Sea Kayak Guide and Instructor Training

Currently not offered at Paddle Victoria – Contact East Coast Kayaking for courses and information

https://eastcoastkayaking.com.au/

or Contact : info@eastcoastkayaking.com

 

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.

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

  • 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

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

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

This course is currently not offered at Paddle Victoria – Contact East Coast Kayaking for courses and information https://eastcoastkayaking.com.au or Contact : info@eastcoastkayaking.com