater course, and the kayaker must maneuver the kayak between several pairs of poles called "gates". Some gates must be entered by paddling downstream, and others must be entered by paddling upstream. The minimum length of a slalom kayak is four meters, and the minimum width is 60 cm. Slalom kayaks are usually built out of fiberglass or composite materials. Light weight is a very desirable characteristic in these boats.
River Kayak: These are used for playing in whitewater, or in "rodeo" competitions where the kayaker is judged according to the types of maneuvers made. River kayaks are small kayaks, with lengths from 6 to 12 feet (2 to 3 meters). River kayaks have features to make them easily manueverable in whitewater, and to resist damage from running into rocks.
Touring Kayak:
Sea Kayak:
