Sea kayaking
Overview
Our Sea Kayak training courses are suitable for those wanting to work commercially and those just wanting to improve their personal paddling skills and sea knowledge.
For those individuals passionate about sharing their love for the ocean with others, this program will equip you with the necessary tools and expertise to lead memorable sea kayak expeditions in commercial and school environments.
For those who just want to become better sea kayakers and learn how to stay safe on our beautiful coastal waterways, our training will fill you with more confidence, skills and knowledge!
Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training, you will learn essential leadership skills, effective communication techniques, and group management strategies. Dive into topics such as risk assessment, emergency protocols, and weather interpretation, ensuring that you can confidently navigate challenging situations while prioritising safety and sustainability.
Our experienced instructors will also provide valuable insights on trip planning, itinerary development, and client engagement, enabling you to create unforgettable experiences for your future guests.
Upon completion of the course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a professional sea kayak guide, sharing your passion for the ocean while providing memorable and enriching experiences for your clients.
Take the leap and join our guides course to unlock an ocean of possibilities!
ENCLOSED - SEA KAYAK GUIDE
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Course Details
Duration:
3 Days
Location:
Generally courses are run on rivers within the Greater Hobart Area.
Cost:
$660
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Sea Conditions
Inside of estuaries, harbours, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands
Maximum of 1.5 nautical miles from shore
Wind conditions below Fresh Winds(17kn)
Breaking (whitecapping) waves (sea) up to 0.5m
No surf
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Course Content
Risk management
Technical paddling skills
Rescue techniques
Leading and managing groups
Route Planning
Weather interpretation
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Vocational, Education and Training (VET)
This course is aligned with the “Group W Sea Kayaking” skill set (Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership)
For those who want or need VET units of competency, there is the possibility to obtain units the units below:
SISOFLD005 - Navigate waterway courses
SISOKYS001- Paddle a sea kayak in enclosed waters
SISOKYS002- Paddle a sea kayak in sheltered coastal waters
SISOKYS004 - Lead sea kayaking activities in enclosed waters
SISOKYS005 – Lead sea kayaking activities in sheltered coastal waterways.
Please note:
The additional cost for Unit processing is $180 (on top of course cost)
There is also additional online theory assessments that you will have to complete
There are no ongoing fees, however every 5 years the units are updated and if you have not done any paddling in that period, prospective employers will request that you update your qualification
SEA KAYAK GUIDE
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Course Details
Duration:
5 Days
Location:
Generally courses are held on rivers and coastal areas in the Greater Hobart Area.
Cost
$990
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Sea Conditions
Outside of estuaries, harbours, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands
Areas of exposed coastline that are simple, not involving overfalls or tidal races
Difficult landings and some open crossings
Maximum of 5 nautical miles from shore
Wind conditions below Strong Wind Warning (26kn)
Breaking (whitecapping) waves (sea) up to 1.0m
Surf to 1.0m
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Course Content
Risk management
Technical paddling skills
Rescue techniques
Leading and managing groups
Route Planning
Weather interpretationes here
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Requirements
Important:
To achieve all the competencies for the Sea Kayak Guide qualification, suitable environmental conditions need to be present at the time of the course!
You must be able to roll a sea kayak consistently in surf up to 1.0m to achieve the Sea Kayak Guide Qualification
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Vocational, Education and Training (VET)
This course aligns with Paddle Australia and the national Vocational, Education and Training (VET) system.
This course is aligned with units from the "Group X Sea Kayaking - Exposed Waters” skill set (Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership).
For those who want or need VET units of competency, there is the possibility to obtain units the units below:
SISOFLD005 - Navigate waterway courses
SISOKYS003 - Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters
SISOKYS006 - Lead Sea kayaking activities in exposed coastal waters
Please note:
The extra cost for processing these units is $180 (on top of the course cost)
There are also additional online theory assessments that you will have to complete.
There are no ongoing fees, however every 5 years the units are updated and if you have not done any paddling in that period, prospective employers will request that you update your qualification.
SEA KAYAK GUIDE - UPGRADE
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Pre-requisites
To enrol on this Upgrade Course you must hold a CURRENT Enclosed Sea Kayak Guide qualification.
Important Assessment Requirements
To achieve all the competencies for the Sea Kayak Guide qualification, suitable environmental conditions need to be present at the time of the course!
To achieve the Sea Kayak Guide Qualification you must be able to roll the sea kayak consistently in surf up to 1.0m at the completion of the course
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Course Details
Duration:
3 Days
Location:
Generally these courses are run on coastal areas in the Greater Hobart Area.
Cost
$680
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Course Conditions
Outside of estuaries, harbours, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands
Areas of exposed coastline that are simple, not involving overfalls or tidal races
Difficult landings and some open crossings
Maximum of 5 nautical miles from shore
Wind conditions below Strong Wind Warning (26kn)
Breaking (whitecapping) waves (sea) up to 1.0m
Surf to 1.0m
-
Vocational, Education and Training (VET)
This course aligns with Paddle Australia (Australia's National Peak Paddling Body) and the national Vocational, Education and Training (VET) system.
This course is aligned with units from the "Group X Sea Kayaking - Exposed Waters” skill set (Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership)
SISOFLD005 - Navigate waterway courses
SISOKYS003 - Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters
SISOKYS006 - Lead Sea kayaking activities in exposed coastal waters
Please note:
The extra cost for processing these units is $180 (on top of the course cost)
There are also additional online theory assessments that you will have to complete.
There are no ongoing fees, however every 5 years the units are updated and if you have not done any paddling in that period, prospective employers will request that you update your qualification.
Qualification Possibilities
Depending on your existing skill base and how well you perform throughout the course you may be eligible for Paddle Australia qualifications, VET certifications OR both (if you want them).
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It is highly recommended that any professional paddling guide has a Paddle Australia qualification and membership. This means you are aligned with the National Peak Body, are required to log your experience to renew your qualification every 3 years, and are kept abreast of any updates in your field of expertise.
If you are wanting or working towards higher level qualifications (such as a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership or Guiding), the sea kayaking VET units count towards your course, fulfilling those higher outcomes.
Depending on where you are working as a sea kayak guide in Australia, some employers want you to have the Paddle Australia qualification and others prefer the VET units. Check with your employer as to which one they require.
Both the Paddle Australia and the VET units come with an additional financial cost (on top of the course fee). Here is the breakdown of those EXTRA costs if you are successful in achieving a qualification:
Paddle Australia - Registration Fee for your qualification = $180 (this must be renewed every 3 years including fulfilling the PA Log Book requirements for your qualification)
VET Units = $180 for all the units attached to your sea kayaking qualification. There is no ongoing fees but every 5 years the units are updated and if you have not done any paddling in that period, prospective employers will request that you update your qualification. A log book is a great way to show an employer your currency.
