You will receive a quiz and project to complete before final assessment. Please use the project outlined within this itinerary rather than a link after registration.
Introduction & Itinerary FWG
Flatwater Guide Course
11,12 August 2022.
For Penrith (St Colombia College)
Last updated by Ian Royds 26/07/2022
Introduction
A Flatwater Guide/Kayak leadership Course will be held at Penrith (site TBA), for those wanting to develop their skills and competencies towards a Paddle Australia Qualification (FW Guide - kayak). Assessment will be both informal and formal with an online quiz and a written project to completed and sent to the assessor Ian Royds preferably before the course.
Things To Do Beforehand
• Read the Flatwater Instructor and Guide Learner Manual available on the PNSW website.
• A quiz and written written knowledge project is available online after registration and must be completed before the course. A written project is given below.
• Bring food and drink for the day, as there will be little spare time.
• Bring a kayak and canoeing gear including PFD, helmet (optional), footwear, clothing appropriate for swimming, spare clothing etc. Make sure your craft is safe with hand loops, buoyancy etc.
• First Aid Kit and any personal medications
• Bring a throw rope and a simple Rescue Kit if you have one. (If you are seeking a qualification then you must be able to demonstrate that you are ‘ready to go’ as a Guide on the day of assessment(Friday 12).
• Register and pay the course fee to PaddleNSW beforehand to secure a place.
• Pen and clipboard
• Download your ‘Paddlers Logbook’ onto the Paddle Australia (PA) Paddle Log app and any other relevant certificates as the assessor must sight these before a qualification can be given.
• On-water snacks
• Please bring tolerance and good humour as I will be trying my best to accommodate everyone’s needs in the limited time available. People come with different competencies.
Getting There
We will meet at ……………………………………………. 8.30am for a 9am start.
Flatwater Guide/Instructor Assessment Project
Last updated 26/07/2022 by Ian Royds
Introduction
In addition to the online quiz this assessment task is designed as an evidence tool to complement your on-water assessment. It must be your original work and relevant to your situation. Submit it along with your logbook before the course to ensure that you get the most from the course. Point form is acceptable. What we are looking for is evidence that you have knowledge and understanding of the key concepts contained within. Refer to the Flatwater Instructor & Guide Level-1 Learner Manual and the Whitewater Instructor & Guide Manual available on the PNSW website for help or contact me for clarification (contact details below). Points will be elaborated on during the course.
Written Project
Prepare for a flatwater day river trip that you will be guiding on a river of your choice. Your client group consists of teenage students who have received some instruction in canoeing/kayaking. They have all paddled in a controlled environment before. The aim of the trip is for the students to gain experience in an extended day adventure and to experience roles in leadership, navigation and group responsibility.
Please submit the following:
1. Activity Plan: Choose a suitable venue selection for participants and activity objectives. State who, when, where etc. Identify reliable sources of information about the trip such as from a named River Guide, a reliable website or other reliable sources.
2. A Float Plan and Emergency Management plan to be left with a nominated responsible person. It will include a route plan for the trip that details the entry and exit points and emergency exit routes. The plan should be in a form that provides sufficient information for a third party to be able to locate these points and the route taken and should include an expected trip time and arrival time. (A Float Plan proforma is available on PA and PNSW websites)
3. Weather: State Conditions of Cancellation e.g. water levels, inclemency of weather etc. Download a sample BOM weather map and interpret it for your proposed activity. Include your methods of checking that the water level will be safe on the day (e.g. Paddle Safe app river level and recommendations) and possible observable flow features. Give date and source of information.
4. Legal Permissions: Access or Land manager permission, if required (or details of the land manager to gain permission). If none required, state none required.
5. Equipment List: Include an equipment list for the trip, for both participants and group safety. Detail the safety equipment that will be carried by guides. Take into consideration sun sense and hypothermia precautions as well as any rescue and communication equipment required.
6. A Risk Management Plan for the trip, only to the level that is applicable for the context of the proposed trip. List of participants, their emergency contacts and any relevant medical information (asthma form, medical form). Appropriateness of the equipment and environment (including any notable hazards). Placement of supervisory staff, communications (signals and systems for you and your staff that will be used), rescue plans and First Aid support. The number of supervisors and their paddling qualifications mentioned. How an incident will be managed (incident command responsibilities)
7. Emergency Management Plan: Includes important information or procedures needed in the event of an emergency e.g. emergency contact number/s(who, how, when) emergency evacuation points, weather limits before cancellation or evacuation.
8. Risk Assessment: Construct a Risk Assessment with S.F.P.T. shown before and after controls are put into place (S=severity, F= frequency, P=probability, T = Total Risk Score) NOTE: A risk assessment is different to a risk management plan.
9. Activity Briefing: Briefing notes sent to clients before the activity.
10. Departure Briefing: A briefing, in point form, to be delivered onshore just prior to departure, to include signals, a final gear check, injury prevention tips (posture etc), paddle techniques, capsize issues, and actions in the event of sickness or emergency…
Log Book
Logbooks are an evidence tool to show that you have the necessary experience to lead groups on canoeing activities. They may be in a variety of formats including journals, formula style or electronic. There is a free Paddle Log App available from Paddle Australia and this source is required for later award re-ratification. However, many paddlers also keep a personal log. All log books for assessment should be verified by a third person (a name and phone number will do). There are various versions of log books available online but the following is given as a general guide for the information logged:
Kayak Trip LogName: Fred Nurk (PAid No382901)
| | | | | | | Who with: Incl. a valid contact no. | | | |
| | | Burradoo to BerrimaWeir return | | | | 4 X inxperiencedlocal adults Glenn Robinson ph: 0407xxxxxx | | | Fine, sunny, no wind. Log jamb to portage on LH bank. No danger |
| | | Bendeela to Sharks fin return | | | | Self only Ph: Anne R 0407xxxxxx | | | |
For FWG assessment you will need to show that you have paddled at least:
11. FW Skills requirement: verified logbook Min. 6 trips X 3hrs duration.
12. A minimum of three guided flatwater activities of at least three hours duration at three different locations as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide.
13. For overnight endorsement (if required), at least one overnight program as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
Knowledge Evidence and Presentations
In addition to the written assignment, you must complete an online quiz. There will also be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge with your colleagues by presenting 1 or 2 brief presentations.
Demonstrations of knowledge and/or leadership:
(Participants can choose 2 of the following)
