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A three hour introduction course for people who wish to learn to paddle either a kayak or a canoe on inland waterways. The course programme is designed with the aim of giving you confidence to enjoy the excitement and challenge of paddling. You will be shown and have time to practice the basic paddle strokes for moving your craft safely and efficiently. While this course is intensive, it is not physically demanding. As the course is practially oriented, most of the course time will be spent paddling and practising paddle strokes.
There will be regular breaks (bring snacks and water).
The course is to be carried out on a stretch of outdoor, unheated water. Please come appropriately attired for the weather on the day of the course. (see clothing to wear paddling below) You will be getting wet so a change of clothes is a must bring item.
Cost
Course fees includes use of a kayak, course notes and certificate, and must be paid prior to the course at the time of enrolment. You may use your own craft.
Venue
Aquatic Reserve, Bower Rd West Lakes
Time
0900-1200
Clothing for Paddling
Always dress for the weather conditions.
In summer, that will mean light clothing (long sleeve tops to protect arms and shoulders) with adequate sun protection (sunglasses for your eyes and sunblock for your skin)
In winter clothing will include woolen or thermal clothing, wetsuits may also be worn, and don’t forget the sun protection as winter sun can damage sensitive skin and eyes
Warm weather:
Cold weather:
Further Information
PSA Flatwater Guide / Instructor Assessment
15 - 16 FEB 2020
Paddle South Australia will provide an assessment opportunity for paddlers seeking a Flatwater leadership award on the weekend 15 – 16 February 2020 at Aquatic Reserve, West Lakes.
This activity will consist of two days of assessment elements. Day 1 will be a personal paddling skills assessment and Day 2 will cover the leadership, management and instructional components. The program will see you being assessed for both practical on-water elements and your knowledge and understanding at your chosen award level.
Candidates will be assessed for one of these Paddle Australia awards; Paddling Supervisor, Flatwater Guide or Flatwater Instructor. See description below.
Flatwater Paddling Supervisor Award
This is the introductory level to gain employment in the industry. Holders of this award are qualified to manage and supervise a paddling activity in enclosed situations, where the group does not leave the immediate launch area.
Flatwater Guide Award (FWG)
This award qualifies you as a FWG to lead group trips in canoes / kayaks on lakes and rivers in controlled conditions. A FWG enables safe participation in the activity without the intention of teaching all paddling skills. Candidates seeking to lead multi-day and overnight activities should also attain the Overnight Camping Endorsement.
Flatwater Instructor Award (FWI)
A FWI is qualified to instruct paddling skills and lead groups on overnight or full-day excursions on inland waterways in moderate conditions. An instructor is able to critique technique and apply a variety of instructional strategies.
To ensure that you are prepared for success and will be assessed at an appropriate level you are requested to submit some documents to verify your previous training and experience and therefore readiness for assessment. An assessor will review your documents and discuss with you an appropriate award level for assessment.
The requested documents, in electronic format are requested by no later than Monday 10th February:
· Copy of your First Aid Certificate (or similar).
· If you have done it, your completed Assessment Project for the award being sought
(this would have been detailed in your Paddle SA training course).
These documents should be sent to sa@paddle.org.au with the subject marked FW Assessment.
For those who do not meet the pre-requisite Log Book experience requirements, that will not preclude you from participating on the day. All candidates attending will be assessed to their level of competence and detailed feedback will be provided to enable a pathway to complete the award (e.g. you might be competent for performing deep water rescues, but not yet competent for instructing kayak skills to a group).
This activity will be supervised by current Instructors and Assessors who all have vast experience in working as outdoor guides and instructors, and are well-suited to getting you underway with your qualification.
If you are considering participating in this activity, it is highly recommended that you visit http://sa.canoe.org.au/education and review the Supervisor, Guide and Instructor information.
Cost: $150 Day 1 only; $250 both days
Time /Date: 9am – 4.30pm, Saturday15 and Sunday 16 February
Location: Aquatic Reserve, Bower Road, West Lakes
An equipment list detailing recommended items will be provided upon enrolment.
Please contact the Paddle SA office if you have any questions.
email sa@paddle.org.au or phone 0408 390 211
By conducting this assessment opportunity, Paddle SA is aiming to assist you in achieving the most streamlined pathway to your final assessment. We look forward to paddling with you!