Intermediate - Level 1:
Details
Paddle Tasmania will be conducting a 3-day Level 1 Whitewater Packrafting Course in northern Tasmania that is designed to accommodate those moving into grade 2 whitewater as well as those already paddling grade 2/3 rivers and looking to improve their technical knowledge and skills. It is expected that participants will previously have completed a beginner or foundation and fundamentals packraft course or have equivalent training/experience in a kayak. This course is designed to have participants learn the skills to competently get into and out of eddies, cross fast currents and manoeuvre around grade 2 rapids. Although the course will be conducted on grade 2 whitewater it is well suited to those aiming to achieve similar on grade 3 water.
A water release has been booked with Hydro Tasmania for the weekend however there is always the chance that they are unable to release an appropriate volume of water. If this occurs we may need to potentially move aspects of the course to another river in the north west. Ideally this will be nearby and we will still camp beside the Forth River. For any other more significant changes participants will be notified by email.
Camping
The Forth Whitewater Course is owned and managed by the Tasmanian Canoe Club and includes excellent grassy campsites beside the river. There are basic toilet facilities and an undercover decked area however that is all. Friends/relatives of participants who are not undertaking the course are also welcome to camp although an additional fee of $10 pp per night is required. Participants need to supply all of their own camping gear including cooking gear, stove, tent, sleeping gear, etc. The nearest corner store/service station is 10 minutes
away in Forth and larger shops about 20 minutes away. Phone reception is limited at the site however there may be some coverage up towards the road/toilets or near the shed and deck area.
Instructors
The course will be led by Paddle Australia Senior Whitewater Instructors Dan Hall and Mark Oates and Whitewater Packraft Instructor Jen MacGibbon.
Who is it for?
It is ideally suited to those who have previously completed a beginner course and who currently paddle grade 2 rivers. It is also perfect for those aspiring to learn to paddle grade 3 safely & competently. Participants should already understand how to swim in whitewater in the event of a capsize and how to both throw and catch a throwbag. The focus of this course is on developing safety and technical knowledge specific to competently paddling packrafts on grade 2 whitewater. Please note that there will number of in-water practical components and all participants should be prepared for sessions involving capsizes and re-entries plus swimming and wading in moving water. Wetsuits are highly recommended or ideally drysuits, if available.
Location Details
Drive south from the Forth township along the Wilmot Road approximately 8km. Look out on the left for a large sign next to a gate on a paddock that says Tasmanian Canoe Club. On Google Maps the location is listed as Forth River Slalom Course and can be found on the following link:
https://goo.gl/maps/BkFspNpNw5Em6QXV8
Potential Course Content
- Group Safety Considerations & Equipment
- River Communications
- Essential Technical Paddling Strokes
- Creating Power
- Improving Edging
- Utilising Cross-Current Momentum to your Advantage
- Multiple Techniques for Entering and Exiting Eddies
- Achieving objectives through utilising Position, Angle, Speed, Head, Edging and
Strokes
- Improving Stroke Efficiency and paddling a Pre-Defined Course
Enquiries about Registration and Payments: Contact Paddle Tasmania Education and Training Officer, via education.tas@paddle.org.au.
Enquiries about Course Details or Suitability: Contact Mark Oates via
mark.oates.outdoors@gmail.com or Dan Hall via danchall@hotmail.com
Cancellation Fees apply:
21 days or more prior to course full refund
20-14 days prior to course 10% of course fee retained
13-2 days prior to course 15% of course fee retained
less than 48 hours no refund.
