Paddle Victoria is running under current COVIDSafe Summer restrictions.  As per the current DHHS advice all paddling activities are allowed whilst following healthy hand hygiene, maintaining a 1.5 meter distance from others and wearing a face mask when not exercising if you cannot maintain a 1.5 meter distance from others.  All equipment will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

If you have any signs or symptoms of a cold, sore, throat, runny nose, fever, upset stomach, dry cough, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, please ensure you CANCEL your participation and stay home for the safety and wellbeing of other participants, club members and Paddle Victoria Staff.

Flatwater Guide Training | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
2021
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November 2021       | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

2022
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th January 2022              | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th  February 2022         | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th  March 2022             | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April 2022                | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

Flatwater Guide Assessment
2021
Sunday 28th November 2021                                           | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
2022
Sunday 6th February 2022                                                | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe
Sunday 15th May 2022                                                      | Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

Whitewater Guide Training / Assessment

No dates set at this stage.  Please contact the office for expressions of interest.

Paddling Supervisor

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education Business Manager, Roz Manester by email.

Course Description:

The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) Paddlig Supervisor Course consists of a
one day face to face program plus an online component to be completed prior to program. Participants should expect the day to consist of approximately half a day in a semi classroom-style environment and the other half on the water. It is expected that participants already have the some paddling ability – the equivalent to a flatwater skills course is sufficient.

Assessment-Guidelines-Paddling_Supervisor_-_Canoe
Assessment-Guidelines-Paddling_Supervisor_-_Kayak
Assessment-Guidelines-Paddling_Supervisor_-_SOT

What I will learn:

  • Safety briefings and equipment
  • Flat water paddling skills
  • PAQS overview
  • Minimal impact practice
  • Knowledge of craft and basic maintenance
  • Safety guidelines, risk management, incident reporting
  • Log books
  • Rescues
  • Paddling games

Who:

The Paddling Supervisor Award is for people seeking professional certification in enclosed flat water paddling areas perfect for school camp style paddling needs. Holders of the Canoe/Kayak Lifeguard Award are qualified to manage a paddling activity in enclosed situations, performing rescues as required, where the group under supervision can be seen from a single vantage point at any time and does not leave the immediate launch area.

Paddle Craft

You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the award is also craft specific.  If you are teaching people in canoes, you will need the “Canoe” award.  You may also hold both a canoe and kayak award in any PAQS award, however paddling skills will need to be assessed in both craft styles.

Equipment:

It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including boat, helmet, life jackets, paddles and kayak skirts however, Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of this equipment.  Please indicate your requirements on the booking form.  Any personal equipment will require a safety check prior to commencement to determine its suitability for the paddling activity.

Course Duration:

9 am – 5 pm – One Day

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria runs most training programs from its base location at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

Pre requisites:

  • Flatwater Skills training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course.
  • Provide a verified log showing over the previous two years at least 6 – 9 hours total duration of on-water paddling activities as an observer under training or as an assistant.
  • Recommended obtaining prior to course: Apply First Aid certificate (or equivalent)

Assessment

Participants are trained and assessed on this program at different stages throughout the program.

For registration, course costs and available dates click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester by email.

Flatwater Guide Training

 

The Flatwater Guide Training Course is for people seeking professional certification in flat water paddling environments.
(Please note that this is not a Coaching Course)

For Flatwater Instuctor Training please contact Roz
For Coach Training visit Coach Course

FOR BOOKINGS click here

Flatwater Guide Training in Canoe or Kayak
Assessment-Guidelines-Flatwater_Guide_-_Kayak 2018

Assessment-Guidelines-Flatwater_Guide_-_Canoe 2018

Course Description:

This is the training course designed to prepare participants to meet the assessment for the Flatwater Guide or Flatwater Instructor certification. An assessment day is also required to obtain the full certification.

The course consists of two full days approximately 9am – 5pm of which participants should expect around half of each day in a semi classroom style environment and half of each day on the water. The course is intended to teach the guiding and instructor skill sets in flat water paddling environments. It is expected that participants already have the ability to paddle to the equivalent of a Flatwater Skills course.

Who:

The Flatwater Training Course is for people seeking professional certification in flat water paddling environments. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the paddling guide and instructor industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide. This course is the Paddle Victoria pathway to prepare the participant for either a Flatwater Guide Assessment or a Flatwater Instructor Assessment to achieve their PAQS qualification.

Please note: Courses needs to meet minimum registration numbers to run on advertised dates. If sufficient numbers are not registered one week before the program, alternative arrangements will be made with registered participants

What I will learn:

Subject matter that will be covered includes but is not limited to:

  • Paddling guiding skills
  • Refining paddling technique
  • Paddling instruction techniques and teaching methodology
  • PAQS overview
  • Minimal impact practice
  • Interpreting weather
  • Navigation
  • Trip intentions, float plans and risk management

Paddle Craft

You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the award is craft specific.  If you are teaching people in canoes, you will need the “Canoe” award.  You may hold both a canoe and kayak qualification in any PAQS award, however paddling skills will need to be assessed in both craft types.

Equipment:

It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including boat, helmet, life jackets, paddles and kayak skirts however, Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of this equipment.  Please indicate your requirements on the booking form.  Any personal equipment will require a safety check prior to commencement to determine its suitability for the paddling activity.

Paddle clothing also needs to be suitable to get wet, be sunsmart and appropriate for the conditions.

Course Duration:

Usually 9 am – 5 pm each day

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria runs most Flatwater Guide and Instructor Training programs from its base location at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

Pre requisites:

  • PAQS Flatwater Skills training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course.

What Next:        Booking your assessment

As this is the training to achieve your Flatwater Guide or Instructor certification you will need to book into a separate assessment course to achieve your qualification. Prior to booking your assessment you should read the assessment requirements for the certification to ensure you can achieve them within the designated time frame.

Assessments are conducted over 1 day requiring additional costs for both the practical assessment and qualification registration with Paddle Australia.

To complete your qualification in addition to your assessment you will need

  • A First Aid certificate including up to date CPR
  • Meet log book requirements for Flatwater Guide level

Anything else?

Differences between the Guide and Instructor Qualification

Holders of the Flatwater Guide Award are qualified to lead or guide trips on inland waters such as open lakes and rivers (but not on whitewater or sea) in controlled conditions for inland kayaking and canoeing (ie, you are not “teaching” the art of canoeing / kayaking – more supervising a safe canoeing/kayak activity).  This is recommended for activities such as at camps, school outings, general “experience” programs.

Holders of the Flatwater Instructor Award have a much deeper understanding of the technical fundamentals of paddling technique and development. Flatwater Instructors have been assessed at a higher level and are qualified to instruct and facilitate skill transfer to participants. These participants will then have the ability to act independently or with minimal supervision in controlled conditions for inland kayaking and canoeing (ie, you can “teach” the Paddle Australia correct technique and safe way to paddle).  This is recommended if your group aims to leave the sessions building on the ability to paddle on their own or with their peers, or if the intention is to teach the basic skills.

Tailored Programs

Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or Flatwater Guide or Instructor program for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements via phone – 9020 2750

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education manager, Roz Manester, by email.

Flatwater Guide/Instructor Assessment

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education Business Manager, Roz Manester by email.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment

Flatwater Guide to Instructor upgrade Assessment

Course description/ Overview:

The assessment consists of 8 hours approximately 9am – 5 pm of which participants should expect around one and a half hours of written assessments under exam conditions and approximately three and a half hours on the water instructing paddling skills under continuous assessment conditions.

Who:

The Flatwater Assessment is for people seeking a professional certification in flat water paddling environments. The Paddle Australia Award Scheme (PAAS) course is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the paddling Guide and Instructor industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nation wide.

This course is the Paddle Victoria Flatwater Guide Assessment or a Flatwater Instructor Assessment to achieve their PAAS qualification. Candidates for assessment should have achieved substantial paddling experience and qualifications suitable to meet assessment criteria of either the Flatwater Guide or Instructor qualification.

Paddle Craft

You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the award is also craft specific.  If you are teaching people in canoes, you will need the “Canoe” award.  You may also hold both a canoe and kayak award in any PAAS award, however paddling skills will need to be assessed in both craft types.

Equipment:

Participants are expected to provide their own equipment however Paddle Victoria can provide some or all of the equipment for the duration of the course.  Please indicate in your registration what you require.  Personal equipment will be scrutinized prior to the commencement of the course for safety and suitability.  If you have questions or concerns about your equipment or the course, please contact the office on 9020 2750 for clarification.

Course Duration Time:

9:00am – approximately 5:00pm

Course Location/s:

Usually at Paddle Victoria at Westerfolds Park in Templestowe, Melbourne.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

Assessment Prerequisites:

  • PAAS Flatwater training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • A First Aid certificate including up to date CPR
  • Meets log book requirements
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course.

Assessment:

  • Exam to demonstrate knowledge of: correct paddling technique and guide/instructor abilities, navigation, weather interpretation, PAAS structure, lesson planning, risk management and safety
  • In field assessment includes: paddling equipment scrutiny and set up, ability to brief & instruct paddling skills, group management and communication, ability to provide safety briefings, ability to perform efficient rescues and tows.
  • Written assignment for either guide level or instructor
  • Guide log book requirements:
    • Six trips of a minimum of three hours duration
    • Three guided flat water activities of at least three hours duration as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
  • Instructor log book requirements:
    • Six trips of a minimum of three hours duration
    • Three guided flat water activities of at least three hours duration as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
    • As an observer under training or as an assistant Instructor:
      • three paddling instructional activities of at least three hours duration
      • two off-water sessions

Additional assessment notes for RPL (recognition of prior learning) candidates:

Candidates for an RPL program must also supply in advance of the RPL assessment proof of prior certification and training including a log book that meets the requirements of the PAAS Flatwater Instructor Award.

Assessment components for the RPL:

  • RPL Candidates must meet standard assessment pre requisites.
  • Supply to Paddle Victoria prior to course learning and certification that reflects:
    • Instruct flat water paddling skills and strokes
    • Group management and communication in paddling environments
    • Flat water rescue techniques
    • Minimal impact practices
    • Navigation
    • Weather interpretation
    • Risk management and lesson planning for paddling trips
    • Log book meeting requirements of PAAS paddle trips within the last two years

 Additional assessment notes for Guide to Instructor candidates:

  • Candidates must hold a current Paddle Australia Flatwater Guide certification
  • Candidates must supply to Paddle Victoria prior to the course:
    • Current first aid certificate and valid CPR
    • A log book that meets the instructor level requirements

Tailored Programs

Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or flatwater guide or instructor program for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements via phone – (03) 9020 2750

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education manager, Roz Manester by email.

Online Coaching Course
Email Roz at education@paddlevic.org.au for more information

Become a qualified Paddle Australia Coach!

Coach at your local paddling club and help new paddlers learn to paddle, coach paddlers on to the elite level with technique and nutrition advice.

Club members can gain access to our new, online Introduction to Coaching course so they can upskill while they have time and can help coach new members.
It is a pre-requisite that new coaches complete the Introduction to Coaching Course and then follow it by the Foundation Coach – Flatwater or Foundation Coach – Slalom

Foundation Coach – Flatwater
Foundation coach: (F2 – T1) Foundation coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to Flatwater specific skills. The Foundation coach is for coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.
Foundation Coach – Slalom
Foundation coach: (F2 – T1) Foundation coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to Slalom specific skills. The Foundation coach is for coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR THE COACHING COURSE?

  • There is no age restriction for accessing and completing the online course
  • If you are under 16 you are welcome to complete the online course however you will be unable to register for the qualification. Once you turn 16, PA will be happy to process your registration.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A CLUB MEMBER TO DO THE COACHING COURSE?

  • • No, the course is open to PA Direct members as well as non-members
  • • The price for Club Members and Direct Members is $50 program fee and $60 registration for 3 years
  • • The price for non-members is $95 program fee, $60 registration for 3 years registration.

WHAT DOES THE COACHING COURSE ALLOW ME TO DO AFTER I GET MY QUALIFICATION?

  • • The Introductory Coach works with paddlers who wish to gain coaching in core paddling skills.
    • The Introductory Coach would ideally operate under the supervision of a current Level one Coach or above. However an Introductory Coach can work independently under the following conditions:
  • • Enclosed waters with no current and little wind influence.
  • • Hazards are minimal and there is always ready access to safe landing.
  • • Distance is no greater than 50m from shore.
  • • All participants are wearing lifejackets.
  • • All participants can swim.
  • • Participants have basic craft handling skills (moving craft forward and turning around)
  • • Ratio of 1:4.

Please note: the Coaching qualification is different to a guide/instructor qualification. Where guides/instructors guide people safely on water bodies, coaches coach paddlers to become better paddlers in their paddling technique, off water coaching and nutrition based advice.

Sea Kayak Guide and Instructor Training

For Enquiries Contact: Education manager, Roz Manester via email, or you can call the Paddle Victoria office on (03) 9020 2750.

Course Description:       

This Training Course is designed to prepare participants to meet the assessment for the Sea Kayak Guide or Sea Kayak Instructor certification. An additional assessment day is also required to obtain the certification.

The course consists of three full days approximately 9am – 5pm of which participants should expect the equivalent of 1 day in a semi-classroom environment and 2 days of paddling skills on the water. The course is intended to teach the guiding and/or instructor skill sets for sea kayak environments. It is expected that participants already have the ability to paddle to the equivalent of a Sea Kayak Skills course.

Who:

The Sea Kayak Training Course is for people seeking professional certification in sea kayaking in moderate sea environments. The Paddle Australia Award Scheme (PAQS) course is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the paddling guiding and instructor industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide. This course is the Paddle Victoria pathway to prepare the participant for either a Sea Kayak Guide Assessment or a Sea Kayak Instructor Assessment to achieve an PAAS qualification.

Please note: Courses needs to meet minimum registration numbers to run on advertised dates. If sufficient numbers are not registered one week before the program, alternative arrangements will be made with registered participants

What I will learn:

Subject matter that will be covered includes but is not limited to:

  • Refining sea kayak paddling skills & technique
  • Paddling instruction techniques and teaching methodology
  • PAQS overview
  • Minimal impact practice
  • Interpreting weather
  • Navigation , trip, route and risk management planning
  • Sea kayak guiding & instructor equipment
  • Surf launch and land
  • Towing methods
  • Rolling
  • Sea kayaking group management strategies
  • Skill and knowledge transfer
  • Teaching models

Paddle Craft

This course is for specifically for sea kayak craft only, Sit on top craft are not considered acceptable for this course (for SOT craft please enquire about the coastal guide course). Sea kayaks must be sea worthy, well maintained and have all the minimum necessary safety equipment that should be used by Sea Kayak Guides or Instructors such as (but not limited to):

  • Bilge pump
  • Paddle float
  • Tow system
  • Paddle leash
  • Split paddles

Equipment:

It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including boat, helmet, life jackets, paddles and other sea kayaking equipment, however Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of this equipment.  Please indicate your requirements on the booking form.  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:

Normally 9 am – 5 pm each day (3 Days).

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria may utilise a number of different locations around Victoria for Sea Kayak courses depending on suitability of venues and areas to paddle.

Specific course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

 

Pre-requisites & co-requisites:

  • PAQS Sea Kayak Skills Training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course
  • Participants are expected to have suitable safety equipment for sea kayaking

What Next:        Booking your assessment

As this is the training to achieve your Sea Kayak Guide or Instructor certification you will need to book into an additional assessment to achieve your qualification. Prior to booking into the assessment you should read the assessment requirements for certification to ensure you can achieve them within the designated time frames of the assessment.

Link to Sea Kayak Assessment:

  • A First Aid certificate including up to date CPR
  • Meets logbook requirements for Sea Kayak Guide level
  • Meets logbook requirements for Sea Kayak Instructor level

Anything else?

Differences between the Guide and Instructor Qualification

Sea Kayak Guide – The holders of this award are qualified to guide groups of novices on activity and expedition based programs in sea kayaks at sea defined as outside of estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs, or islands in moderate conditions, including:

  • Below “strong wind warnings” conditions (forecast or observed of greater than 25 knots);
  • Assessed in minimum winds of 11 – 16 knots;
  • Areas of exposed coastline that is simple, not involving overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings may be included;
  • Crossings of less than 10 nautical miles;
  • Breaking (overtopping) waves (sea) up to 1 m;
  • Surf to 1m

Sea Kayak Instructor – The holder of this award has demonstrated the ability to train individuals and groups from novices to instructors on activity and expedition based programs in sea kayaks at sea defined as outside of estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs, or islands in moderate conditions, including:

  • Below “strong wind warnings” conditions (forecast or observed of greater than 25 knots);
  • Assessed in minimum winds of 11 –16 knots;
  • Areas of exposed coastline that is simple, not involving overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings may be included;
  • Crossings of less than 10 nautical miles;
  • Breaking (overtopping) waves (sea) up to 1m;
  • Surf to 1m

Tailored Programs

Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or sea kayak course for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements.

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester via email, or you can call the Paddle Victoria office on 03 9020 2750

Whitewater Guide/Instructor Training 

Please contact the office for expressions of interest.
The next Whitewater Guide Training and Assessment will take place on the Mitta River on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October 2021 
Dates may need to be changed to comply with COVID lockdown regulations.

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester, by email.

Course Description/Overview:       

This is the training and assessment course.
Assessment Guidelines for qualification in Kayak –  Assessment-Guidelines-Whitewater_Guide_-_Kayak

Assessment Guidelines for qualification in Canoe – Assessment-Guidelines-Whitewater_Guide_-_Canoe

The course consists of three full days from approximately 9am – 5pm in which participants should expect to be trained on and off the water, covering both practical and theoretical aspects of becoming a guide. The course is intended to teach the guiding and instructor skill sets in white water paddling environments. It is expected that participants already have the ability to paddle to the equivalent of a Whitewater Skills course.
Participants will be assessed over the duration of the course.

Who:

The Whitewater Training and Assessment Course is for people seeking professional certification in white water paddling environments on Grade II – III water bodies. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) course is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the paddling Guide and Instructor industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide. This course is the Paddle Victoria pathway to prepare the participant for either a Whitewater Guide or Instructor qualification.

 Please note: Courses needs to meet minimum registration numbers to run on advertised dates. If sufficient numbers are not registered one week before the program, alternative arrangements will be made with registered participants.

 

What I will learn:

Subject matter that will be covered includes but is not limited to:

  • White water guiding skills
  • Refining white water paddling technique and maneuvers
  • Paddling instruction techniques and teaching methodology
  • White water recoveries
  • Reading and understanding river hydrology
  • PAQS overview
  • Minimal impact practice
  • Interpreting weather
  • Navigation
  • Trip intentions, float plans and risk management

 Paddle Craft

Paddle craft need to be suitable for white water use. You will need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the award is craft specific.  If you are teaching people in canoes, you will need the “Canoe” award.  You may also hold both a canoe and kayak award in any PAQS award, however paddling skills will need to be assessed in both craft types.

Equipment:

It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including boat, helmet, life jackets, paddles, kayak skirts and rescue equipment, however Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of this equipment.  Please indicate your requirements on the booking form.  Any personal equipment will require a safety check prior to commencement to determine its suitability for the paddling activity.  If you have concerns prior to the course, please contact the office to discuss.  Participants will also be required to supply their own paddling clothing suitable for the temperature conditions, be able to get wet, and be sun smart.

Course Duration:

Normally 9 am – 5 pm each day (3 days) – includes Assessment and some evening theory work.

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria runs Whitewater Guide and Instructor Training programs at various locations depending on river conditions/ water levels etc.
Some locations – Yarra River, Mitta River at Omeo and the Big River.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

 

Prerequisites & co-requisites:

  • PAQS Whitewater Skills training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • River rescue training is a co-requisite for a Whitewater Guide and/or Instructor

What Next:   Achieving your qualification

  • A First Aid certificate including up to date CPR
  • Meet log book requirements for Whitewater Guide level
  • Complete a Project within 6 weeks of the Training and Assessment
  • Register as a Guide with Paddle Australia for 3 years – $170.00

Anything else?

Differences between the Whitewater Guide and Instructor Qualification

Holders of the Whitewater Guide Award are qualified to lead or guide trips on on rivers up to Grade II white water for kayaking and canoeing.             (ie, you are not “teaching” the art of  white water kayaking and/or canoeing – more supervising a safe kayak/canoeing activity).  This is recommended for activities such as at camps, school outings, general “experience” programs.

Holders of the Whitewater Instructor Award have a much deeper understanding of the technical fundamentals of paddling technique and development in white water environments. Whitewater instructors have been assessed at and are qualified to instruct, facilitate skill transfer to develop participants in order so that they may act independently or with minimal supervision in white water rivers up to Grade II for kayaking and/or canoeing. Holders of a Whitewater Instructor Award are qualified to guide trips on rivers up to Grade III white water for kayaking and/or canoeing.      (ie, you can “teach” the Australian Canoeing correct technique and safe way to paddle).  This is recommended if your group is to leave the sessions building on the ability to paddle on their own or with their peers, or if the intention is to teach the basic skills.

Tailored Programs

Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or Whitewater Guide or Instructor program for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements via phone – (03) 9020 2750

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester, by email.

Whitewater Guide/Instructor Assessment

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester, by email.

Generally the Whitewater Training and Assessment is run as one course rather than being done separately.  See Whitewater Training tab for more details on the next available course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment

Whitewater Guide to Instructor Upgrade Assessment

Course description/ Overview:

The assessment consists of 8 hours, approximately 9am – 5 pm in which participants should expect around one and a half hours of written assessments under exam conditions and approximately five and a half hours on the water instructing paddling skills under continuous assessment conditions.

Who:

The Whitewater Assessment is for people seeking a professional certification in white water paddling environments. The Paddle Australia Award Scheme (PAQS) course is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the paddling Guide and Instructor industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nation wide.

This course is the Paddle Victoria Whitewater Guide Assessment or a Whitewater Instructor Assessment to achieve their PAQs qualification. Candidates for assessment should have achieved substantial paddling experience and qualifications suitable to meet assessment criteria of either the Whitewater Guide or Instructor qualification.

Paddle Craft

Paddle craft need to be suitable for white water use. You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the award is also craft specific.  If you are teaching people in canoes, you will need the “Canoe” award.  You may also hold both a canoe and kayak award in any PAQs award, however paddling skills will need to be assessed in both craft types.

Equipment:

It is expected that participants supply their own equipment including boat, helmet, life jackets, paddles, kayak skirts and rescue equipment however, Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of the equipment.  Please indicate on your registration what you require.  Any personal equipment will require a safety check prior to commencement to determine its suitability for the paddling activity.   Participants will also be required to supply their own paddling clothing suitable for the temperature conditions, be able to get wet, and be sun smart.

Course Duration Time:

9:00am – 4:30pm (approximately)

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria runs most Whitewater Guide and Instructor training and assessment programs from Big River depending on river conditions.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

 

Assessment Pre-requisites & Co-requisites:

  • PAQs Whitewater training or legitimate proven equivalent
  • A First Aid certificate including up to date CPR
  • Meets log book requirements
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course.
  • River rescue training is a co-requisite for a Whitewater Guide and/or Instructor

Assessment:

  • Exam to demonstrate knowledge of: correct paddling technique and Guide/Instructor abilities, navigation, weather interpretation, PAQs structure, lesson planning, risk management and safety, river hydrology
  • In field assessment includes: paddling equipment scrutiny and set up, ability to brief & instruct paddling skills, group management and communication, ability to provide safety briefings, ability to perform efficient rescues and tows in white water environments.
  • Written assignment for either Guide level or Instructor
  • Current Apply First Aid certificate (or equivalent)
  • Guide log book requirements:
    • A minimum of five Grade II white water trips of more than two hours duration at three different locations.
    • Up to three white water instructional sessions on Grade II water, of two hours or more, at a fixed location, may be substituted for up to three river trips
    • Three white water instructional sessions on Grade II water, of two hours or more, at a fixed location, may be substituted for up to three river trips.
    • Three guided white water trips as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
    • A minimum of five river trips on Grade II water, using at least two different venues
  • Instructor log book requirements:
    • Logbook: A minimum of five Grade II white water trips of more than two hours duration at three different locations.
    • Up to three white water instructional sessions on Grade II water, of two hours or more, at a fixed location, may be substituted for up to three river trips
    • Three white water instructional sessions on Grade II water, of two hours or more, at a fixed location, may be substituted for up to three river trips.
    • Three guided white water trips as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
    • A minimum of five river trips on Grade II water, using at least two different venues

Additional assessment notes for RPL candidates:

Candidates for an RPL program must also supply in advance of the RPL assessment proof of prior certification and training including a log book that meets the requirements of the ACAS Whitewater Instructor award.

Assessment components for the RPL:

  • RPL Candidates must meet standard assessment prerequisites.
  • Supply to Paddle Victoria prior to course learning and certification that reflects:
    • Instruct white water paddling skills and strokes
    • Group management and communication in paddling environments
    • White water rescue techniques
    • Minimal impact practices
    • Navigation
    • Weather interpretation
    • Risk management and lesson planning for paddling trips
    • Log book meeting requirements of PAQs paddle trips within the last two years

 Additional assessment notes for Guide to update Instructor candidates:

  • Candidates must hold a current Australian Canoeing Whitewater Guide certification
  • Candidates must supply to Paddle Victoria prior to the course:
    • Current First Aid certificate and valid CPR
    • A log book that meets the instructor level requirements

Tailored Programs

Paddle Victoria would be pleased to work with you to tailor a location or Whitewater Guide or Instructor program for your school, group or organisation. Please contact Paddle Victoria to discuss your requirements via phone – 03 9020 2750

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester , by email.

River Rescue II Course (2 day)

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester by email.

Course description/ Overview:

The course consists of two full days approximately 9am – 5pm of which participants should expect some theoretical learning and discussions as well as time in and around the river. The course is very interactive with participants asked to engage and participate actively in all course exercises.

Who:

The Paddle Austrlia River Rescue II course is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of white water canoeing and kayaking Guides and Instructors for the outdoor industry across education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide.

The PAQs River Rescue Course is a co/prerequisite course for the white water canoe/ kayak instructor courses that builds upon basic river rescue theory and is also suitable for recreational paddlers who want to develop their paddling rescue skills.

Candidates for this course will need to have white water paddling skills and should expect to spend time on understanding river hydrology in depth, boats based rescue in white water environments, white water rescue principles, white water rescue swimming and crossings, throw ropes usage and practical mechanical advantage systems.

What I will learn:

  • River hydrology and hazards
  • River rescue principles
  • Throw bagging
  • White water crossings
  • White water swimming
  • Practical mechanical advantage systems
  • Risk management

Paddle Craft

You need to determine which white water craft type you will be assessed in. This should be based on which type of craft you are comfortable paddling in white water and what you would use in a work based scenario. For example, if you are teaching people in canoes, you should choose to use and be assessed in a canoe.  Sit on top craft are not recommended for this course unless they are specifically designed white water vessels.

Equipment:

It is expected that participants provide all their own equipment however, Paddle Victoria can provide any or all of the equipment for the course.  Please indicate on your registration what you require.  All personal equipment will be checked for safety and suitability prior to commencement of the course.  Participants will also be required to supply their own paddling clothing suitable for the temperature conditions, be able to get wet, and be sun smart.

Course Duration:

Usually 9 am – 5 pm each day for two days.

Course Location/s:

Paddle Victoria traditionally runs most River Rescue training programs at Big River in Victoria, however this is subject to time of year, river levels and conditions.

Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation.

Prerequisites:

  • PAQs Whitewater Skills, Whitewater Guide or legitimate proven equivalent
  • Fill in self assessment form and meet requirements for course.

FOR BOOKINGS click here

For Enquiries Contact: Education business manager, Roz Manester by email.