Proficiency Requirements for Advanced Open Water Instructor (AOW):

Fundamentally, we expect that paddlers should be very experienced Open Water Instructors (2 years minimum) in a variety of conditions, including rough water, surf, and tidal currents before presenting themselves for assessment as instructor candidates at the Advanced Open Water Level.

Demonstrate the ability to teach and model launching and landing in mild surf.

Demonstrate the ability to teach and model strokes in rough water

Demonstrate the ability to teach and model rough water towing

Demonstrate the ability to teach and model rough water rescue techniques including; Back deck rescue, bow and paddle shaft rescue, self rescues, T-rescue variations, loaded boat rescues, etc.

Demonstrate ability to consistently roll in very rough water, wind and surf.

Demonstrate ability to paddle comfortably with grace and style in surf, tide rips, and rough water.

Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe, effective instructor.

Ideally these skills will be demonstrated in a variety of conditions, including surf, tide rips, and wind waves. However, any one of these conditions will suffice, if the others aren’t available. In any case, Advanced Open Water Certification cannot take place unless the conditions necessary for rough water assessment are present during the workshop

Certifying Conditions: Competent in 4-6-foot seas, 20-25 knot wind, 3-4 foot surf, 3-5 knot current with waves.