ACA Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking. L4 is open water: boat handling, rescue and group sense in bigger wind, wave or current. You are expected to roll. Two swims from missed rolls is below standard. One venue-specific module is taken deep, not five sampled shallow.
Venue and window
Exposure with landings still possible. At least three of: 15–20 kn; 3–5 ft waves; 3–4 ft surf; 2–4 kn current.
How far each skill must go at this level
Make way, turn and hold station in L4 water; recover a near-capsize; roll consistently.
Pick the rescue that fits surf or a tidal rapid, then move it to less risk.
Read wind, tide, current and land; trim and kit; ACA-listed knots (bowline, clove hitch, figure-8, trucker’s hitch).
Brief, land, direct calmly under stress, hail the right help on VHF.
Plan and run an L4 route with a Plan B.
Laden expedition, tide race, surf zone, or rock gardens/sea caves — control, self/assisted rescue, tow when it is the right tool.
What the course actually teaches
Official skills courses are modules: Open Water Skills, Tides & Currents, Surf Zone. Lock in boat handling and the roll before the chosen module.
ACA duration versions
Usually at least a full day; instructors may run two.
Separate skills courses. Do not squash them into the same day as the assessment.
Core items in window conditions plus one venue-specific category. One day or longer.
The expedition category asks for evidence of multi-day travel. Below standard means a practice list, not a lowered bar.
The text below is the latest ACA official instructional outline (Skills Course) for this level, provided as reference only. Copyright American Canoe Association. The summary above is Kayacool’s explanation, not a replacement of the source.
Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Skills Course
Skills Course Overview
The Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayak course is designed to refine and increase coastal
kayaking skills for use in open water.
Course Objectives
Participants will be introduced to:
- Refining edge control for maneuvering and correcting course, balance, bracing, and overall boat control
- Refining the forward stoke and learning the side slip maneuver (static draw)
- Performing assisted and self-rescues in open water
- Using compass to hold course and chart to fix location
- Bow angle method of avoiding collision
- Refining open water towing technique
Skills Course Prerequisites
- Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Completion of Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Basic Strokes & Rescues skills course or equivalent skills
Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course
- Properly sized and outfitted kayak with front and rear flotation
- Standard gear and safety equipment (paddles, life jackets (PFDs), spray skirts, paddle floats, bilge pumps, and clothing appropriate for weather and immersion)
Course Duration
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Course Location / Accessible Venues
The selected venue should provide access to open water and at least one set of conditions within the following ranges, with constant access to safe landing and within 2 nm from shore:
- 15 - 20 knot winds
- 3 - 5 foot waves (chop) (0.9 – 1.5 meters)
- 3 - 4 foot surf (0.9 – 1.2 meters)
- 2 - 4 knots of current
Course Size
5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 7.
Instructor
This course may be offered by Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
Succeeding Courses
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking – Surf Zone
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking – Rough Water Maneuvering & Towing
Course Outline
The following is a general summary of content for this course. The content and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary and site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Paddling Environment:
- Wind
- Waves
- Weather
- Water
Personal Preparation:
- Personal ability
- Swimming ability
- Water comfort and confidence
- Wet exits in two ways: (1) utilizing the sprayskirt grab loop and (2) releasing the skirt off the hip
- Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
- Safe paddle and boat handling Safety and rescue considerations
- Safety and rescue considerations
- Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
Onshore Discussion
- Discuss the importance of edging and its many uses
- Balance
- Edging (carving turns and correcting course)
- Bracing and rolling
- Control in wind and rough water
- Surfing
- Boat fit and adjustment
- Boat/body weld
- Foot brace adjustment
- Review wet exit (make sure everyone can and has performed one)
Practice Edging and Maneuvers
Suggested exercises/progression:
- Edge boat side-to-side, keeping upper torso steady
- Hold boat on edge, using balance; both sides
- Paddle forward, lift paddle, lean boat, allowing it to carve a turn
- Edge boat and hold on edge, while paddling forward
- Edge boat, initiate turn with one sweep stroke, and paddle forward continuing the turn, while holding boat on edge
- Practice sweep strokes with edge; edge boat toward working blade
- Paddle in a large circle, using edging and sweep strokes to maintain turn
- Paddle on a range (straight line), using sweep/edging corrective strokes to maintain course
Refine Forward Stroke
- Work on torso rotation
- Work on keeping power phase well forward with a short stroke
- Keep upper hand near eye level, do not drop upper hand toward deck
Side-Slip Maneuver, using static draw
- Start with sculling draw
- Introduce static draw position
- Practice using static draw while moving forward
On-Land Presentations
Excellent time for a “working lunch”
- Compass use in low visibility (safety heading)
- Chart use to fix location
- Bow angle method of avoiding collision
- Brief on-land review of rescue technique
Towing Procedures
- Basic towing demonstration and practice
- Standard one-on-one tow
- Push tow
Practice Rescue in Open Water
- Assisted recuse
- Self-rescues
Skills Development Tour on Open Water
- Continue to develop efficient stroke technique
- Practice course corrections
- Practice using ranges
- Have fun
Conclusion and Wrap Up
- Group debrief / individual feedback
- Course limitations
- Importance of first aid and CPR
- Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience
- Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
- Demo advanced maneuver
- Life sport / paddling options
- Local paddling groups / Clubs
- Handouts / reference materials
- ACA membership forms
- Course evaluation
- Participation cards
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 5/1/2024
This curriculum is managed by the ACA Coastal Kayaking Committee.
Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Tidal Currents Skills Course
Skills Course Overview
The Coastal Kayak Tidal Currents course is designed to teach paddlers how to navigate in
current, read and handle tide rips and related rough water conditions.
Course Objectives:
Participants will be introduced to:
- The basic dynamics of tidal currents (current speeds, eddies, flow direction)
- How to navigate in current
- How to control a kayak in current: cross eddy lines, ferry across current, and surf in tide rips
Skills Course Prerequisites
- Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Completion of Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Basic Strokes & Rescues skills course, Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking skills course equivalent skills
Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course:
- Properly sized and outfitted kayak with deck lines and adequate puncture proof flotation.
- Standard gear and safety equipment (paddles, PFD’s, and appropriate clothing for weather and immersion). Thigh straps are optional but recommended.
- Helmets should be worn in tide rips for protection during rescues.
Course Duration
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Course Location / Accessible Venues
The selected venue should provide access to 2-4 knots of current, and a tide rip with a large
eddy. Wind should not exceed 20 knots. Safe landings within 2 nm must be available at all times.
- 15 - 20 knot winds
- 3 - 5 foot waves (chop) (0.9 – 1.5 meters)
- 3 - 4 foot surf (0.9 – 1.2 meters)
- 2 - 4 knots of current
Course Size
5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 7.
Instructor
This course may be offered by Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators
Succeeding Courses
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking – Surf Zone
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking – Rough Water Maneuvering & Towing
Course Outline
The following is a general summary of content for this course. The content and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary and site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Paddling Environment:
- Wind
- Waves
- Weather
- Water
Personal Preparation:
- Personal ability
- Swimming ability
- Water comfort and confidence
- Wet exits in two ways: (1) utilizing the sprayskirt grab loop and (2) releasing the skirt off the hip
- Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
- Safe paddle and boat handling Safety and rescue considerations
- Safety and rescue considerations
- Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
Onshore Discussion
- Explain what the tides and currents will be doing throughout the day and describe a trip plan based on the currents
Launch and Paddle to a Given Destination
- The destination should be an island or beach where you can have lunch and an on-shore discussion. The trip should be timed to go with the current and return with the current, if possible
- While underway
- Demonstrate how to use current to your advantage by going with the current, or across and down current
- Demonstrate how to use ranges to hold course and to monitor progress
On-Shore Tides and Currents Discussion
- Use a local chart, tide book, and any useful props
- Discuss local currents; keep it simple and
- Cover general current phenomena
- Describe strategies for paddling in current:
- Go with the flow whenever possible
- Hug the shore and use eddies when traveling against current
- Use a range to hold ferry angle when crossing current
- Ferry angle can also be determined using a vector solution
- Preview what the class will doing in the tide rips:
- How to cross an eddy line
- How to ferry back and forth across current
- How to surf waves in a tide rip (assuming waves are present and the class is up for it)
Paddle to Tide Rips Site
- Time it to arrive at least one hour before maximum current
Tide Rips Exercise
- Orientation: Make sure all participants know where the eddy line is located
- Peel-outs: Instructor demonstrates a peel-out from the top of the eddy into the current, paddling well out into the current, then turning downstream using a sweep stroke, followed by an eddy turn back into the eddy (a large eddy is needed)
- Have each student perform this maneuver several times
- Emphasize speed and forward momentum to punch across the eddy line, and down-current boat lean, (into the turn) for stability
- Ferrying: Instructor demonstrates how to ferry by leaving the eddy on a ferry angle (facing upstream) and ferrying back and forth across the current
- Have the students practice this maneuver one or two at a time
- Get them to adjust their ferry angle using sweep strokes and stern draws
- A good technique for giving feedback is ferry alongside the student, coaching as necessary
- Surfing: If conditions allow, and the students are prepared, have them practice surfing and ferrying-gliding across waves
- Explain/demonstrate how to use a stern rudder stroke to control direction while surfing
- Explain/demonstrate boat edge for stability; edge boat into waves, down current
- Rescues: Be prepared for unplanned capsizes. In most cases the instructor will perform rescues. If one or more students want to practice rough-water rescues, prepare space for their experience, but be ready to help.
Instructor Awareness: Keep an eye on students at all times. With two instructors it is best to keep one instructor stationed down current.
Conclusion and Wrap Up
- Group debrief / individual feedback
- Course limitations
- Importance of First Aid and CPR
- Importance of additional instruction, practice, and gaining experience
- Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
- Life sport / paddling options
- Local paddling groups / clubs
- Handouts / reference materials
- Participation cards
- ACA membership benefits and join process
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 5/1/2024
This curriculum is managed by the ACA Coastal Kayaking Committee.
Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Surf Zone Skills Course
Skills Course Overview
The Coastal Kayak Surf Zone course is designed to teach paddlers the necessary skills to safely
launch and land a kayak in the surf.
Course Objectives
Participants will be introduced to:
- Surf zone dynamics, etiquette, and hazards
- Group communication and safety in surf
- How to swim in surf
- How to brace in breaking waves
- Launching and landing techniques
- Basic boat control and positioning on the wave
Skills Course Prerequisites
- Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Completion of Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Basic Strokes & Rescues skills course, Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking skills course equivalent skills
Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course
- Sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, or sit-on-tops (all boats with flotation), helmets, lifejackets (PFDs), and paddling clothing appropriate to water temperature.
Course Duration
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Course Location / Accessible Venues
The selected venue should consist of a beach break with average surf height of 3-4 foot (0.9 to
1.2 meters), ideally spilling. Winds should not exceed 20 knots. Safe landings within 2 nm must be available at all times.
- 15 - 20 knot winds
- 3 - 5 foot waves (chop) (0.9 – 1.5 meters)
- 3 - 4 foot surf (0.9 – 1.2 meters)
- 2 - 4 knots of current
Course Size
5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 7.
Instructor
This course may be offered by Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
Succeeding Courses
- Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking - Tidal Currents Skills Course
- Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Rough Water Maneuvering, Towing and Rescues Skills Course
Course Outline
The following is a general summary of content for this course. The content and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary and site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Paddling Environment:
- Wind
- Waves
- Weather
- Water
Personal Preparation:
- Personal ability
- Swimming ability
- Water comfort and confidence
- Wet exits in two ways: (1) utilizing the sprayskirt grab loop and (2) releasing the skirt off the hip
- Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
- Safe paddle and boat handling Safety and rescue considerations
- Safety and rescue considerations
- Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
On-shore Orientation
- Equipment fit & adjustment
- Landing signals, practice on land to attain immediate response time
- Safety concepts
- Avoid collisions; stay out each other’s way; if swimming, stay seaward of kayak
- Avoid shoulder dislocation by keeping paddle low when bracing
- Bracing & boat edging (on-shore demonstration)
- Upper body/lower body separation and edging
- Keep paddle low and horizontal, elbows in close
- Point out soup zone, impact zone, & windows; what they mean to the kayaker
- Demonstration, one instructor stays on shore to explain what’s happening (solo instructor will have to explain before going out)
- Broach - demonstrate boat edge/brace while side surfing.
- Launch - emphasize timing, paddling hard to break through waves
- Land - on top of wave and surf & broach
Swimming Practice
- Have students swim in the surf: practice diving under waves and body-surfing
Soup Zone Practice
Instructors in the water (not in boats) - students in kayaks
- Have students hold position in soup, practice moving back & forth
- Practice side surfing in soup on small waves, both sides
- Practice paddling in on top of waves in soup, then riding waves
Impact Zone Practice
- Students paddle out use timing (windows) and punch through waves
- Land by paddling in on top of wave (to get through impact zone)
- Land by surfing and broaching (side surf the break) on wave
- Signal students in once or twice using signals outlined above, then let them proceed on their own
Note: While signaling, you must use good timing; your goal is to get the student through the impact zone on top of the wave.
Discussion of Wave Types
Good place to break for a “working lunch”
- Review, discuss wave types (dumping, plunging, spilling) shore contours and beach slope and the effect of tides and wind in surf zones
Launching & Landing Practice
- Practice launching & landing technique, including surfing the waves watch for tired students & have them rest occasionally
- Students who are having problems should practice in soup zone
Conclusion and Wrap Up
- Group debrief / individual feedback
- Course limitations
- Importance of First Aid and CPR
- Importance of additional instruction, practice, and gaining experience
- Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
- Life sport / paddling options
- Local paddling groups / clubs
- Handouts / reference materials
- Participation cards
- ACA membership benefits and join process
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their ability to:
- Read and time wave sets
- Maneuver in the soup zone
- Handle breaking waves in a broach position using boat lean
- Launch and land in a controlled manner
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 5/1/2024
This curriculum is managed by the ACA Coastal Kayaking Committee.