Schools Foundation Skills Course
If this sounds like the course for you, please fill in an expression of interest form so we can get in touch and arrange a quote for you.
Course description/ Overview:
The schools program Foundation Skills Course is an introduction to paddling where participants can learn some paddling skills and come away with an optional Paddle Australia Award Scheme (PAAS) Basic Skills certificate of accreditation. The course is delivered by a current Paddle Australia qualified Instructor. If participants wish receive certificates of accreditation an optional assessment during the day will be carried out on flat, sheltered water.
Who:
This is an ideal program to pair with school based outdoor education subjects that involves paddling activities. This course is a safety education program designed for school students to develop the essential paddling skills and awareness to participate in paddling activities safely on Victorian waterways.
Successful students can be awarded a Paddle Australia Award Scheme Basic skills certification as an option. To be assessed for the optional PAAS Basic Skills Award students need to be 15 years and older.
What will I learn?
The course will teach 6 essential strokes for paddling to control your craft efficiently and will also include a safety briefing and explanation of equipment used. Participants will also learn:
- The safety requirements for paddlers and their craft in Victorian waterways
- Understanding the use of lifejackets and the legislation surrounding the wearing of lifejackets
- Launch the craft, embark and paddle away from the launching point
- Disembark, then re-embark, paddle to deep water, capsize and assist with a deep water rescue or swim the craft ashore
Focusing on paddling skills, participants will be taught:
- Understanding of correct posture and basic injury prevention
- Paddling forwards, backwards and emergency stops
- Turning the craft
- The use of the paddle as a means of support on the water
- Coming alongside other craft, and also a clear approach to the launching point
Paddle Craft
You need to determine which craft style you want to paddle as the award is craft specific. Recreational canoes, kayaks, sea kayaks and sit on top kayaks (SOTS) are all acceptable craft for this course.
Equipment:
Paddle Victoria is happy to provide boats, paddles, lifejackets and kayak skirts upon request, however candidates are welcome to supply their own. Participants will be required to supply their own paddling clothing suitable for the temperature conditions, be able to get wet, and be sun smart. Personal equipment scrutiny will occur prior to any on water training to determine its suitability for paddling guide activities and standards.
Course Duration:
Approximately 4 hours – each course may be tailored to suit your needs. Please call the Paddle Victoria office or email Roz to discuss course duration options.
Course Location/s:
Paddle Victoria runs most of its Foundation Skills courses from Westerfolds Park, Templestowe.
Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.
Prerequisites:
- There are no prerequisites for this course, however participants will need to be comfortable swimming 50 meters in a lifejacket and submerging their head under water.
How will I be assessed?
A formal assessment is required to attain the Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award associated with this course and will be included in the course cost if groups specify they wish to obtain certificates of accreditation. The assessment can be conducted in single kayaks (which can be sit on top) or canoes, and is specific to the craft in which it was taken. The candidates’ performance throughout the assessment must be satisfactory and confident, demonstrating the skills outlined above. If using a double kayak or canoe the candidates should be tested in both the bow and stern positions.
Anything else?
Candidates will need to be able to swim 50 metres in paddling clothes (shirt, shorts and sandshoes as a minimum) whilst wearing a lifejacket and swim under the craft to surface on the other side.
Due to the physical nature of this course, individuals are required to be 15 years of age or over to participate. If individuals are under 15 years but are keen to get paddling, contact the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 for information on other ways to get involved.
Tailored Programs
Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or Foundation Skills courses for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements by phone on (03) 9020 2750.
FOR BOOKINGS/EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST click here
For Enquiries Contact: Roz or you can call the office on (03) 9020 2750.