Whitewater Kayak Training Courses

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

The Guide/Instructor course focuses on technical paddling, understanding rapids & how to negotiate them, performing whitewater rescues, scouting, decision making, rolling & whitewater trip planning / preparation.

While building upon personal paddling skills, 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 whitewater.

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

Duration: 3 Days

Venue:

• Generally these courses are run on the Mersey River, however this is dependent on Hydro water releases and the venue may change.

• Other options may include the following: Picton River, Weld River, Forth River, Brady's Lake, North Esk

Cost: $750

Exclusions:

• Kayaks or equipment hire (available at an additional cost if required). 

• Transport to and from the training venues

• Food and camping equipment

• 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)

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

• Ability to paddle class 2 water

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. 

Duration: 3 Days

Venue:

• Generally these courses are run on the Mersey River, however this is dependent on Hydro water releases and the venue may change.

• Other options may include the following: Picton River, Weld River, Forth River, Brady's Lake, North Esk.

Cost: $750

Exclusions

• Kayaks or equipment hire (available at an additional cost if required). 

• Transport to and from the training venues

• Food and camping equipment

• Refining and improving your paddle strokes

• Improving your boat placement and control

• Developing a better roll

• Technical river reading skills

• Improving your rescue skills

• Ability to comfrotably paddle class 2 water

This course is designed for those with little to no experience in kayaking. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of kayaking.

Our experienced instructors will guide you through gentle rapids, gradually building your confidence and proficiency on the water.

Duration: 2 Days

Venue:

• Generally these courses are run on rivers in the Greater Hobart area.

Cost: $500

Exclusions:

• Kayaks or equipment hire (available at an additional cost if required). 

• Transport to and from the training venues

• Food and camping equipment

• 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

• Ability to swim