The OSIS 1-Star Touring Kayak Certification is an introduction to the fundamentals of touring kayaking, designed for participants who are new to the sport or looking to build a strong foundation in paddling.
Through practical, hands-on training, participants learn essential paddling techniques, kayak handling, launching and landing, basic rescues, safety procedures and effective communication on the water. The course focuses on developing confidence, control and good decision-making in a safe and supportive environment.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed the core skills and knowledge required to participate safely in introductory touring kayak activities and continue progressing towards higher levels of certification.
Topics Covered
Kayak & Paddle Anatomy
Understanding the different parts of the touring kayak and paddle, and how each component affects handling and performance.
Carrying & Lifting
Learning safe and efficient techniques for carrying, lifting, transporting and handling kayaks as an individual and as a team.
Water Confidence
Developing comfort and confidence in the water, including safe water entry, exit and basic responses to an unexpected capsize.
Basic Manoeuvring Strokes
Learning fundamental paddling strokes used to move, turn, stop and control the kayak effectively.
Self-Recovery
Learning practical techniques to recover yourself and your kayak following a capsize or accidental swim.
Group Recovery
Developing teamwork and communication skills to assist a paddler and recover a kayak safely as part of a group.
Mini Expedition
Putting the skills learned throughout the course into practice during a short guided expedition, combining paddling, navigation, teamwork and on-water safety.
Course Details
Duration
Minimum 14 hours of training, delivered over 2 days with 7 hours of training per day.
Location
Port Dickson, Malaysia
Course Capacity
Minimum: 6 participants
Maximum: 14 participants
Tuition Fee
From RM350 per participant
Tuition fee only. Additional costs may apply for equipment, meals, accommodation and other logistical requirements.
The OSIS 2-Star Touring Kayak Certification builds on the foundational skills developed at 1-Star level, introducing more advanced paddling techniques, rescue skills and decision-making for longer and more challenging touring kayak expeditions.
Participants will refine their boat control, develop self and assisted rescue techniques, and learn to assess conditions and make informed decisions as part of a paddling group. The course also introduces expedition planning and technical environments, preparing participants to paddle with greater confidence, competence and awareness.
Topics Covered
Effective Paddling Strokes
Refining paddling techniques to improve efficiency, control and boat handling across a range of conditions.
Edging
Learning to use the kayak’s edge to improve turning, manoeuvrability and control.
Wet Exit with a Spray Skirt
Developing the skills and confidence to safely exit a kayak while wearing a spray skirt following a capsize.
C-to-C & Sweep Roll Introduction
An introduction to kayak rolling techniques, focusing on the principles and movement patterns required for self-recovery.
Using a Tow Line
Learning how to safely deploy and use a tow line to assist a paddler during an incident or when a paddler is unable to continue independently.
Paddling Formations
Developing group paddling formations, communication and positioning to improve safety and coordination on the water.
Surf Launch & Landing
Learning techniques for safely launching and landing a touring kayak through small surf and understanding the associated risks.
Rock Hopping
Developing boat control and decision-making while navigating around rocky shorelines and coastal features.
Route & Passage Planning
Learning how to plan a paddling route by considering distance, conditions, hazards, access and exit points, and the capabilities of the group.
Course Details
Duration
16 hours of training, delivered over 2 days with 8 hours of training per day.
Location
Port Dickson, Malaysia
Course Capacity
Minimum: 6 participants
Maximum: 14 participants
Tuition Fee
RM700 per participant
Tuition fee only. Additional costs may apply for equipment, meals, accommodation and other logistical requirements.
The OSIS 3-Star Touring Kayak Certification is designed for paddlers progressing into leadership roles. The course develops the skills required to plan, manage and lead a touring kayak expedition, with a strong focus on leadership, risk management, group management and decision-making.
Participants will learn to assess the capabilities of their paddling group, identify and manage risks, plan expedition logistics and make informed decisions throughout an expedition. The course combines technical rescue skills with leadership and coastal navigation, preparing participants to take greater responsibility for the safety and experience of a group on the water.
Topics Covered
Rescue Drills
Developing and practising structured rescue techniques for a range of incidents and scenarios encountered during touring kayak expeditions.
Tow Lines
Building competence in the use of tow systems to manage and assist paddlers who are unable to continue independently.
Group Communications
Learning effective communication systems, signals and protocols to coordinate a paddling group and manage situations on the water.
Logistics & Preparations
Planning the practical requirements of an expedition, including equipment, transport, timings, access and exit points, emergency considerations and contingency planning.
Understanding Your Paddlers
Learning how to assess the abilities, experience, needs and limitations of fellow paddlers or clients, and adapting plans and leadership approaches accordingly.
Coastal Navigation
Developing practical navigation skills for coastal environments, including route planning, identifying features, understanding conditions and maintaining group awareness.
Recovery Rolls
Developing reliable kayak rolling skills to recover from a capsize and return to an effective paddling position without exiting the kayak.
Expedition Leadership
Applying leadership, risk assessment, group management and decision-making skills to plan and lead a touring kayak expedition.
Course Details
Duration
21 hours of training, delivered over 3 days with 7 hours of training per day.
Location
Port Dickson, Malaysia
Course Capacity
Minimum: 6 participants
Maximum: 10 participants
Tuition Fee
RM1,200 per participant
Tuition fee only. Additional costs may apply for equipment, meals, accommodation and other logistical requirements.
Course Completion Requirements
Full Attendance
Attendance is compulsory for all 3 days of the course. Participants must complete the full training programme to be eligible for course completion.
Four Written Assignments
Participants are required to complete and submit four assignments. All assignments must be successfully submitted and graded as part of the course completion requirements. Assignments must be submitted on the designated course day.
Recovery Roll Assessment
Participants are required to demonstrate three consecutive successful recovery rolls to complete the practical rolling requirement.
The roll assessment may be completed within 6 months of attending the course. Participants who do not complete the requirement during the course may submit video evidence of their successful rolls for assessment.
Recommended Preparation
Participants are strongly encouraged to practise their rolling skills before attending the course. Developing a reliable roll in advance will allow more time during the course to focus on leadership, rescue, navigation and expedition management.
Join a Public Course
Stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook pages for announcements of upcoming public course dates, availability and registration details.
Request a Private Course
Prefer to arrange a course for your own group? Contact us at derik@morph-outdoors.com or admin@morph-outdoors.com with the following details:
Preferred Dates:
Number of Participants:
Course Level:
1-Star / 2-Star / 3-Star
We’ll get back to you with availability, group pricings and the next steps to arrange your course.
