Annual Trip Leader Orientation, Training & Skills Refresher

ANNUAL TRIP LEADER ORIENTATION, TRAINING & SKILLS REFRESHER

NOTE: WE WILL UPDATE THIS EVENT AS MORE DETAILS ARE DEVELOPED.  POSTING NOW TO GENERATE INTEREST AND HELP YOU PLAN. 

Meet-up Plan:

• Location: TBD
• 8:30-9:00 a.m. -- Arrival, stage gear, mingle
• 9:00 a.m. -- First class starts

Hosts: Training Coordinator 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 "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)
• Lunch and Snacks
• 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): paddling jacket is recommended, wetsuit is optional/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 + PREP 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.

CONTACT: Anthony Sousa, (727) 455-2615, anthony.g.sousa@gmail.com or explore@kayakant.com if you have any questions. 

FUTURE PLANS: Let Anthony know if you are interested in trip leading and/or trip leader training, but are unable to attend this session.  We may plan a "Round 2" session in early 2026.