Trip Levels
  • Trip levels are based primarily on the factors that have the greatest influence on safety such as degree of exposure or open water distance. However, trip levels are also influenced when other criteria such as distance greatly exceed the norm for a given level. If a trip is run in the early or late season, its difficulty level may also be increased for that reason.
  • All trips, unless otherwise noted, should be considered to have some degree of exposure to wind, wave, boat traffic, etc. although such exposure will typically be less severe and of shorter duration for easier trips.
  • Trips run RAIN or SHINE . Only exceptional weather usually cancels. Trip routes may be adjusted for less severe bad weather, but in general, participants must be willing and comfortable to participate on trips that may encounter typical summer coastal weather (wind, reduced visibility, waves, possible afternoon thunderstorms).
  • In general, participants need to have attained a rating one level below a trip’s level to be considered for the trip. For instance, level 2 trips typically require participants have at least a level 1 rating, level 3 trips require a level 2 rating, etc. In some cases, a leader may require participants to have attained a level equal to a trip or specific skills/experience, if the trip is expected to be more difficult than most trips in the level.
  • These trip descriptions provide general guidelines and requirements for trips of a given level. However, trip leaders individually assess and specify requirements for a given trip.

Level 1 (L1): Easier

Easier, shorter trips in partially or wholly protected water such as rivers, harbors, and tidal estuaries

Trip

  • Most of the route will be significantly sheltered from waves, swell, and severe wind. Typical locations will be salt-water rivers, harbors, and tidal estuaries.
  • Paddling will be near (typically within a half mile or less) the shore.
  • Routes will attempt to avoid difficult features such as tidal rips and rocky landings.
  • Typical distance: 5-6 miles.

Participants

  • Participants must be comfortable in and around the water both with and without a PFD and be able to swim.
  • Participants should feel comfortable being on the water for most of the day with a limited number of shore breaks.
  • Participants must have had some relevant kayaking experience (i.e., these trips are not intended for people who have never been in a boat before). However, individuals relatively new to the sport can generally participate in Level 1 trips.

Paddlers can be rated Level 1 when they are able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Utilize basic forward, back, and sweep strokes appropriately
  • Appear comfortable paddling a sea kayak in nominal wind and waves
  • Execute a wet exit successfully
  • Be rescued in an assisted rescue
  • Paddle continuously for 30-45 minutes
  • Maintain a heading in open ocean conditions without a rudder

Level 2 (L2): Intermediate

A wide range of intermediate level trips exposed to ocean conditions -- but not lengthy open water crossings -- requiring participants with a solid grasp of basic kayaking skills.

Trips

  • The route will typically have some degree of exposure to an open ocean environment including wind, waves, currents, and swell.
  • A significant portion of the paddle may be away from the immediate coastline but open water crossings will be no more than 2 miles.
  • Routes may encounter difficult features such as moderate waves (up to 1-2 feet), moderate swells, 2-3 knot currents, and rocky landings.
  • Typical distance: 7-10 miles.

Participants

  • Must typically be rated Level 1 or have equivalent experience

Paddlers can be rated Level 2 when able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Execute solid braces (high and low), leans, and ability to control boat with a variety of strong strokes
  • Paddle into waves large enough to wash over the deck with winds of 10 knots or greater
  • Maintain a heading without a rudder with winds of 10 knots or greater
  • Paddle continuously for an hour at a steady 2-3 knot pace in nominal winds and wave
  • Paddle at least 10 miles in a day
  • Appear comfortable paddling in a range of ocean conditions including breaking waves and strong currents.
  • Rescue someone else in two types of assisted rescue
  • Self-rescue
  • Attach a tow line and tow for a minimum of one mile
  • Competently launch and land in nominal winds and waves
  • Meet all Level 1 rating requirements

Level 2+ (L2+) / Level 3 (L3): Advanced Intermediate

More difficult intermediate trips or intermediate overnight trips in which boats will be more heavily loaded and there is more potential variability in paddling conditions.

Participants