NSPN Trip Levels
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Trip Descriptions |
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| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | |
| Lakes, sheltered rivers, protected harbors, tidal estuaries with minimal or no current, etc. | May involve limited exposure to open ocean with access to sheltered water or landing near at hand (less than .5 nautical mile). | Coastal or tidal paddling, potentially up to 1.5 nautical miles from landing. | May involve significant exposure to open ocean with limited access to landings (two nautical miles). | |
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Maximum Conditions |
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| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | |
| Wind | Some | 10 knots | 15 knots | 20 knots |
| Waves/Chop | Minimal | 1 foot | 2 feet | 4 feet |
| Surf | Minimal | 1 foot | 2 feet | 4 feet |
| Current | Minimal | 1 knot | 2 knots | 4 knots |
| Distance | 2 miles | 10 miles | 15 miles | 20+ miles |
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Skills |
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| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | |
| Paddle | None | Forward, reverse, sweep |
Level 2 skills. Correcting and boat handling strokes. Solid bracing. |
Level 3 skills. Strong bracing skills. Surf skills. Tidal current skills. |
| Rescue | None | Wet exit | Wet exit, paddle float self rescue, partner rescue |
Level 3 skills Rescues and tows. Reliable roll or very strong bracing. |
| Pace | None | None | 2-3 knots | 4 knots |
| Other | None | None |
Basic trip safety Basic navigation Trip planning Environmental conditions |
Charts, navigation, VHF, environmental conditions, trip planning and emergency procedures |
| Desirable Experience | None | Basic class in kayak safety and paddle strokes |
Level 2 trips or equivalent. Class in rescues and tows |
Level 3 trips or equivalent. Level 3 classes. Classes in trip planning, safety, and navigation. |