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.