Flatwater Skills - Canoe

Qualification Definition
The holder of this qualification has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to personally paddle a Canoe on Flatwater areas such as lakes, dams, slow moving rivers, etc. An area should not be classified as Flatwater if any of the following apply: Rapids of any grade Surf (of any size) entry or exit An entrance structure to an estuary or embayment Affected by swell Documented tidal rips (see chart) Documented tidal current greater than 1 knot (see chart) Where the tide (rise or fall) removes a landing area or makes it unsuitable Distances greater than 400 metres from shore Fetch greater than 1 nautical mile The assessment can be conducted in single or double canoes. If using a double canoe the candidate should be tested in both the bow and stern positions.
Skills
Prepare appropriate craft and equipment	Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment. This equipment promotes personal safety and is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Secure craft for transport, secure equipment to craft	Participants transport craft to and from venue, method is safe for craft and participant. (or able to demonstrate method they would use) Equipment placed on or in craft is secured in a manner that does not impede safety and is accessible when required
Launch and land craft	Participant launches and lands craft in a safe repeatable manner without assistance
Perform paddle strokes	Demonstrate individual strokes to manoeuvre the craft: Forward and reverse paddle Forward and reverse sweeps Draw strokes (feathered and sculling) Stern rudder Bow rudder Cross-bow rudder Stopping Support using blade J stroke Pry For each stroke the minimum performance requirements are: Correct hand placement on paddle Sufficient wrist movement to enable correct blade placement Adequate paddle depth in water to achieve effective stroke Correct paddle blade angle throughout stroke Correct paddle entry and exit points with respect to craft and body position
Form into and disperse from a raft	A raft is formed in a timely manner (no wasted time) and promotes safety to all involved
Perform self and assisted rescues	Self rescue: Swim craft 50m in paddling gear Assisted rescue (rescues are performed as rescuee and rescuer): T rescue Rescues are performed in a timely manner (no time wasted) and promotes safety to all involved and is deemed to work in all conditions
Accept a tow	Calm is maintained. Craft kept in a straight line while towed. Craft kept stable and balanced
Perform a tow	Demonstrate: Single tow Contact tow Tows are performed using quick release system that floats if disconnected. Tows are performed to promote safety to all.
Complete an activity	Activity plan/brief is followed to meet time management requirements and activity goals. Plan is adjusted if and when required
Rope work	Demonstrate: Bowline Double Fisherman's knot Round turn and two half hitches Clove hitch Highwayman's hitch Truckies hitch
Individual Situational Awareness	Participant is able to monitor personal wellbeing as well as environmental elements that may effect all participants
Knowledge
Knowledge level: General
Knowledge and maintenance of craft	Knowledge of what makes a craft suitable for Flatwater. Must include but not limited to: Construction Materials Design Flotation Water line Handling characteristics Grab handles Thwarts Gunwales
Select appropriate equipment and clothing	Clothing and equipment is selected with consideration of sun sense and other environmental influences Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment. This equipment is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Store, operate and maintain appropriate safety and communication equipment	Equipment to include but not limited to: Lifejacket (level 50) Sufficient food and water Spare paddle Mobile phone Hand pump VHF radio Tow line Sling/rescue ladder Pea-less whistle PLB Safety knife Bailer First Aid kit Able to show or explain simple repair kit and the purpose of contents
Navigational aids	Knowledge of but not limited to: Latitude and Longitude/Grid reference Measuring distance Scale Position fixing; e.g. dead reckoning, 3 point fix Transits Aiming off Grid North versus Magnetic North Contour lines Navigational markers: Lateral, cardinal and special markers Port and Starboard Tides: High, Low, Spring, Neap, Tidal range, Rule of twelves, Secondary ports Tidal flow arrows Paddling speed Land features such as Spur, Ridge, Saddle, Gully, Knoll, and Plateau Able to complete a Navigation sheet
Interpret weather	Able to gain appropriate Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather forecasts (e.g. from MetEye) and warnings, and interpret how weather can influence and affect a paddling location. Knowledge of, but not limited to: Winds Beaufort Scale Funnelling Fetch Effects of wind on paddling; windward, leeward Tidal currents Precipitation Sources of extended marine weather forecasts Telling signs of bad weather approaching
Minimal environmental impact	Follows PA Minimal Impact Guidelines
Maintain a log book	Understands the purpose and contents of a log book Knowledge and use of PA's Paddle Log app
Prepare a Float Plan	Understands the purpose and contents of a Float Plan Knowledge and use of PA's Paddle Prep app
Communication
Maintain effective communication with a group	Participant stays within communication distance of the group. Communication is limited to Verbal, Whistle, Visual Communicate in a positive manner within a paddling group to help establish and maintain an enjoyable, safe experience for all group members. Act on constructive feedback
Experience
On water activities to be carried out in a variety of locations and conditions
Minimum log book requirement	In the previous three years: Five Flatwater activities of a minimum of three hours duration
Assessment Tasks
The following tasks should be completed prior to final assessment. Links to these tasks are made available by clicking the View Resources button adjacent to your course enrolment on the Paddle Education site.
Quiz	Relevant knowledge quiz(zes) completed by participant and results viewed