A note to the folks that I was working with last Thursday (or anyone else):
(the following represents my own opinions and inclinations towards jabbering on)
We didn't quite cover the full syllabus, but go a lot of the more finicky things covered.
Skills and box-ticking:
Suggestion of things that you might want to look at before assessment.
*Low-brace - important
*x-rescuing - (you can practice in the pool - important to both be able to empty the boat AND look after/direct the person that you're helping.
*Making sure that you're happy rolling one of the playboats - good to practice without setting up (although, the standard of rolling for the assessment isn't necessarially that high)
*Know what defensive/offensive swimming are.
*Basic river features
*Basic river signals
*Ferry-gliding -
More importantly:
Although not explicitly stated on the syllabus, the thing that will impress the assessor most will be seeing that you competently paddle and run the river. That you're generally aware of and actively participating in your group, are in control of the boat, are aware of that the river is doing and planning what you're going to do.
Actively running the river; trying to use the full range of your skills and trying to make full use river features (ie. showing off as much as possible without doing anything unsafe or getting in the way of others/ holding people up).
IMHO: The Level3 is what you make of it; if you just view it as another exam, a piece of paper or an article of validation that proves your prowess to others then it will be worthless.
What it is wonderful and invaluable for is as frame of reference and as a milestone in your own personal development - the point at which you are able to hold your own and even look out for others. As a point where many doors are opened and there are an array of challenges to seek out.
In short- it's where you can start making the paddling really fun.
Ps. if for some reason you can't make the assessment this weekend or don't think you're up to it; don't get upset - it's the most commonly run assessment in the country, you'll get another chance.
pps. Mods- if you think this was too waffly or off-topic then feel free to move/edit as you wish.
