Kayak operator gains new ticket

Operations managers from the Nelson/Tasman area were assessed last month for their sea kayak Level 1 Instructor qualification.

Matt Foy, owner operator of Kaikoura Kayaks, was among those assessed for the relatively new qualification.

Two assessors from New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association (NZOIA) assessed the five guides over the day assessment, which was held at Shelley Beach near Picton.

Despite it being one of the worst weather days ever for the assessment, each of the guides passed the course with flying colours.

Each candidate had two or three clients to train during the assessment, which entailed teaching with a view to progressing them towards skills in the proficiency award.

Areas assessed included clothing and equipment, sea kayak skills, rescues, surfing, navigation and rolling a kayak.

Foy said gaining the qualification was keeping him more interested in the profession but also had given him more confidence following a number of years suffering with a shoulder injury.

He now plans to get out on the water much more which he says is great as there is an increased demand for training. There are more people pushing the limits of what they want to do in terms of skill development, which he is keen to become involved in.

"There are more recreational paddlers out there, especially in Kaikoura and it's really becoming a destination for kayaking.

"People are becoming more and more interested in developing further skills and techniques, paddling safely around the coastline and not just going out on the water with a guide."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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