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Canoeing 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 canoeing. 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 Canoeing Victoria office on 03 8846 4120 or send an email to cvoffice@canoevic.org.au

 

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

Schools Essential Skills Course

SCHOOL ESSENTIAL SKILLS COURSE

Dates:                   Contact Canoeing Victoria for upcoming course dates

Time:                     4 hours program

Location/s:          Westerfolds Park

Cost:                      Contact Canoeing Victoria for a Quote

Who:                     This course is an ideal program to pair with school based outdoor education subjects that involve paddling activities. This course is ideally suited to students 15 years and older.

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 an Australian Canoeing Award Scheme Basic skills Certification as an option.

What is included:

  • Australian Canoeing Award Scheme accredited Canoeing Victoria instructors
  • 4 hours of interactive instruction with snack/ lunch breaks
  • All paddling equipment if required
  • OPTION to include an ACAS basic skills award certificate for successful participants

Course description/ Overview:

What is an Essential Skills course?

The Essential Skills Course is an introduction to paddling where participants come away with an ACAS Basic skills certificate of accreditation. The course is delivered and assessed by a current Australian Canoeing qualified Instructor and assessment will be carried out on flat, sheltered water. You have the option to complete the award in a canoe, kayak or sit on top craft.

What will I learn?

The course will teach the 6 essential strokes for paddling to control your craft efficiently and will also include a safety briefing and explanation of equipment used. The course content covers:

  • 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 deepwater rescue or swim the craft ashore

Focusing on paddling skills, you 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 a clear approach to the launching point

How will I be assessed?

A formal assessment by an Australian Canoeing Instructor is required to attain the award and is included in the course. 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 canoeing clothes (shirt, shorts and sandshoes as a minimum) whilst wearing a life jacket 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 you are under 15 years and are keen to get paddling, contact the Canoeing Victoria office on 03 8846 4120 for information on other ways to get involved.

Secondary School Experience Flatwater 1/2 Day

1/2 DAY SCHOOL FLAT WATER PADDLING EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Date:                     Make a booking today – we tailor the program to suit you

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

Cost:                      Contact Canoeing Victorian for a quote today

What is included:

  • Professional Australian Canoeing Award Scheme accredited paddling guides with an emphasis on fun and safety.
  • All boats and paddling equipment as required
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Risk management

 

Overview:

Westerfolds Park Flatwater paddling experience program

  • Choice of a 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 paddling experience program

  • Choice of a Canoeing or Kayaking activity in an 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

Canoeing 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 HERE:

 

 

Requirements:

  • School staff 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)

Secondary School Experience Whitewater 1/2 Day

½ DAY SCHOOL WHITE WATER PADDLING EXPERIENCE PROGRAM 

Date:                     Enquire about our flexible dates – Give us a call on 03 8846 4120

Location/s:          Yarra River (Other location available upon request)

Cost:                      Contact Canoeing Victoria for a program quote

What is included:

  • Professional Australian Canoeing Award Scheme accredited paddling guides to meet all appropriate ratio requirements
  • All boats and paddling equipment as necessary
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Risk management

Course description/ Overview:

Warrandyte – INTRODUCTION to Moving Water paddling experience program

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

  • Jumping Creek to Warrandyte – great location and ideal 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 and walking trails.

Warrandyte – ADVANCED White Water Paddling experience Program
Ideal for groups on a sequential paddling skills program and 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.

 

Tailored made programs and tailored location settings

Canoeing 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 HERE:

 

Requirements:

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

Secondary School Experience Whitewater Full Day

A FULL DAY SCHOOL WHITEWATER PADDLING EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Date:                     Contact Canoeing Victoria for availability on 03 8846 4120

Location/s:          The Yarra River near Warrandyte

Cost:                      Contact Canoeing Victoria for a quote today

What is included:

  • Professional Australian Canoeing 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 lesson planning

Course description/ Overview:

Warrandyte Whitewater Paddling Experience Program

This program can be tailored to meet the needs of the participants and is ideal for participants who have already acquired the essential 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 days 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.

 

Tailored made programs and tailored location settings

Canoeing 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 HERE:

 

Requirements:

  • School staff accompany students at a suitable ratio on the program
  • School to provide own transport to and from locations
  • If this is a journey program the school staff may need to assist Canoeing 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)

Who to Contact

If you are interested in participating in any of our tailored school paddling experiences and programs, or if you would like to know more information, please contact us at the Canoeing Victoria office on 03 8846 4120 and ask for Roz or Dave.

You can also email Roz at cvprograms@canoevic.org.au or Dave at david.hagel@canoevic.org.au – we’d love to hear from you!

© Paddle Victoria Paddle Victoria acknowledges the Yorta Yorta peoples, the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples of the Wimmera, the Gunditjmara Peoples, the Gunaikurnai people and the Gunditjmaraand Eastern Maar peoples as the traditional owners of this land. We pay our respects to elders past, present and Emerging. Always was, Always will be, Aboriginal Land.