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Paddle NSW
WW Guide Course
Whitewater kayaking is an extremely fulfilling, fun and rewarding sport, enjoyed on rivers far and wide by paddlers of all ages. Rivers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous without appropriate paddling activity supervision and safety support.
This makes Whitewater Guides essential to assuring the safe leadership of whitewater paddling activities and development of paddle community.
The abilities of participants and dynamic variations of water conditions, necessitates that Whitewater Guides possess strong paddling, communication & group management skills, sound risk management-based judgement, intuitive knowledge/skills sharing abilities, and dependable navigation safety, decision making & emergency management capacity. A strong whitewater paddle community is dependent on development of Whitewater Guides.
The Paddle Australia (PA) Whitewater Guide Course presents participants with a fantastic opportunity to upskill: developing confidence, and obtaining practical on water supervision and instructional skills and knowledge. Assuring greater white-water paddling safety for all.
Do you have a love for whitewater paddling? Do you want to help build our paddle community, promote opportunities for more paddling and make your whitewater paddling safer? Do you thrive off of helping others develop confidence and skills? Do you aspire to be a whitewater guide? Then this course is for you!
Pre-requisites: Course participants seeking guide qualification shouldrnhave knowledge and skills at the level of “PA whitewater skills” qualification and be capable of confidently paddling Grade 3 whitewater. Course participants should be comfortable spending time on the river; managing group safety; responding to on river emergencies; promoting a positive environment; developing paddler self-belief/confidence; and building paddler skills and knowledge.
A corequisite of this qualification is the River Rescue Level 2 qualification. Course participants requiring this qualification should register for and complete the River Rescue Level 2 Course (See as scheduled in the same location on 18-19 April 26).
Venue: Cotter River (In vicinity of Cotter Bend and Cotter Campground).The course venue will be confirmed in the week prior to this course, subject to appropriate water conditions for the safe completion of the course.
Course Overview: The course emphasises both maintenance of personal safety, building of confidence, abilities in effecting river rescues and affording “duty of care” in guiding novices in paddling Grade 2 whitewater. Developed through sharing of practical skills, knowledge and techniques and hands-on individual and team/group scenario based learning.
Qualification Context: This qualification builds upon basic white-water skills and knowledge. It is suitable for recreational paddlers who want to develop the skills and knowledge to supervise novices in the conduct of whitewater paddling activities on Grade 2 whitewater. The whitewater guide qualifications are for people seeking a professional certification in whitewater paddling environments up to grade 2 water. The qualification is the nationwide industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of white-water paddling guides for the outdoor industry across education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide.
To gain the qualification participants must demonstrate their ability to manage and assist in rescue situations, from a paddle craft, and to conduct gear retrieval in Grade 2 white-water.
Course Learning: Learning opportunities include:
· Review of paddle strokes for negotiating rapids
· Reading whitewater and safe route selection / rapid negotiation
· Risk management for safe river running and rescue techniques
· Leadership techniques for guiding groups within a range of weather, river conditions and overnight camps
· Basic instructional techniques to aid paddle skills development
(Course Content covered and sequence of instruction will be adjusted to best fit the participants’ needs, location, weather, water conditions and time allowance)
Assessment: Guidelines for assessment for the qualification are as detailed in the PA Qualifications Scheme for Canoe.(Note a minimum logbook is required, which needs to be logged and shared in the PA Paddlelog App).
Successful assessment requires:
· Independent participation in all course activities, while maintaining personal safety.
· Effective participant communication with the instructor and other course participants
· Participant management of all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
Assessment will be done in Canoes:
· Practical: Completed through the training during the course and a subsequent assessment.
· Quiz: An online quiz is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
· Project: An online project is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
Course Staff: The Course Leader, instructor and assessor is Mic Doyle. There will also likely be up to two other instructors in support of the course.
What Craft: You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the course registration and qualification is craft specific (ie. if you are guiding people in canoes, you will need the “canoe” qualification). This should be based on which type of craft you are comfortable paddling in white water and what you would use in a work / recreation based scenario.
Camping / Accommodation: Cotter camp-ground (booking at participant’s own expense through: https://actparks.bookeasy.com/cotter-campground#/accom/132235rn). Friday night Camping is recommended for those travelling to the course location, to assure arrival in time for the course start.
Acceptance of Risk and Waiver of Liability. Participants sign a “Risk Waiver of Liability”at time of registration online if they agree to the level of risks identified as being acceptable.
Participants will be required to read the Risk Assessment provided for the course at the course.
Course Resources / Materials:
· The course leader will provide registered participants with access to some online resources by email to allow familiarization prior to the course.
· Check out the Paddle Australia website for:
o rnSafety Guidelines and Risk Management Guide
o rnLearner Manual Flatwater Instructor & Guide
o rnWhitewater Learner Manual
There are numerous whitewater guide related publications and resources available in print, electronically or on Apps. One particularly good publication is: Swiftwater Rescue Field Guide Book, 2013, 4th Edition by Slim Ray.
Other useful resources include:
· The Mountain Rescue Association,USA - https://mra.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL.pdf
· NPS swiftwater-rescue-manual: https://fliphtml5.com/obytu/vucl/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL/36/
Participant Equipment: It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including:
· Canoe (with flotation & grab holds)
· Skirt / Spray deck (as applicable)
· Whitewater Paddle/s
· PFD (Level 50S rescue vest) - Suitable for white water paddling (We will be doing live bait swims)
· Helmet (specialised for white water)
· Personal First Aid Kit
· Paddle craft specific repair kit
· Pealess Whistle
· Sunscreen
· Wetsuit or Dry suit with warm top and bottom layers
· Paddling shoes / Neoprene booties (enclosed with soles)
· Mesh bag(s) for wet gear storage
· Throw bag
· 2 x locking karabiners
· 2 x prussic loops
· 5m of one inch tubular webbing (if available)
· Pin kit / pulleys (if available)
· Camp chair
· Be prepared with clothing appropriate for paddling activities and an outdoor classroom setting (possible warm, cold, wind, rain).
· Please bring a pad and paper (there are no printed materials required for this course).
· Personal camping, sleeping,cooking and hygiene gear
· All food, snacks and drinks required for consumption during the course (There will not be opportunity to travel to and from shops during the course)
· Dry clothing recommendations:
o Long underwear tops and bottoms
o Fleece vest, top, warm jacket
WW Guide Course
Whitewater kayaking is an extremely fulfilling, fun and rewarding sport, enjoyed on rivers far andrnwide by paddlers of all ages. Rivers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerouswithout appropriate paddling activity supervision and safety support.
This makes Whitewater Guides essential to assuring the safe leadership of whitewater paddling activities and development paddle community.
The abilities of participants and dynamicrnvariations of water conditions, necessitates that Whitewater Guidesrnpossess strong paddling, communication & group management skills,rnsound risk management-based judgement, intuitive knowledge/skills sharingrnabilities, and dependable navigation safety, decision making & emergency managementrncapacity. A strong whitewater paddle community is dependent on developmentrnof Whitewater Guides.
The Paddle Australia (PA) Whitewater Guide Course represents participants with a fantastic opportunity to upskill: developing confidence, and obtaining practical on water supervision and instructional skills and knowledge. Assuring greater white-water paddling safety forrnall.
Do you have a love for whitewater paddling? Do yournwant to help build our paddle community, promote opportunities for morernpaddling and make your whitewater paddling safer? Do you thrive off ofrnhelping others develop confidence and skills? Do you aspire to be arnwhitewater guide? Then this course is for you!
When: Saturday 02 and Sunday 03 May 2026
Pre-requisites: Course participants seeking guide qualification should have knowledge and skills at the level of “PA whitewater skills”rnqualification and be capable of confidently paddling Grade 3 whitewater.rnCourse participants should be comfortable spending time on the river;rnmanaging group safety; responding to on river emergencies; promoting a positivernenvironment; developing paddler self-belief/confidence; and building paddler skillsrnand knowledge.
A corequisite of this qualification is the RiverrnRescue Level 2 qualification. Course participants requiring this qualificationrnshould register for and complete the River Rescue Level 2rnCourse (See as scheduled in the same location on 18-19 April 26).
rnrnVenue: Cotter River (In vicinity of Cotter Bend and Cotter Campground).rnThe course venue will be confirmed in the week prior to this course,rnsubject to appropriate water conditions for the safe completion of therncourse.
Course Overview: The course emphasizes both maintenance of personal safety,rnbuilding of confidence, abilities in effecting river rescues and affordingrn“duty of care” in Guiding novices in paddling Grade 2 whitewater. Developedrnthrough sharing of practical skills, knowledge and techniques and hands-onrnindividual and team/group scenario based learning.
Qualification Context: This qualification builds upon basicrnwhite-water skills and knowledge. It is suitable for recreational paddlersrnwho want to develop the skills and knowledge to supervise novices in thernconduct of whitewater paddling activities on Grade 2 whitewater. Thernwhitewater guide qualifications are for people seeking a professional certificationrnin whitewater paddling environments up to grade 2 water. The qualificationrnis the nationwide industry benchmark certification designed to meet thernneeds of white-water paddling guides for the outdoor industry acrossrneducation, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide.
To gain the qualification participants mustrndemonstrate their ability to manage and assist in rescue situations, from arnpaddle craft, and to conduct gear retrieval in Grade 2 white-water.
Course Learning: Learning opportunities include:
· Review of paddle strokes for negotiating rapids
· Reading whitewater and safe route selection / rapid negotiation
· Risk management for safe river running and rescue techniques
· Leadership techniques for guiding groups within a range of weather, river conditions and overnight camps
· Basic instructional techniques to aid paddle skills development
(Course Content covered and sequence of instruction will be adjusted to best fit the participants’ needs, location, weather, water conditions and time allowance)
Assessment: Guidelines for assessment for the qualification are as detailed in the PA Qualifications Scheme for Kayak.(Note a minimum logbook is required, which needs to be logged and shared in the PA Paddlelog App).
Successful assessment requires:
· Independent participation in all course activities, while maintaining personal safety.
· Effective participant communication with the instructor and other course participants
· Participant management of all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
Assessment will be done in kayaks:
· Practical: Completed through the training during the course and a subsequent assessment.
· Quiz: An online quiz is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
· Project: An online project is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
Course Staff: The Course Leader, instructor and assessor is MicrnDoyle. There will also likely be up to two other instructors in support of therncourse.
What Craft: You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the coursernregistration and qualification is craft specific (ie. if you are guiding peoplernin kayaks, you will need the “kayak” qualification and if you are guidingrnpeople in Canoes, you will need the “canoe” qualification). This should bernbased on which type of craft you are comfortable paddling in white waterrnand what you would use in a work / recreation based scenario.
Camping / Accommodation: Cotter camp-ground (booking at participant’s ownrnexpense through: https://actparks.bookeasy.com/cotter-campground#/accom/132235rn). Friday night Camping is recommended for those travelling to the coursernlocation, to assure arrival in time for the course start.
Acceptance of Risk and Waiver of Liability. Participants sign a “Risk Waiver of Liability”rnat time of registration online if they agree to the level of risksrnidentified as being acceptable.
Participants will be required to read the RiskrnAssessment provided for the course at the course.
Course Resources / Materials:
· The course leader will providernregistered participants with access to some online resources by email to allowrnfamiliarisation prior to the course.
· Check out the Paddle Australiarnwebsite for:
o rnSafety Guidelines and Risk Management Guide
o rnLearner Manual Flatwater Instructor & Guide
o rnWhitewater Learner Manual
There are numerous whitewater guidernrelated publications and resources available in print, electronically or onrnApps. One particularly good publication is: Swiftwater Rescue Field Guide Book, 2013, 4th Edition by Slim Ray.
Other useful resources include:
· The Mountain Rescue Association,rnUSA - https://mra.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL.pdf
· NPS swiftwater-rescue-manual: https://fliphtml5.com/obytu/vucl/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL/36/
Participant Equipment: It is expected that participants will supplyrntheir own equipment including:
· Kayak (with floatation)
· Skirt / Spray deck (asrnapplicable)
· Whitewater Paddle/s
· PFD (Level 50S rescuernvest) - Suitable for white water paddling (We will be doing livernbait swims)
· Helmet (specialised forrnwhite water)
· Personal First Aid Kit
· Paddle craft specific repairrnkit
· Pealess Whistle
· Sunscreen
· Wetsuit or Dry suit with warmrntop and bottom layers
· Paddling shoes / Neoprenernbooties (enclosed with soles)
· Mesh bag(s) for wet gearrnstorage
· Throw bag
· 2 x locking karabiners
· 2 x prussic loops
· 5m of one inch tubularrnwebbing (if available)
· Pin kit / pulleys (if available)
· Camp chair
· Be prepared with clothingrnappropriate for paddling activites and an outdoor classroom setting (possiblernwarm, cold, wind, rain).
· Please bring a pad and paper (therernare no printed material required for this course).
· Personal camping, sleeping,rncooking and hygiene gear
· All food, snacks and drinksrnrequired for consumption during the course (There will not be opportunity torntravel to and from shops during the course)
· Dry clothing recommendations:
o rnLong underwear tops and bottoms, Fleece vest, top, warm jacket
o rnWaterproof jacket and pants (rain gear)
o rnQuick dry / synthetic shirts and pants
o rnHat, with visor
o rnAppropriate footwear
· Optional - Neoprene skull cap orrnthin fleece hat for under helmet (if you tend to be cold)
rnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnOptional – Neoprene/thermal gloves or Pogies
WW Guide Course
Whitewater packrafting is an extremely fulfilling, fun and rewarding sport, enjoyed on rivers far and wide by paddlers of all ages. Rivers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous without appropriate paddling activity supervision and safety support.
This makes Whitewater Guides essential to assuring the safe leadership of whitewater paddling activities and development of a paddle community.
The abilities of participants and dynamic variations of water conditions, necessitates that Whitewater Guides possess strong paddling, communication & group management skills, sound risk management-based judgement, intuitive knowledge/skills sharing abilities, and dependable navigation safety, decision making & emergency management capacity. A strong whitewater paddle community is dependent on development of Whitewater Guides.
The Paddle Australia (PA) Whitewater Guide Course presents participants with a fantastic opportunity to upskill: developing confidence, and obtaining practical on water supervision and instructional skills and knowledge,assuring greater white-water paddling safety for all.
Do you have a love for whitewater paddling? Do you want to help build our paddle community, promote opportunities for more paddling and make your whitewater paddling safer? Do you thrive off of helping others develop confidence and skills? Do you aspire to be awh itewater guide? Then this course is for you!
When: Saturday 02 and Sunday 03 May 2026
Pre-requisites: Course participants seeking guide qualification should have knowledge and skills at the level of “PA whitewater skills” qualification and be capable of confidently paddling Grade 3 whitewater. Course participants should be comfortable spending time on the river; managing group safety; responding to on river emergencies; promoting a positive environment; developing paddler self-belief/confidence; and building paddler skills and knowledge.
A corequisite of this qualification is the River Rescue Level 2 qualification. Course participants requiring this qualification should register for and complete the River Rescue Level 2 Course (See as scheduled in the same location on 18-19 April 26).
Venue: Cotter River (In vicinity of Cotter Bend and Cotter Campground).The course venue will be confirmed in the we r to this course, subject to appropriate water conditions for the safe completion of thecourse.
Course Overview: The course emphasizes both maintenance of personal safety,building of confidence, abilities in effecting river rescues and affording “duty of care” in Guiding novices in paddling Grade 2 whitewater. Developed through sharing of practical skills, knowledge and techniques and hands-on individual and team/group scenario based learning.
Qualification Context: This qualification builds upon basic white-water skills and knowledge. It is suitable for recreational paddlers who want to develop the skills and knowledge to supervise novices in the conduct of whitewater paddling activities on Grade 2 whitewater. The whitewater guide qualifications are for people seeking a professional certification in whitewater paddling environments up to grade 2 water. The qualification is the nationwide industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of white-water paddling guides for the outdoor industry across education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide.
To gain the qualification participants must demonstrate their ability to manage and assist in rescue situations from a paddle craft, and to conduct gear retrieval in Grade 2 white-water.
Course Learning: Learning opportunities include:
· Review of paddle strokes for negotiating rapids
· Reading whitewater and safe route selection / rapid negotiation
· Risk management for safe river running and rescue techniques
· Leadership techniques for guiding groups within a range of weather, river conditions and overnight camps
· Basic instructional techniques to aid paddle skills development
(Course Content covered and sequence of instruction will be adjusted to best fit the participants’ needs, location, weather, water conditions and time allowance)
Assessment: Guidelines for assessment for the qualification are as detailed in the PA Qualifications Scheme for Kayak.(Note a minimum logbook is required, which needs to be logged and shared in the PA Paddlelog App).
Successful assessment requires:
· Independent participation in all course activities, while maintaining personal safety.
· Effective participant communication with the instructor and other course participants
· Participant management of all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
Assessment will be done in packrafts:
· Practical: Completed through the training during the course and a subsequent assessment.
· Quiz: An online quiz is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
· Project: An online project is made available to participants upon registration that needs to be completed prior to the practical program.
Course Staff: The Course Leader, instructor and assessor is Mic Doyle. There will also likely be up to two other instructors in support of the course.
What Craft: You need to determine which craft you will be assessed in, as the course registration and qualification is craft specific (ie. if you are guiding people in packrafts, you will need the “packraft” qualification and if you are guiding people in Canoes, you will need the “canoe” qualification). This should be based on which type of craft you are comfortable paddling in white water and what you would use in a work / recreation based scenario.
Camping / Accommodation: Cotter camp-ground (booking at participant’s own expense through: https://actparks.bookeasy.com/cotter-campground#/accom/132235rn). Friday night Camping is recommended for those travelling to the course location, to assure arrival in time for the course start.
Acceptance of Risk and Waiver of Liability. Participants sign a “Risk Waiver of Liability” at time of registration online if they agree to the level of risks identified as being acceptable.
Participants will be required to read the Risk Assessment provided for the course at the course.
Course Resources / Materials:
· The course leader will provide registered participants with access to some online resources by email to allow familiarisation prior to the course.
· Check out the Paddle Australia website for:
o rnSafety Guidelines and Risk Management Guide
o rnLearner Manual Flatwater Instructor & Guide
o rnWhitewater Learner Manual
There are numerous whitewater guides related publications and resources available in print, electronically or on Apps. One particularly good publication is: Swiftwater Rescue Field Guide Book, 2013, 4th Edition by Slim Ray.
Other useful resources include:
· The Mountain Rescue Association,rnUSA - https://mra.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL.pdf
· NPS swiftwater-rescue-manual: https://fliphtml5.com/obytu/vucl/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL/36/
Participant Equipment: It is expected that participants will supply their own packraft and equipment including:
· Whitewater Paddle/s
· PFD (Level 50S rescuernvest) - Suitable for white water paddling (We will be doing live bait swims)
· Helmet (specialised for white water)
· Personal First Aid Kit
· Paddle craft specific repair kit
· Pealess Whistle
· Sunscreen
· Wetsuit or Dry suit with warmrntop and bottom layers
· Paddling shoes / Neoprene booties (enclosed with soles)
· Mesh bag(s) for wet gear storage
· Throw bag
· 2 x locking karabiners
· 2 x prussic loops
· 5m of one inch tubular webbing (if available)
· Pin kit / pulleys (if available)
· Camp chair
· Be prepared with clothing appropriate for paddling activities and an outdoor classroom setting (possible warm, cold, wind, rain).
· Please bring a pad and paper (there are no printed material required for this course).
· Personal camping, sleeping, cooking and hygiene gear
· All food, snacks and drinks required for consumption during the course (There will not be opportunity to travel to and from shops during the course)
· Dry clothing recommendations:
o Long underwear tops and bottoms, Fleece vest, top, warm jacket
o Waterproof jacket and pants (rain gear)
o Quick dry / synthetic shirts and pants
o Hat, with visor
o Appropriate footwear
· Optional - Neoprene skull cap orrnthin fleece hat for under helmet (if you tend to be cold)
Optional – Neoprene/thermal gloves or Pogies
Paddle Australia
Paddle NSW
Paddle Australia is delighted to deliver the Introduction to Coaching course. The course is designed to enable the beginner coach to gain their Introductory Coach qualification after successful completion of all requirements.
Costs:
PA paddle club and direct members: $50 program fee, $60 registration for 3 years
Non members: $95 program fee, $60 registration for 3 years
Introductory Coach:
The Introductory Coach works with paddlers who wish to gain coaching on core paddling skills.
The Introductory Coach would ideally operate under the supervision of a current Foundation Coach or above however can work independently under the below conditions:
Conditions:
Steps to completing the qualification
Step 1: Register in the program in your state (see below) (you will need to create an account in the PA Education system. This is currently separate to any club membership account. After registration, you will be taken to a landing page and receive an email with login details to the education site. Following this email you will receive details of the program link and login. This may take up to 24 hours.)
Step 2: Completion of the PA online Introduction to Coaching course.
Step 3: Completion of the Australian Sports Commission Community Coaching Essential Skills Course
Step 4: Completion of the Safeguarding children and young people in sport induction
Step 5: Current Working With Children Check obtained online from state government department (if over 18)
Step 6: Email evidence of the completion of the above to your State Paddle Association
Recommended
We hope you will enjoy this course and use it as the start of your coach education journey.
Paddle NSW
Foundation coach: (F2 – T1) Foundation coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to discipline specific skills. The Foundation coach is for coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.
Conditions:
Costs:
$40 program fee plus $0 registration (members) – registration of the Foundation qualification expires at the same time as the Introduction to Coaching
$95 program fee plus $0 registration (non members) – registration of the Foundation qualification expires at the same time as the Introduction to Coaching
Pre requisite: Paddle Australia Introduction to Coaching course
Program structure:
- 100% online
After registration, you will be taken to a landing page and receive an invoice via email for the program. Once paid you will be registered in the program.
Logbook
The following is to be submitted to the email below:
Copy of your logbook showing a minimum of 8 coaching sessions under the supervision of a Foundation, Level 1 or higher Flatwater Coach together with a letter from the coach confirming your coaching efforts. Your logbook should include session details, information about safety issues, and an after-session reflection following discussions with your supervising coach.
Recommended:
We hope you will enjoy this course and use it to continue on your coach education journey.
High Intermediate Course with Packrafting Tasmania - 2026
Packrafting Tasmania will again be running two 3-day High Intermediate Whitewater Packrafting Courses in early October on the Mitta Mitta River. The first of these is Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th.
Who For: The High Intermediate Course is for those who are wishing to advance their skills and work towards paddling grade 3/3+ confidently, consistently, and safely. It focuses on increasing paddler's boat control and technical paddling ability. It is designed for those who are already paddling grade 3 (or at least 2+) but who wish to become more technically competent.
See the Intended Course Content below for more info on the topics covered.
Course Suitability: All participants need to be comfortable with defensively and aggressively swimming grade 3 rapids and must have experience with the use of throwbags (both throwing and catching) as well as self/assisted rescues in grade 2+/3 water.
General Area: Mitta Mitta River area in North East Victoria
Cost: $950 (does not include GST)
Camping/Accommodation: The intention is for the group to camp at Jokers Flat (Alpine National Park) beside the Mitta Mitta River. Participants need to come fully self-sufficient for this. Alternatively people can arrange their own accommodation at a nearby venue. If you are after roof accommodation with a great rustic atmosphere we recommend the nearby Bundarra Cabins. To arrange this, you need to contact the owner, Donald, via 03 5159 7200. Note that he may be away overseas for much of the winter, so we suggest you contact him ASAP. Previously the cost to stay there has been $60 per person per night.
River Sections: Base camping at Jokers Flat will enable us to utilise a range of different sections on the Mitta and possibly another nearby river. What sections we paddle will be based on river heights, group skills and experience and the course goals. Depending on water levels the group will likely have the opportunity to tackle some grade 3+ rapids however there will always be the option to walk/portage these.
Times: 9:00 AM start time on Day 1. Finish approximately 3:00 PM on Day 3
Course Instructors: Dan Hall, Mark Oates & Jen MacGibbon are all either Senior Whitewater or Whitewater Instructors with Paddle Australia. Dan and Mark are also both Whitewater Assessors and recipients of Paddle Australia's Instructor/Guide of the Year. They are two of the most experienced whitewater packraft instructors in the world and are internationally renowned for their expertise.
Intended Course Content includes:
Paddling Equipment: All participants should come fully prepared for swimming in very cold water. Drysuits are recommended! If you opt for a wetsuit (full-length needed) we suggest trying to potentially bring two wetsuits so that you can alternate between them. A cag/spray jacket or dry top is also recommended if you are using a wetsuit.
Please bring decent footwear and a large lightweight pack as there is the likelihood that the group will walk out of one river section and up a steep hill for 20-30 minutes.
Note that overnight temperatures can drop below zero at night whilst daytime temperatures can sometimes be only a few degrees.
Required:
Base Camp Location/Info: Jokers Flat is a medium sized public campground within the Alpine National Park with some info available at: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/jokers-flat-camping-area whilst a video showing the campground is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WSd62RsMqc It is easily accessible to 2WD vehicles but does include a short (100m) slightly rough dirt road down a small hill to access it.
Jokers Flat can get busy at times but we should be able to find enough space for our group and it should not be too hard to find our large group of packrafters. There are two basic long-drop toilets plus a number of official fire places however not much more. Participants need to come fully self-sufficient for the 3 days as the nearest shops are in Omeo, 40 minutes drive away. Participants obviously need to bring all of their own food, tents, camping, sleeping and cooking gear or have alternative accommodation arranged. Note that there is very limited phone coverage in the area although it can be obtained by driving a short distance from camp.
Jokers Flat Campground can be found on Google Maps at the following link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZpFymHxTMNeciYZT6
Participants will need:
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact:
Dan Hall via danchall@hotmail.com & Mark Oates via mark.oates.outdoors@gmail.com
or ring Dan on 0434 861 887 & Mark on 0409 194 260
High Intermediate Course with Packrafting Tasmania - 2026
Packrafting Tasmania will again be running two 3-day High Intermediate Whitewater Packrafting Courses in early October on the Mitta Mitta River. The second of these is Saturday 10th to Monday 12th.
Who For: The High Intermediate Course is for those who are wishing to advance their skills and work towards paddling grade 3/3+ confidently, consistently, and safely. It focuses on increasing paddler's boat control and technical paddling ability. It is designed for those who are already paddling grade 3 (or at least 2+) but who wish to become more technically competent.
General Area: Mitta Mitta River area in North East Victoria
Cost: $950 (does not include GST)
Camping/Accommodation: The intention is for the group to camp at Jokers Flat (Alpine National Park) beside the Mitta Mitta River. Participants need to come fully self-sufficient for this. Alternatively people can arrange their own accommodation at a nearby venue. If you are after roof accommodation with a great rustic atmosphere we recommend the nearby Bundarra Cabins. To arrange this you would need to contact the owner, Donald, via 03 5159 7200. Note that he may be away overseas for much of the winter so we suggest you contact him ASAP. Previously the cost to stay there has been $60 per person per night.
River Sections: Base camping at Jokers Flat will enable us to utilise a range of different sections on the Mitta and possibly another nearby river. What sections we paddle will be based on river heights, group skills and experience and the course goals. Depending on water levels the group will likely have the opportunity to tackle some grade 3+ rapids however there will always be the option to walk/portage these.
Times: 9:30 AM start time on Day 1. Finish approximately 3:30 PM on Day 3
Course Instructors: Dan Hall, Mark Oates & Jen MacGibbon are all either Senior Whitewater or Whitewater Instructors with Paddle Australia. Dan and Mark are also both Whitewater Assessors and recipients of Paddle Australia's Instructor/Guide of the Year. They are two of the most experienced whitewater packraft instructors in the world and are internationally renowned for their expertise.
Intended Course Content includes:
Paddling Equipment: All participants should come fully prepared for swimming in very cold water. Drysuits are recommended! If you opt for a wetsuit (full-length needed) we suggest trying to potentially bring two wesuits so that you can alternate between them. A cag/spray jacket or dry top is also recommended if you are using a wetsuit.
Please bring decent footwear and a large lightweight pack as there is the likelihood that the group will walk out of one river section and up a steep hill for 20-30 minutes.
Note that overnight temperatures can drop below zero at night whilst daytime temperatures can sometimes be only a few degrees.
Required:
Base Camp Location/Info: Jokers Flat is a medium sized public campground within the Alpine National Park with some info available at: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/jokers-flat-camping-area whilst a video showing the campground is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WSd62RsMqc It is easily accessible to 2WD vehicles but does include a short (100m) slightly rough dirt road down a small hill to access it.
Jokers Flat can get busy at times but we should be able to find enough space for our group and it should not be too hard to find our large group of packrafters. There are two basic long-drop toilets plus a number of official fire places however not much more. Participants need to come fully self-sufficient for the 3 days as the nearest shops are in Omeo, 40 minutes drive away. Participants obviously need to bring all of their own food, tents, camping, sleeping and cooking gear or have alternative accommodation arranged. Note that there is very limited phone coverage in the area although it can be obtained by driving a short distance from camp.
Jokers Flat Campground can be found on Google Maps at the following link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZpFymHxTMNeciYZT6
Participants will need:
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact:
Dan Hall via danchall@hotmail.com & Mark Oates via mark.oates.outdoors@gmail.com
or ring Dan on 0434 861 887 & Mark on 0409 194 260
Packrafting Tasmania will be conducting a 3-day Whitewater Packrafting Course that includes a Basic River Rescue component throughout the program that is targeted specifically towards packrafters. The rescue training will provide participants with a strong basis for being safe and comfortable on moving water, however, the main focus of this course is on packraft specific technical paddling skills. It is designed for those with either limited experience on whitewater (e.g. less than 30 days) as well as those new to whitewater.
This course provides the foundation for more technical whitewater packrafting courses and focuses on the fundamentals of key strokes, how to competently catch and exit eddies, how to cross fast strong currents and how to use momentum and moving water to your advantage. Additionally, it ensures that participants have the knowledge and skills to be able to self-rescue in a basic whitewater environment as well as how to rescue others. Although we often get enquiries from people about skipping this course (because they already have some experience on whitewater) we encourage everyone to undertake it as it provides the basis for all our other courses.
The course will take place on grade 2 whitewater on the upper Derwent River about 45 minutes drive north west of Hobart. Participants need to come prepared and equipped for multiple swimming, wading and capsizing activities which are particularly a large focus on day 1. Participants also need to come fully self-sufficient with paddling gear and packrafts.
Day 1 Times & Starting Location: Saturday 5 December 8.45 am – 4:30 pm
Meet at the Lees Corner (small park) in New Norfolk at 8:45 am (near Banjo's Bakery). https://maps.app.goo.gl/fuJNdyFHsqk5qaZ16
Perhaps if you need to grab a coffee/snack/lunch from the shop then get there before the official start time of 8:45 am. New Norfolk is approximately 40 minutes from Hobart's CBD. From there we will drive out together to the starting location, 5- 10 minutes further north.
If any issues with meeting the group contact Mark Oates on 0409194260. Note that Banjos Bakery will be the last chance to purchase lunch or to use a real toilet as the intention is not to return to New Norfolk and shops until the end of the day.
Bring lunch, plenty of drinking water plus some energy food.
You will be in the water some of the time so come prepared for this with a wetsuit, drysuit & thermals or a drytop/spray jacket in combination with a wetsuit.
Day 2 Times & Starting Location: Sunday 6 December a
We will then confirm the location as it will likely be at a different venue to the previous day’s venue.
Day 3 Times & Starting Location: Monday 7 December. Start time and location to be confirmed during the course but we aim to fully finish the course by 3:30 PM. We finish early on this day to allow time for participants travelling either interstate or to the north of the state.
Instructors: The instructors involved in the course include Dan Hall (Senior Whitewater Instructor), Mark Oates (Senior Whitewater Instructor) and Jen MacGibbon (Whitewater Instructor). Mark may be absent for Monday 7 December though.
Equipment Required:
Participants need to attend with the following:
- packraft with inflation bag
- appropriate kayak/packraft paddle
- whitewater paddling helmet. Please do not bring climbing or bike helmets
- whitewater PFD that fits you well
- wetsuit and cag/paddling jacket or a drysuit. Some people may be able to get away with thermals-drytop/cag combined however we would recommend bringing a number of changes of clothes to ensure you can stay warm enough.
- water shoes that you can comfortably walk around on rocks in (note that old runners/volleys may actually work better than lightweight/soft wetsuit booties which are often uncomfortable to walk in, particularly on rough and slippery rocks)
- personal medications & sunscreen
- lunch, snacks and drinking water for each day
- warm clothes for afterwards
You may also like/opt to bring the following but do not worry if you don’t have them:
- throwbag
- river knife
- paddling gloves (can be particularly useful if not used to handling thin throw ropes and are very useful for sun protection)
- any safety gear you normally paddle with (screwgate carabiners, sling, etc)
Purchasing New Gear:
We encourage you to try and avoid buying anything new for this course. We will bring along a number of throw-bags so if you don't have one yet, please simply use ours. More than likely if you are missing a key item of gear we may be able to loan you something for the course - if we are informed well in advance. After completing the course, you will have a much better idea of what is a good piece of equipment and what isn't. Hopefully that way you will spend your money wisely.
Potential Locations Utilised (note that we may only use some of these sites or others nearby):
Broken Bridge Slalom Site: From the northern side of the bridge at New Norfolk head west along the Lyell Hwy for 10.7 km, (8 mins) till you spot a dirt turnoff just before a white cottage on a righthand bend. The turn off comes up quick so watch out for it.
Google Maps: -42.735330098873916, 146.95339454042602
Plenty Railway Bridge Car Park (listed as ‘River Derwent Railway Bridge): drive 7.2 km from the bridge over the Derwent in New Norfolk, along the western side on the Glenora Road.
Google Maps: -42.75602047522549, 146.98608174243938
Hayes Corner Car Park and Lookout: drive 4.7 km (4 mins drive on the eastern side) along the Lyell Hwy, from the bridge over the Derwent in New Norfolk.
Google Maps: -42.758679937547285, 147.00800050341405
For information about the course itself & whether this course is suitable for you, please contact either of the Course Co-ordinators, Dan Hall, via: danchall@hotmail.com or Mark Oates via mark.oates.outdoors@gmail.com