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Flatwater Guide Training + Assessment

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 GUIDE TRAINING BOOKINGS 

Register Here

 

FOR FLATWATER GUIDE ASSESSMENT BOOKINGS

Register Here 

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

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

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

 

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

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.

 

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.

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.

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

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.

 

Course Duration:

Usually 9 am – 5 pm each day

 

Pre requisites:

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

FOR FLATWATER GUIDE TRAINING BOOKINGS 

click here

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

 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

FOR BOOKINGS

 click here

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

© 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.