OCSG Competence Levels
These tests are intended to allow canoe-sailors to measure their capabilities both for personal knowledge/satisfaction and as guidance for the type of outing they are capable of undertaking.
They are meant to be a general indication of skills and techniques, which can be supplemented with many other capabilities, rather than an exhaustive list.
There is no intention to hold formal assessments, let alone award badges or certificates; rather to provide a series of benchmarks against which individuals can measure themselves, probably in the company of a few others acting as supporters and moderators for each other.
Hopefully these “levels of accomplishment” will act as a catalyst for ‘topping up’ some people’s skills and ‘filling in the gaps’ for others, as well as providing some common discussion threads, around which the standard and breadth of canoe-sailing skills should improve.
Level 1 – Basic
Intended for those starting out with a sailing canoe, as a level to aim for after a handful of outings on inland waters in Light winds, ie F1-2. Shows competence to be in a group of canoe sailors venturing a mile or two in nice, light-wind conditions.
Level 2 – Intermediate
Intended for those wishing to take part in a day trip of 5 miles or so on inland waters in Moderate winds ie F3-4.
Level 3 – Advanced
Intended for those wishing to take part in a more adventurous, exposed inland or coastal waters trip where higher wind conditions are more likely and are harder to avoid.
· Do you know for sure whether you can carry out these skills?
· Wouldn’t you be happy knowing you’ve proved it to yourself?
· And repeat them regularly, say each year or so?
· Some skills are not needed very often and although you may have managed it once, can you still do it now?
· Maybe there are a few things you have never quite got round to trying.
· It may be that your canoe or rig has changed since you tried something out and wouldn’t it be useful to try it again?
Keith Morris/Steve Robinson
12/11/2006