HKIN 121 – Summer 2016 – Version 1

HKIN 113 C3 – River Kayaking
Toby Stahl

Summer 2016Phone: 604-839-1693

Days: Wed, Sat, Sun (May 28, June 1, 4, 11, 12)Email:

Class location: NWB Room TBA, Chilliwack RiverOffice: N/A

Semester Hours: 1Office Hours: N/A Pre-requisite: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Course is designed for the beginner who has little or no river kayaking experience, or for someone who has other paddling experience and would like to challenge themselves in a dynamic aquatic environment. HKIN 113 will introduce students to the sport of river (whitewater) kayaking in such a way that they feel empowered to pursue the sport recreationally. Students will learn foundational skills, theory, and regulations. River kayaking is hands-on and experiential by nature, and so is the course. The ability to swim and tread water is essential. Participants will inevitably swim in theswiftwater at some point.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

TWU Student Learning Outcomes / Course Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and its application
  • a broad foundational knowledge of human culture and the physical and natural world.
  • a depth of understanding in any chosen field(s) of study.
  •  applied knowledge acquired through discipline-appropriate experiential learning.
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  1. To introduce students to river kayaking as a wholesome adventure activity.
  2. To introduce students to various kayaking resources such as guidebooks and equipment outfitters.
  3. Specific skills:
-Wet exits (getting out of an upside-down kayak)
-Forward, reverse, sweep strokes
-Edging and bracing
-Eddy turns
-Ferry angles
-Launch and land techniques
-T-rescues
-Kayak transportation
-Swimming in swiftwater
-Throwbagging
Cognitive complexity
  • skills including: critical and creative thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication, research, and information literacy.
  • an ability to articulate various interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary perspectives, integrating informed Christian perspectives.
  • an ability to respond with wisdom, humility and charity to questions, issues, and problems of the human condition.
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  1. To equip students with adequate skills and knowledge to allow them to continue the sport after the course is finished.
  2. To create an awareness and practical knowledge around the hazards of moving water environments specific to South West British Columbia.
  3. To develop a healthy respect and appreciation for the power of moving water.

Spiritual formation
  • a spiritual dimension by means of an exposure to a reflective and caring Christ-centred community which encourages:
  • a further understanding of God.
  • a discovery of a deep and personal spiritual foundation.
  • an embodiment of a Christ-like way of life characterized by love for and service to others.
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  1. To experience the spiritual benefits of spending time in God’s creation.
  2. To allow students the benefit from the physical exercise, exhilaration, and challenge that river kayaking provides. Active time in creation supports a healthy mind and spirituality.

Social responsibility and global engagement
  • the resources, skills, and motivation to become engaged global citizens who serve locally, nationally, and globally in socially and economically just ways.
  • a commitment to informed and ethical reasoning.
  • respect for the dignity and rights of all persons.
  • respect for creation and its sustainable use and care.
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  1. To introduce students to a beautiful, local, world-class river for paddling
  2. To bring about a deeper awareness of the environment and our impact on it.

Leadership
  • skills to become creative, collaborative, informed, competent, and compassionate people who influence the various contexts into which they are called.
  • abilities and attitudes characterized by service, humility and integrity.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS

Required Materials:

-Non-cotton insulating clothing for layering on the river.

-Toque or neoprene skull cap

-Gloves (liner gloves and dish gloves, or neoprene paddling gloves)

-Footwear (shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet)

-NOTE: a more in-depth equipment list will be provided on MyCourses.

Texts & Resources:

Readings and additional resources will be presented in class and on MyCourses.

There are no required texts.

Listed below are resources that may be used during and after the course:

Books:

Bechdel, L., & Ray, S. (2005). River rescue: A manual for whitewater safety. Asheville, NC: CFS Press.

Bennett, J., & Bennett, J. (1996). The complete whitewater rafter. Camden, ME: Ragged Mountain Press.

Bennett, J. (1999). The essential whitewater kayaker: A complete course. Camden, Me: Ragged Mountain Press.

Millen, T. (2012). Rockin' whitewater: A guide to paddling in northwest British Columbia. Smithers, B.C: Creekstone Press.

Schwab, C. (2007). Whitewater in southwest British Columbia: A guide for beginner, intermediate and advanced kayakers. Burnaby, B.C.: Wetcoast Pub.

Smith, S. (1995). Canadian Rockies whitewater. Jasper, AB: Headwaters Press.

Walbridge, C. C., & Sundmacher, W. A. (1995). Whitewater rescue manual: New techniques for canoeists, kayakers, and rafters. Camden, Me: Ragged Mountain Press.

Whiting, K., & Varette, K. (2011). Whitewater Kayaking, 2nd Edition: The Ultimate Guide. Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Incorporated.

DVD’s:

Ford, K., DeRiemer, P., DeRiemer, M., & Performance Video and Instruction, Inc. (2005). The river runner's edge. Durango, CO: Performance Video.

Lindgren, S., Fisher, S., & SL Productions. (2008). Steve Fisher: Black book. Meadow Vista, Calif.: SL Productions.

Davis, J. C., Ford, K., DeCuir, E., Walbridge, C. C., American Canoe Association., American Whitewater (Organization), & Performance Video and Instruction, Inc. (2004). Whitewater self defense. Durango, Colo: Performance Video & Instruction.

Whiting, K., & Emerick, C. (2003). Playboating with Ken Whiting. Beachburg, Ont.: Heliconia Press.

Geis, K., Westin, M., Giordano, S., Nealy, W., Johnson, K., Johnson, B. J., Yon, T. R., ... TVGEIS (Firm). (2002). Riversense. Beachburg, Ontario: Heliconia Press.

COURSE ACTIVITIES/REQUIREMENTS

  1. Pre-Class Preparation (June 1, 4, 11, 12 at 9am)20%

Before each class you need to complete the necessary reading or video work. Then come prepared for the activity during class time. To ensure you complete the pre-class requirements you will need to post a ½ to 1 page single-spaced interactive summary of the material you read or watched. In addition to a summary of key information, I am looking for personal interaction and application with the material. Post your assignment in the MyCourses drop box before class begins.

  1. River Journal (June 15 at 11:55pm)10%

This assignment is to provide you with a record of the class’ river runs for your future reference.

Record the following information about each day:

  • Summary of skills learned that day.
  • Which launch (entry) and pull-out (exit) points were used on the river? Describe them (difficulty, parking, pros/cons, etc.).
  • Quick description of the section of river paddled (ex. Unique features, hazards, water level that day).
  • Write a paragraph describing your experience as well as your highs and lows of each day.

**Make notes during and after every day, or this will be a difficult assignment**

  1. Participation & Skill Acquisition 50%
  2. Every student must attend all classes, there are no make-up options. Classes are progressive and build upon each other.
  3. On each day, the student must be well prepared for kayaking in any type of weather with appropriate clothing, footwear, etc. (ex. Non-cotton clothing, lunch and water). Please note that, kayaking on the river is a “choose your challenge” activity. If a student is not feeling OK with a certain situation, options will be given to work around it as appropriately as possible. Swiftwater has the ability to move people outside of their comfort zones. While there are inherent risks to the sport of river kayaking, safety is a priority.
  4. Class starts at the day’s respective launch site at 9am. Transportation isnotprovided. While class may end earlier, it is scheduled until 5pm at the river – plan your evening activities accordingly.
  5. Final Exam (June 8) 20%

The final exam is comprehensive – covering course content from both online sources and in-class instruction. The exam will take place at 9am on Wednesday, June 8, at TWU.

COURSE EVALUATION

Assignments and Evaluation / Learning Outcomes / Percentage / Due Date
1. / Pre-Class Preparation / Familiarity with appropriate resources.
Theoretical understanding prior to gaining experiential understanding. / 20% / June 1, 4, 11, 12
(9am)
2. / River Journal / Reflective skills.
Developing resource for future use. / 10% / June 15
(11:55pm)
3. / Participation & Skill Acquisition / Responsibility within community. / 50%
4. / Final Exam / Note Taking.
Translating experience to theory. / 20% / June 8
(9am)
Total / 100%

COURSE POLICIES

1. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE POSTED ON MYCOURSES

2. Late assignments lose 10% per day.

3. Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism at TWU

One of the core values of Trinity Western University is the integration of academic excellence with high standards of personal, moral, and spiritual integrity. The University considers it a serious offence when an individual attempts to gain unearned academic credit. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed about what constitutes academic dishonesty. For details on this, and on identifying and avoiding plagiarism go to the University Homepage.

4. Campus Closure and Class Cancellation Policy

In the event of extreme weather conditions or other emergency situations go to Campus Notification. If last minute changes are made to HKIN 137 logistics, updates will be posted on MyCourses.

5. Grading System

Below is the grading system used specifically for this course – note that it deviates from the Standard Grading System which can be found at the University Homepage.

A+ / 95-100 / B+ / 81-84 / C+ / 68-71 / D+ / 57-59
A / 90-94 / B / 76-80 / C / 64-67 / D / 53-56
A- / 85-89 / B- / 72-75 / C- / 60-63 / D- / 50-52
F / < 50

6. Students with a Disability

Students with a disability who need assistance are encouraged to contact the Equity of Access Office upon admission to TWU to discuss their specific needs. All disabilities must be recently documented by an appropriately certified professional and include the educational impact of the disability along with recommended accommodations. Within the first two weeks of the semester, students must meet with their professors to agree on accommodations appropriate to each class. Students should follow the steps detailed by the Equity of Access Office outlined in the Student Life section of the University Calendar.

COURSE OUTLINE

Date/Time/Location / Activity / Content of Class
May 28 – Saturday
-9-12pm
-NorthWest Building (Rm TBA) / Introduction to HKIN 113
-Must-make class in order to continue in course
-In-class / -Class preparation/expectations, schedule, logistics, paper work (health and par-q forms), layered clothing, course overview, theory, etc
June 1 – Wednesday
-9-5pm
-Chilliwack / Intro to Flatwater with Purple Hayes School of Kayaking (PHSK) / -Waivers
-Equipment
-Fitting kayaks
-Basic strokes
-Wet exits
June 4 – Saturday
-9-5pm
-Chilliwack / Flatwater (morning)
River (afternoon) / -Advancement in strokes
-Wet exits and T-rescues
-River hazards
-Aggressive vs. Defensive Swimming in River
-Launch and land in Class 2 river environment
-Eddy turns
-River hydrology
June 11 – Saturday
-9-5pm
-Chilliwack / River
NOTE: While not part of class, opportunity to camp in Chilliwack will be given. / -Eddy Turns
-Wet exits and rescues in moving water
-Throwbagging
-S-turns
-Ferry angles
June 12 – Sunday
-9-5pm
-Chilliwack / River / -Further skill progression
-T-rescues on river