Moving Water extension to Guide and/or Instructor Training Course (ACAS Award scheme)

This Course targets competent paddlers who can already paddle as part of a group on flat, sheltered undemanding waters and have experienced moving waters and hazards of deep and or tidal rivers. In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge to guide others on a range of flat and moving water trips in the recreation industry, organisations and or Clubs.

The Course Summary includes the basics for GUIDES on moving water. In addition, Instructors are required to demonstrate a high degree of leadership, instructor and training skills.

Duration: Minimum 3 days and conducted on a river with deep moving water.

During the Course, in a group, participants will work through structured practical scenarios to develop competence to:

  • complete a flatwater skill-set to effectively paddle safely in a kayak, and/or Sit On Top (SOT) and/or canoe.
  • conduct kayak and canoe activities including trips in winds to 16 knots in flat and sheltered waters for day and/or overnight trips considering hazard identification, risk management, local regulations, weather and AC’s requirements and safety guidelines.
  • communicate, lead and manage a group in activities across a range of prevailing conditions.
  • Conduct moving water activities developing skill and knowledge to handle the craft, the safety, the rescue of individuals and the group. River Signals.

Resources and Guidelines

In addition to the Guide summary, participants who wish to become Instructors will work on scenarios to

  • conduct a moving water training course.
  • instruct others to effectively paddle the complete skill set to the standards outlined in the Award Handbook, in a range of boats and for varying conditions experienced in flat and moving water.
  • Evidence-Guideline-Flatwater-Instructor

Course, Assessment AND AC Award Costs

  • Training Course –  $495 per person with $45 discount for PaddleNSW members  (does not include Paddle Skill Review)Assessment Course  – $145 per person as part of a subsequent PaddleNSW group course. You can undergo an assessment only after completing a PaddleNSW Guide/Instructor training course in the past year. Assessment to take place on day two of the next PaddleNSW Guide/Instructor course and takes approximately 3 hours, although you are welcome to attend both course days at no extra charge.
    • Assessment for recognition of current competencies without attending a training course will cost  $595 per person with a $45 discount for members and will require an evidence based review. If a gap is identified an applicant will be assisted with a training program to reach competence.
    • Paddle Australia Registration – $170. Occurs only after a participant has successfully completed assessment. PA provides the Award and the registration to operate as a Guide for 3 years. Professional indemnity insurance is included in the registration.. Paid directly to AC on successful completion of the Award.
    • Extra Awards – $18 each. For those seeking Awards in more than one craft, e.g. Kayak and Canoe. For those seeking an Overnight Endorsement.
  • Prepare for Training
    • Evaluate your own knowledge and skill using the Flatwater Evidence Guide (link above)
    • Attending the Skills Review will enable you to brush up on your current techniques and identify any gaps in the skills set.
    • Review or start your Log book noting current experience and what is required in the ACAS handbook for Guide or Instructor.
    • Review your skill and the resources from the website videos.
    • Practice all on water skills and study the theory resource using the assignment as a guide to learning.
    • Complete a First Aid Certificate
    • Bring your own boat and equipment prepared to work as a Guide &/or Instructor.