NZKI four Star Sea Kayak Scope
NZKI 4 Star is an open water instructor qualification.
4 Star Profile
A NZKI 4 Star paddler will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in advanced kayak paddle strokes and rescues on intermediate water conditions;
- Eskimo roll a sea kayak in surf conditions;
- Be proficient surfing a sea kayak;
- Demonstrate a good general knowledge of kayaks and kayaking;
- Demonstrate a good knowledge of safety management and weather;
- Plan and prepare a multi-day sea kayaking trip on open water;
- Lead and manage groups on a multi-day trip on open water;
- Instruct students in advanced skills in open water conditions;
- Instruct students in surfing and surf management;
- Role model accepted environmental practices and
- Role model best kayaking skills.
The assessment of the skills for NZKI 4 Star will be carried out in intermediate conditions as follows:
- Wind 15 to 25 knots;
- Up to 1.5m swell and
- Moderate tidal flow.
Instructional Scope
A NZKI 4 Star kayaker will be able to lead and instruct the Canoe and Kayak open water sea kayak courses on intermediate conditions.
Craft
The NZKI 4 Star assessment will be carried out in a single sea kayak as follows:
- Enclosed cockpit with;
- Three or more compartments including the cockpit separated by fixed bulkheads.
Pre-requisites
To be assessed for the NZKI 4 Star award the participant must:
- No less than 50 current logged kayak trips in a variety of locations, conditions and durations and at least 20 of these trips being in intermediate conditions;
- Have logged experience of assisting instruction of open water paddle and rescue skills;
- Hold a NZKI 3 Star kayak award or equivalent;
- Hold a current outdoor 1st Aid Certificate and
- Hold a VHF Radio Operators Certificate.
Revalidation
To maintain a NZKI 4 Star qualification the holder must:
- 1 day of professional development annually;
- Instructed at least 5 students through the open water sea kayaking courses every 2 years;
- Completed 20 days of new logged kayak trips annually and
- Undertaken a peer review session every 2 tears.
Progressing to NZKI 5 Star
To progress to the next levels a 4 Star kayaker will:
- Complete the Skills Active assessor programme;
- Have worked in the kayak industry as a senior instructor for no less than 5 years
- Have a comprehensive log of kayaking experience.
NZKI four Star Assessment Notes
Reference – NZKI Syllabus
Conditions
The assessment of the skills for NZKI 4 Star will be carried out in intermediate conditions as follows:
- Wind 15 to 25 knots;
- Up to 1.5m swell and
- Moderate tidal flow.
Technical Competencies
Practical assessment
- Preparation, Launching and landing.
- Forward and reverse paddling.
- Forward and reverse static turning. (Sweep Stroke)
- Moving sideways. (Draw Stroke, sliding draw)
- Stopping.
- Turning on the move. (Stern Rudder, Bow Rudder, bow draw, stern draw, sweep stroke)
- Supporting. (Low Brace, Sculling support)
- Rescuing another paddler in deep water. (T Rescue, Leg over, swimming, stirrup)
- Self-rescue in deep water. (Paddle Float, John Wayne, re-entry and roll, release a tow after capsizing and roll up)
- Eskimo Rescue.
- Eskimo Roll.
- Recue another kayaker using a simple tows. (Short or long tow line, contact tow)
- Rescue another kayaker who has lost their kayak. (Stern Deck Carry, Bow Carry)
- Surfing
Theory (60 minute multi-choice and long answer exam paper)
- Kayaking and Kayaks
- Weather
- Navigation
Role Modelling
- Personal risk management
- Team work
- Awareness of others
- Environment
Trip Planning
- Location
- Weather interpretation
- C&K Safety Systems
Group Management and Leadership
- Plan and prepare an open water sea kayak course
- Lead and manage the planned sea kayak course
- Apply effective safety management
Instruction
- Undertake an open water sea kayak skills course
