Whitewater – Guide &/or Instructor Training Course for Intermediate Paddlers

Targets

Paddlers with skills to paddle grade 3 white water and who may wish to safely run and lead trips on grade 3 waters, and/or instruct beginner whitewater novices on Grade 2 waters.

AND paddlers who have completed a Level 2 Rescue Course

Final Assessment for Whitewater Guide &/or Instructor will include both rescue level 2 competencies and the knowledge and skill required to be a flat water guide & /or instructor at the completion of the training.

Course Objective

To provide paddlers with the basic knowledge and skill that is required to safely run, lead, or guide on Grade 2-3 rivers and/or instruct on whitewater up to Grade 2.

Date and Location

This course is run over two days. Please refer to our Calendar of Events. Rescue Level 2 Training will also be conducted  over two days.

Time

9am to 5pm each day.

Course Outline

The course is based on participants having whitewater skills to effectively negotiate grade 2 – 3 rivers and a good understanding of basic safety, equipment and river running in co-ordinated river trips.

In this course you will:

  • review individual paddle strokes, a combination of strokes for negotiating rapids, reading water and rolling for best results for grade 2- 3 water
  • develop risk management processes for safe river running and rescue techniques to Rescue Level 2
  • develop leadership techniques for guiding groups within a range of weather, river conditions and overnight camps
  • develop basic instructional techniques to deliver to Paddle Australia Qualifications Scheme standards
  • prepare an effective log book documenting your paddling experience

The major focus will be practical and scenario based.

For those intending to proceed to qualifications, full details of the assessment criteria can be found in the Paddle Australia Qualifications Scheme Handbook paying particular attention to the pre-requisite and co-requisite modules.

There will be no formal assessment for these Awards at this time, however a participant at the end of the course will have a clear understanding of the requirement for becoming a Whitewater Guide/Instructor. Assessment opportunities are advertised on the PaddleNSW Calendar of Events.

Resources – check out the Paddle Australia website for:

Participants are required to bring:

  • their boat and equipment appropriate for the course
  • personal camping equipment and food for the duration of the course

Course Registration

Check the Calendar or contact education@nsw.paddle.org.au for further details.

Cost  

  • Training Course –  $345 per person with $45 discount for PaddleNSW members  (does not include Paddle Skill Review)
  • Assessment for recognition of current competencies without attending a training course will cost  $495 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.
  • Paddling Australia Registration – $170. AC 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

  • Assess your own knowledge and skill using the Evidence-Guilde for flat water Guide and the Checklist WW Skills for Guides & Instructors2 Guide
  • Ask an experienced Whitewater paddler to review your technique to identify any gaps in skills set to enable you to brush up on current techniques.
  • 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 onwater skills and study the theory resource and start the assignment.
  • Complete a First Aid Certificate
  • Bring your own boat and equipment prepared to work as a Guide &/or Instructor.