This Web based resource has been created to support kayak learners as they progress through the skills commonly taught in the pool environment.

The progression of skills mirrors that of the pool sessions.

There is a clear progression of skills taught in the pool series (i.e. advanced skills often build on skills mastered earlier) Certain learners will benefit by progressing through the skills presented here in the same sequence as the pool sessions. Others may prefer to explore the topics and "see what's next". Please feel free to move around among the different skills in whatever manner suits your interest or needs best.

This course, as is the case with all the Webskills courses, is a Web version of course content that is traditionally taught face to face in the environment that the activity typically takes place. It is intended to support the learning that occurs in that scenario, not replace it. Just as kayaking in the pool does not equip one with river skills, rather it provides a skill set that can be transferred from the pool to the river.

Instructors in programs such as OA, often believe in the idea of learning by doing. This concept is fundamental to the theory of Experiential Learning. Basically, we all realize that no one has ever learned to kayak without going kayaking! But, there is more to facilitating learning than putting people in boats and letting them go. We are vested, here at OA the notion that a cycle of events, facilitated by instructors, most effectively leads to skills acquisition on the part of learners.

Proposed learning cycle

It is anticipated that learners will progress thorough the beginner cycle with the facilitation of instructors who will demonstrate and describe skills. Learners will then attempt/execute skills with instructor assistance and feedback. Instructors will then guide learners to employ critical reflection and continue to practice the skills. This cycle is repeated for each skill for each learner.

The chart above can be viewed as representing a skill level of each individual skill and as an overall level of accomplishment within a sport. Participants in Kayak pool sessions, for example, may reach a level of accomplishment in an individual pool skill that approaches the intermediate or even advanced level. To achieve intermediate or advanced levels overall (i.e. becoming an expert kayaker) may take several seasons. It is important to note that expertise may be reflected in many ways. Some may become expert at surf skills, others at rescue and others may become expert instructors.