Whitewater Skills - Packraft

Qualification Definition
The holder of this qualification has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to personally paddle a Packraft on Grade 2 Whitewater
Skills
All skills to be performed in Grade 2 water
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 from an eddy 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, sculling and hanging) Bow draw Bow rudder Stern rudder Stopping Support using back of blade Edging and Leaning Stroke combinations Ferry glide forward and reverse Break into and out of eddies 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
River running	Read 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
Complete an activity	Activity plan/brief is followed to meet time management requirements and activity goals. Plan is adjusted if and when required
Perform self and assisted rescues	Self rescue: Capsize and re-enter 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 Shallow water crossing: Wade through shallow water Assisted rescue: Assisted re-entry rescue Bulldoze capsized craft into eddy or shore Buddy bow rescue (where Rescuee is seated on bow with paddle) Throw bag, including rope coil throws, pendulum swing into shore 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.
Accept a tow	Calm is maintained Craft kept stable and balanced Provide assistance to Rescuer through kicking &/or swim strokes
Perform a tow	Demonstrate: Short tow Contact tow Arms as tows Tows are performed using quick release system that floats if disconnected. Tows are performed to promote safety to all.
Rope work	Demonstrate: Bowline Double Fisherman's knot Round turn and two half hitches Clove hitch Truckies hitch Prusik loop Figure 8 on the bight No-knot(friction hitch) Munter (Italian) 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 the features of the craft. Must include but not limited to: Construction Materials Design Flotation Water line Handling characteristics Grab handles Tow points Deck lines Field repairs Storage/carrying methods Equipment stowage Inflation methods and pressures
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 Tow line Sling/rescue ladder Pea-less Whistle PLB Satellite comms device Safety knife Remote First Aid kit Helmet Throw bag Spare clothing 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 Paddling speed Grid North versus Magnetic North Contour lines Land features such as Spur, Ridge, Saddle, Gully, Knoll, and Plateau River levels Able to complete an intentions form
Interpret weather	Able to access and demonstrate use of BOM Rainfall and river height data and effects on river
Plan an activity	Plan is developed to meet the activity goals and is appropriate for group, location and time limitation
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
Hydrology	General knowledge of: River grading: 1 - 6 Stoppers Waves Strainers Eddies Holes Flow dynamics Erosion Weirs
Hazard identification and risk management	Able to identify risks and causal factors for a Whitewater trip and also able to identify management strategies to reduce any risks. Risks may include: Separation Drowning Sunburn Hypothermia Hyperthermia Entrapment
Communication
Maintain effective communication with a group	Use and interpret international river signals in routine situations. 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. Communicate in a positive manner appropriate for the group
Experience
On water activities to be carried out in a variety of locations and conditions
Minimum log book requirement	In the previous three years: Ten Grade 2 Whitewater activities of a minimum of two 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