Moving Water Endorsement - Canoe

Qualification Definition

The holder of this qualification has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to guide groups of novices on Grade 1 water that is clearly moving and has hazards such as strainers and a degree of risk, but less than that of a Grade 2 river. This qualification is only valid if the holder also holds a current Flatwater Guide or Instructor qualification appropriate for the craft.

Skills

All skills to be performed in Grade 1 moving water
Apply paddle strokesDemonstrate individual strokes to manoeuvre the craft:
  • Edging and Leaning
  • Ferry glide forward and reverse
  • Break into and out of eddies
Demonstrate combinations of all the above strokes to manoeuvre the craft effectively and efficiently
River runningRead water to determine a safe route through a rapid:
  • Use water features for advantage to assist in turning and crossing currents
  • Follow a predetermined route through a rapid
  • Use avoidance techniques for any river hazards
Perform self and assisted rescues in moving waterSelf rescue:
  • Capsize and wet exit
  • Swim to shore with craft and paddle
  • Defensive swim to remain in safe position
  • Aggressive swim to reach shore or an eddy
  • Retrieve a craft from a current
  • Drain craft
Assisted rescue:
  • Throw bag, pendulum swing into shore
Shallow water crossing:
  • Wade through shallow water
For all rescues an assessment of the situation is conducted and appropriate technique selected.
Rescues are performed in a timely manner (no time wasted) and promotes safety to all involved and is deemed to work in all conditions.
Good communication with Rescuee at all times.

Knowledge

Knowledge level: Good
Rescue equipmentKnowledge of:
  • Throw bag
HydrologyGeneral knowledge of:
  • River grading: 1 - 6
  • River heights
  • Strainers
  • Eddies
  • Weirs
  • Flow dynamics
Hazard identification and risk management for Moving waterAble to identify risks and casual factors for a Moving water trip and also able to identify management strategies to reduce any risks.
May include:
  • Separation
  • Drowning
  • Sunburn
  • Hypothermia
  • Hyperthermia
  • Entrapment

Communication

Demonstrate in Moving water
Establish and maintain an effective communication system within a groupParticipant establishes a safe working system. Maintain group within communication distance. 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
Deliver directions in a clear and concise manner
Conduct briefingBrief must include but not limited to:
  • Purpose and duration of activity
  • Expected conditions
  • Lifejacket fitting
  • Appropriate clothing worn
  • Correct posture
  • Setting up the craft
  • Launching and landing
  • Strokes as required
  • Limits
  • Actions in the event of an emergency
  • On water signals
  • Capsize drill
  • Warm up
  • Group movement requirements
  • Communication
  • Foreseeable risks
  • Participant experience
Brief is clear and concise, attention of the group is gained. Recollection could be tested.
Conduct debriefingA debrief is conducted to suit the activity and group. Constructive feedback is provided

Experience

Minimum log book requirementIn the previous three years:
  • Two Moving water activities of a minimum of two hours duration
  • Two Moving water activities of at least three hours duration as Leader

Leadership

Demonstrate in Moving water
Manage the launching and landing of a groupLaunch and landing promotes safety to all involved
Manage a groupGroup is managed in a safe manner to meet activity goal; assistance and direction given if and when needed.
Route is managed to promote safety to group
Manage multiple capsizes and emergenciesRescues are managed to promote safety to all in group
Manage towsRoles of the group is determined
Good communication maintained
Tows are managed to promote safety to all

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.