Sea Kayak Self‑Assessment — Colour Paddles (EN)

1) Athletic profile (A, B, C)

Live athletic score S (A0→A3). A minimum of S ≥ 1.0 is required to assign a colour.

A. Current frequency I can keep active day‑to‑day, but I’m not practicing any sport at the moment. I can be active rarely (a few times per year). I can be active occasionally (1–2×/month). I can train regularly (about once a week). I can train intensively (several times per week).

C. Commitment I can commit to training in a club/association. I can rely on a strong sports background (childhood/teenage years).

B1. Self‑rating (1–10) I can rate my overall fitness at /10.

B2. Friends’ rating (1–10) People who know me would rate me at /10.

Score (updates in real time)

A0 • S=0.0

Minimum required: S ≥ 1.0

Fill your profile to see your score.

2) Safety prerequisites

Without these, the outcome remains “discovery only”.

I can swim 25–50 m with a PFD, submerge without stress and return to shore while keeping hold of my paddle. I can perform a calm wet exit and stay with my kayak and paddle, then make my way to shelter or the group.

3) Comfort with conditions

4) Your experience (direct bridges)

Some experience gives direct access to a colour — to be confirmed on the water, with safety prerequisites and a minimum condition (S ≥ 1).

Recency My relevant experience is within the last 24 months. I’m a beginner in sea kayaking (first sea outings ahead).

5) White — flat‑water basics

I can sit in properly: adjust footrests, fit my spraydeck smoothly, keep the paddle within reach and adopt a stable posture. I can paddle forward ~50 m and reverse ~25 m while keeping control over heading and speed. I can spin my kayak 360° on both sides using sweep strokes while maintaining balance. I can hold the paddle correctly, manage basic balance and relax in the boat.

6) Yellow — building the basics

I can move sideways 3–5 m (draw/scull) without excessive yaw. I can correct course while moving (stern rudder/steering strokes) to reach a precise point. I can use a low brace to prevent a capsize on flat water. I can identify wind and (counter‑)current and account for them in my heading.

Yellow compensation: if 2/4 items, tolerated with ≥1 Green/Blue item, or via A1 athletic bonus. Max 1 compensation overall.

7) Green — solid flat‑water control (≥ 2 h)

I can paddle efficiently forward and backward using torso rotation and a steady cadence. I can stop cleanly (≤ 4 strokes) and reverse accurately to a given point. I can perform a ~5 m sideways move while keeping the boat upright. ♥ I can execute low/high braces confidently to control balance. ♥ I can read a shoreline‑scale forecast, identify sheltered/exposed sectors and anticipate changes. ♥ I can read a coastal chart/landmarks and draw a simple route with a bailout option. ♥ I can take part in an assisted rescue (as the swimmer) without panic.

Green compensation: if near threshold (4/7 with all ♥, or 5/7 with 1 ♥ missing), tolerated with ≥1 Blue/Red item, or via A1 athletic bonus (only if the missing item is not a ♥).

8) Blue — coastal day trips (≈ Bft 3)

I can paddle a full day on open water in Bft 3, managing effort and hydration. ♥ I can launch/land according to conditions (slipway/beach, light surf) while keeping the boat under control. I can hold course on all points of sail (headwind, tailwind, beam reach, quartering) at Bft 2–3. ♥ I can link braces and edging to turn the boat in a controlled manner. ♥ I can execute clean sideways moves and quick half‑turns. I can assist a deep‑water rescue (empty, reposition, stabilize) without putting the group at risk. ♥ I can catch a small wave (40–60 cm) and perform a controlled beach landing. I can combine weather + chart (basics) to select sheltered sectors and spot exposed areas. ♥ I can communicate clearly and position myself efficiently in a group on the water. ♥

Blue compensation: if near threshold (6/9 with all ♥, or 7/9 with 1 ♥ missing) + comfort (Bft≥3, swell≥1 m), tolerated with ≥1 Red item, or via A2 athletic bonus (only if the missing item is not a ♥). Never if 2 ♥ are missing.

9) Red — rougher water (≈ Bft 4)

I can paddle a full day at Bft 4 / sea state 4 (≥ 5 NM) with safety margins. I can launch/land in a ~1 m shorebreak by choosing the right window and line. I can lead a deep‑water rescue (capsize, emptying, re‑entry) efficiently. I can tow effectively (simple tow) and contribute actively to group safety. I can navigate by compass and make go/no‑go decisions including weather and tidal streams. I can chain advanced manoeuvres and use the wind to advantage. I can prepare/carry appropriate safety kit (PFD, spraydeck, light, whistle, first aid, water, dry bags…).

Your result will appear here.