Annual Trip Leader Training & Skills Refresher

ANNUAL TRIP LEADER TRAINING & SKILLS REFRESHER

A little update discussion:

• Weather is forecast to be cool (high 66) and water temps around 68*F.
• We've heard some concerns on that, especially for swimming rescues. 
• We plan to do all the "above water" activities first. We'll do in-water activities at the very end right before getting off the water.
• In-water will be "challenge by choice" for everyone. We do encourage you to dress for immersion, test your rescue skills in cooler temps, and test your "immersion system."
• My personal plan for these temps (Ant here): farmer john wetsuit with a splash jacket top. I'll have a rash guard under the FJ and/or 2.0 wetsuit top to throw over the farmer john if I really need it. Trying to balance not getting too hot during other events but not freezing when I go in the water. A dry suit would be another great choice for extended in-water time if you have it, but be mindful of how those can make you really hot if you put on too many layers underneath.
• Used wetsuits can be found very cheap around here on FB Marketplace and craigslist.
• I will bring an assortment of extra wetsuit gear with me. If you have extra at home like me, please bring it if you're willing to share.
• Other reminders:
• • Lunch is on your own, either bring it or pick up something quick in between the classroom and launch.
  • We'll launch from the Dunedin Causeway on the west side of High and Dry Grill. Map link. There are bathrooms.

Meet-up Plan:

• Location: MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 550 Laura Lane, Dunedin, 34698
• 8:30-9:00 a.m. -- Doors will be open, come on in and mingle
• 9:00 a.m. -- First class starts

Hosts: Training Co-coordinators Tom Malone and Anthony "Ant" Sousa, assisted by several other of our ACA-certified trip leaders and instructors.

Goals: This training is intended for trip leader candidates and current trip leaders. The focus is on refreshing skills for our current leaders, and supporting trip leader candidates in checking off credentials to start leading trips as soon as possible.

Note: Trip leaders and candidates have priority; however, we can accept a limited number of "skills participants" not in the trip leader candidate pipeline. Skills participants will serve primarily as "practice students" for our trip leaders for things like leading, rescuing, towing, coaching, etc.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Basic paddling kit (kayak, paddle, PFD w/whistle attached, sprayskirt)
• Rescue items, if you have them: Waist-mounted tow and stirrup recommended; other items at your discretion.
• Optionally, other kit you would normally carry as a trip leader. Use your judgement on this and we’ll use it as a comparison discussion, time permitting.
• Water (1L recommended)
• Snacks, if desired
• Sun protection items (clothing or applicants)
• Warming layers in a dry bag (mid-weight fleece top and fleece beanie)
• Dress for probable immersion and/or wind (check the sea surface temperature rating here): recommended is a paddling jacket and wetsuit, if desired.

MORNING: Classroom Sessions

• Welcome + Plan of the day + Introductions + Goals
• Discussion Topic: Risk Management
• Discussion Topic: Group Management + Group Dynamics
• Discussion Topic: Trip Planning w/Practical Session

LUNCH + MOVE TO LAUNCH
Launch location: TBD based on conditions. We will discuss before lunch.

AFTERNOON: On-Water Practicals

• Role modeled on-shore trip brief and controlled launch
• Short paddle modeling formations and leader roles
• Assisted Rescues:
• • Assisted/stablized rescue with a swimming start
  • Stirrup variations
  • Flooded vessel options (T-rescue and more)
  • Incapacitated/unresponsive paddler rescues
  • Scoops, ‘hand of god’
• Towing:
• • Contact tows
  • Towing w/Lines (in-line, double in-line, vee tows)
  • Rafted tows
  • Paddler-Kayak Separation: Swimmer carries and moving empty kayaks
• Wrap-up: Short debrief/highlights/what’s next

EVENING: Optional Meet-up & Trip Leader Social

• After our on-water time, we'll go somewhere nearby for socializing.
• Goal is as an opportunity to "talk shop" on trip leading and just get to know each other.
• We may also brainstorm some 2025 monthly trip plans.
• Location is TBD, but it will be close to the launch.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS:

• Anthony Sousa: (727) 455-2615, anthony.g.sousa@gmail.com
• Tom Malone: (410) 977-7785‬, tjmalone@verizon.net