Water reading and swimming in moving water
Ready when: Body, boat, blade (i1) done, the child can roll or self-rescue as the club requires.
What the coach teaches
A river never stops flowing; eddies, waves and stoppers; how to swim down a rapid on the back with the feet up and pointing downstream; self-rescue.
At home, safe only
Talk through the steps on land.
Ask the club
The skills required before a river trip; safety cover.
What you can see from the side
The child looks for the next eddy before they need it.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The child describes the swim plan in order.
Stop and get a coach when
The group is out of its depth; end the session.
awiseathlete.com/sports/canoe-kayak/canoe-kayak-i3