Sea Kayak
Sea Kayak Qualifications Pathway
NB: The green boxes indicate where you can enter a qualification. The red boxes show where you are required to hold a NZOIA Sea Kayak qualification as a prerequisite.
Sea Kayak Guide
This is a guiding qualification for those that guide multi day trips in coastal, lake or open water areas where adverse conditions and limited periods of exposed coast may be encountered.
Two-day assessment.
Sea Kayak 1
The holder of this qualification can organise, lead and instruct trips in coastal, lake or open water areas where adverse conditions and limited periods of exposed coast may be encountered.
Three-day assessment.
Sea Kayak 2
The holder of this qualification can organise, lead and instruct all aspects of the skills required for multi-day Sea Kayak expeditions. An expedition is considered to be greater than 3 days, where extended periods of exposed coastlines with restricted landing sites and open ocean is encountered. Adverse conditions are to be expected and the route may have been previously unvisited. Candidates must hold the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 or Sea Kayak Guide - Instructor Endorsement qualification.
Three-day assessment.
Photo Credits: 2nd photo - Sam Russek. All others - Andy Thompson Photography NZ
Course Outlines
On a NZOIA assessment there are a wide range of skills and knowledge that you will be tested on. Your Assessor will endeavour to ensure all areas in the syllabus are assessed. Below are outlines of what will likely be covered (depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment) and how it relates to the syllabus.
Sea Kayak 1 Assessment
Pre-course Information
Read and be familiar with the:
Assignment - Scenario
You will be given a scenario and asked to plan an excursion based on the information given. This will include a trip plan with contingencies, hazard identification, aims and objectives, and how you would source weather and access information.
Complete and email this assignment to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment.
Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:
- Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
- Section 6: Demonstrate camp-craft skills for established site
- Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
- Section 11: Plan and prepare for a multi-day trip
- Section 13: Apply effective safety management
Instructional / Teaching Sessions
Prepare to teach the other candidates on your assessment topics covered under Section 15 of the syllabus. Each candidate will deliver one 30-minute instructional session on a skill and one 30-minute teaching session on a subject.
Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:
- Section 14: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
- Section 15: Teach sea kayak skills
Surfing Assessment Video
To ensure your skills are assessed accurately when surf conditions are unsuitable during the assessment, you’ll need to submit a video demonstrating safe and effective surf skills, as outlined in Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus. Requirements will be outlined once your assessment application is approved.
The video must be submitted to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment.
Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:
- Section 3: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak
Note: Late submissions of your assignment or video may result in a Deferment ($50).