Paddle Victoria have a number of programs, experiences and competitions which are specifically aimed towards the participation of schools.  We offer courses to learn basic paddling skills for groups as well as qualification-based programs which teachers can participate in such as Level 1 Flatwater Guide and Instructor courses which enables them to lead groups of participants on trips – check out our Education page for further information on the courses we offer.

You can also contact our discipline committees directly, as most competitive disciplines host Schools Championships events throughout the year and can provide other information for schools who are just getting involved in paddling. Check out Marathon, Canoe Polo, Slalom, Sprint or Downriver. To see which clubs offer what types of paddling, check out our club offerings document and find a club near you!

If you would like any information contact the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 or send an email to Roz.

The tabs below contain information regarding the programs we offer which are specifically tailored for Schools.

Certification for Teachers

There are many different qualifications that teachers can obtain in order to improve their paddling skills and develop their on-water group management skills.

The Paddle Australia Award Scheme (PAAS) is the national benchmark for paddling, designed and supported by Paddle Australia, the peak national paddling body recognised by the Federal government. The Scheme presents the highest standards of skills and safety to the general public, recreational paddlers, commercial operators and administrative officials.

The Award Scheme has been created for paddler development in both skills and knowledge to enrich the paddlers’ enjoyment of the sport and to develop safe practices amongst all paddlers. The Scheme is designed to allow anyone to enter at any level. The Skill Awards help define minimum paddling skills for those who wish to guide or instruct.

The Guide and Instructor Awards represent industry quality paddling awards recognised throughout Australia for use in industry, education and clubs. The Skill Awards are more than just competency based. Holders of a given skill award have a moderated set of paddling skills that allow those paddlers to operate confidently and safely within their tested conditions.

Course Assessors are people that are Instructors in their own right who have additional experience and the ability to judge the standards of other paddlers

To learn more information about the different qualifications Paddle Victoria offer, please click the links below:

Foundation Skills Course

Whitewater Skills Course

Life Guard Course

River Rescue Qualification

Flatwater Guide/Instructor Training

Flatwater Guide/Instructor Assessment

Sea Kayak Guide/Instructor Training

Whitewater Guide/Instructor Training

Whitewater Guide/Instructor Assessment

 

If you would like further clarification or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 or you can email Roz.

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.

Half Day –  Flatwater Paddling Experience program

Date:                     Enquire today – call the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 or you can email Roz

Location/s:         Westerfolds Park & Lillydale Lake (other locations available upon request)

Cost:                      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.

What is included:

  • Professional Paddle Australia Award Scheme accredited paddling Guides with an emphasis on fun and safety.
  • Can tailor program to your requirements
  • All boats and paddling equipment available as required
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Risk management

Paddle craft options:

For your Flatwater program we can provide you a choice of different paddle crafts for your needs. You may select between:

  • Sit on top kayaks – Great beginner craft with a small learning curve to inspire confidence in paddling and fun.
  • Tandem canoes – perfect for developing team work, communications and transferable paddle skills to all disciplines of paddling.
  • Sit in kayaks – perfect for introducing the more technical concepts of kayak sport disciplines and the foundations of white water kayaking.

Program options:

Westerfolds Park Flatwater Paddling Experience program

  • Choice of canoeing or kayaking based activity on a sheltered section of the Yarra River
  • Safety equipment briefing
  • Paddling equipment briefing
  • On the water for paddling instruction and fun games
  • Location facilities include: toilet, change room, parking, picnic and BBQ areas nearby, walking and bike trails

Lilydale Lake Flatwater program

  • Choice of canoeing or kayaking activity in a enclosed lake environment
  • Safety equipment briefing
  • Paddling equipment briefing
  • On the water for paddling instruction and fun games
  • Location facilities include: toilet, change room, parking, picnic and BBQ areas nearby.

Tailored made programs and tailored location settings

Paddle Victoria will happily work with you to create a fun and enjoyable program in a location that may be more suitable for you. Tailor made programs can be quoted if you email Roz, the Paddle Victoria Education Business Manager, with your program requirements.

Program Requirements:

  • School staff to accompany students at a suitable ratio on the program
  • School to provide own transport to and from locations
  • School to provide comprehensive first aid information and specific first aid requirements for all participants on program including school staff, parents or volunteers)

FOR BOOKINGS/EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST click here

For Enquiries Contact: Roz or you can call the office on (03) 9020 2750.

Half Day – Whitewater Paddling Experience program

Date:                     Enquire today – call the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 or you can email Roz

Location/s:         The Yarra River near Warrandyte (possible other locations available upon request)

Cost:                      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.

What is included:

  • Professional Paddle Australia Award Scheme accredited paddling Guides to meet all appropriate ratios requirements
  • All boats and paddling equipment as necessary
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Risk management

Paddle craft options:

For your flat water program we can provide you a choice of two different paddle crafts for your needs. You may select between:

  • Tandem canoes – perfect for developing team work, communications and transferable paddle skills to all disciplines of paddling.
  • Sit in kayaks – perfect for introducing the more technical concepts of kayak sport disciplines and the foundations of white water kayaking.

Program options:

Warrandyte – Introduction to Moving Water Paddling Experience program

This is the ideal trip to introduce participants to the joys of paddling in fast moving river current, where ideally, participants  have previously acquired the foundation paddling skills on flat water.

  • Jumping Creek to Warrandyte location and a quick introduction to moving water in an easily accessible area not far from Melbourne
  • Choice of canoeing or kayaking activity on the Yarra River
  • Safety equipment briefing
  • Paddling equipment briefing
  • Rescue instruction and river hazards
  • On the water for paddling instruction and fun games
  • Location facilities include: toilet, parking, picnic and BBQ areas nearby, walking trails.

Warrandyte – Beginner Whitewater Paddling Experience Program

Ideal for groups on a sequential paddling skills program whereupon the participants have already developed boat control and basic paddling skills.

  • Get away from the noise of the city and enjoy the natural river rapids of the Yarra River.
  • Lower Homestead Road to Whitton’s reserve location
  • Several substantial yet fun rapids in the area for more capable and experienced paddlers
  • Choice of canoeing or kayaking activity
  • Safety equipment briefing
  • Paddling equipment briefing
  • Rescue instruction and river hazards
  • On the water for paddling instruction and fun games
  • Location facilities include: parking, picnic and walking trails.

Tailor-made programs and tailored location settings

Paddle Victoria will happily work with you to create a fun and enjoyable program in a location that may be more suitable for you. Tailor made programs can be quoted by email by Roz, or calling the office on (03) 9020 2750 with your program requirements.

Program Requirements:

  • School staff accompany students at a suitable ratio on the program
  • School to provide own transport to and from locations
  • If a journey program the school staff may need to assist Paddle Victoria staff to perform vehicle shuttles.
  • School to provide comprehensive first aid information and specific first aid requirements for all participants on program (including school staff, parents or volunteers)

FOR BOOKINGS/EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST click here

For Enquiries Contact: Contact Roz or you can call the office on (03) 9020 2750

Full Day – Whitewater Paddling Experience program

Date:                    Enquire today – call the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750 or you can email Roz

Location/s:         The Yarra River near Warrandyte (possible other locations available upon request)

Cost:                      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.

What is included:

  • Professional Paddle Australia award scheme accredited paddling Guides to meet all appropriate ratio requirements
  • Safety equipment suitable for white water river trips
  • All boats and paddling equipment as necessary
  • Choice of canoe or kayaking experience
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Risk management and planning

Paddle craft options:

For your flat water program we can provide you a choice of two different paddle crafts for your needs. You may select between:

  • Tandem canoes – perfect for developing team work, communications and transferable paddle skills to all disciplines of paddling.
  • Sit in kayaks – perfect for introducing the more technical concepts of kayak sport disciplines and the foundations of white water kayaking.

Program options:

Warrandyte Whitewater Paddling Experience program

This program can be tailored to meet the needs of the participants and is ideal for participants whom have already acquired the foundation paddling skills and boat control. The trip can be structured for a shorter journey focusing on developing paddling and rescue skills for the participants or it can be structured for a longer trip focusing on a river journey, environment and communication.

  • Get away from the noise of the city and enjoy the natural river rapids of the Yarra River.
  • Whitton’s reserve to Jumping creek – a full day paddle with some exciting rapids
  • Several substantial yet fun rapids in the area for more capable and experienced paddlers
  • Choice of canoeing or kayaking activity in a unique river environment
  • Safety equipment briefing
  • Paddling equipment briefing
  • Rescue instruction and river hazards
  • On the water for paddling instruction
  • Location facilities include: parking, picnic areas and walking trails.

Tailor-made programs and tailored location settings

Paddle Victoria will happily work with you to create a fun and enjoyable program in a location that may be more suitable for you. Tailor made programs can be quoted by emailing Roz.

Program Requirements:

  • School staff accompany students at a suitable ratio on the program
  • School to provide own transport to and from locations
  • If a journey program the school staff may need to assist Paddle Victoria staff to perform vehicle shuttles.
  • School to provide comprehensive first aid information and specific first aid requirements for all participants on program (including school staff, parents or volunteers)

FOR BOOKINGS/EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST click here

For Enquiries Contact: Email Roz or you can call the office on (03) 9020 2750.

More Information on Available Courses

Want to take your own group out for a paddling experience or further develop your paddling skills and on-water safety management? Please click the links below to view more information about some of the different training courses and qualification assessments that Paddle Victoria offer.

Life Guard

Flatwater Guide

Flatwater instructor

Whitewater Guide

Whitewater Instructor

River Rescue