WHITEWATER KAYAK GUIDE / INSTRUCTOR TRAINING 

This course provides the fundamental knowledge & skills for those wishing to gain a formal certification to work as a white-water guide or instructor in the future. It aligns with the Paddle Australia (Australia's National Peak Paddling Body) Qualification Scheme (PAQS). It is considered the industry benchmark for whitewater kayak Guides and Instructors involved in the education, recreational and tourism sectors across Australia. 

We continue to build upon your personal paddling skills but we also introduce the concept of ‘guiding’ & or ‘instructing’ clients in a controlled and safe manner.  We often combine this course with intermediate skills courses so....there may be opportunities to ‘guide’ a group of real participants down stretches of white-water.

There is a focus on more technical paddling, understanding rapids & how to negotiate them, performing white-water rescues, scouting, decision making, rolling & white-water trip planning / preparation.

Students will receive on going feedback throughout the course. Ultimately this course is designed to improve technical paddling skills and set students up for facilitating a safe & engaging simple white-water kayaking experience in the real world.

Delivery & Assessment:

Knowledge and skills will be delivered and practiced through a combination of on-water theory sessions, skill drills, demonstrations, practical exercises and scenarios. During an ‘assessment’, skills & knowledge will be practically assessed on the water, where you will be running a session with participants under the watchful eye of an instructor.

To achieve a Paddle Australia certification, you need to successfully undertake the following:

• Meet all the Paddle Australia practical skills criteria
• Complete a Paddle Australia online exam
• Complete a Paddle Australia Project (basically a full Trip Plan)
• Complete the Paddle Australia online Log Book requirements 

Trainers:

• Your trainers will be certified instructors & assessors from Paddle Australia (Australia’s peak paddling body).

Pre-requisites:

• Ability to paddle class 2 water

Duration:

• 3 Days

Venue:

• Generally we run these courses on the Mersey River but this is dependent on Hydro water releases and the venue may change. Some of the other options may include the following: Picton River, Weld River, Forth River, Brady's Lake, North Esk

Cost:

• $750
• This does NOT include:
  • Kayaks or equipment hire. These are available at an additional cost if required. 
  • Transport to and from the training venues
  • Food and camping equipment
  • Your 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)

INTERMEDIATE WHITEWATER KAYAK SKILLS TRAINING

This course is designed for those who have some existing kayak experience wish to take their paddling to the next level. The focus is on further developing and improving your kayaking. This is the perfect course for those looking to consolidate their skills on class 3 water. 

​Course Content:

• Refining and improving your paddle strokes
• Improving your boat placement and control
• Developing a better roll
• Technical river reading skills
• Improving your rescue skills

Pre-requisites:

• Ability to paddle class 2 water

Duration:

• 3 Days

Venue:

• Generally we run these courses on the Mersey River but this is dependent on Hydro water releases and the venue may change. Some of the other options may include the following: Picton River, Weld River, Forth River, Brady's Lake, North Esk

Cost:

• $750
• This does NOT include:
  • Kayaks or equipment hire. These are available at an additional cost if required. 
  • Transport to and from the training venues
  • Food and camping equipment

BEGINNER WHITEWATER KAYAK SKILLS TRAINING

This course is designed for those with little to no experience in kayaking. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of kayaking & paddling. Our experienced instructors will guide you through gentle rapids, gradually building your confidence and proficiency on the water.

Course Content

• Flat-water & light introduction to moving water
• Capsizing + basic rescues and recoveries
• On-water communication
• Paddle strokes
• Basic boat control
• Entry and exit from the kayak
• Kayak types and design features
• Parts of the kayak and fit-out
• Paddling equipment

Pre-requisites:

• Ability to swim

Duration:

• 2 Days

Venue:

• Generally we run these courses on rivers within the Greater Hobart Area.

Cost:

• $500
• This does NOT include:
  • Kayaks or equipment hire. These are available at an additional cost if required. 
  • Transport to and from the training venues
  • Food and camping equipment