FLATWATER INSTRUCTOR AWARD
Course Format
This 5-day training course is a stand-alone program. It includes Flatwater Supervisor and Flatwater Guide training. The aim of the course is to prepare you for assessment at the award level of Flatwater Instructor.
Students that have completed the Flatwater Guide Training need only complete the 4th and 5th day of the training if this was undertaken within the last 12 months.
The course is designed for both beginning leaders and those with more experience. The course will include both on-water practical and off-water theory components.
Paddle SA courses held at Paddle SA, Bower Road West Lakes will commence at 0900 and conclude at 1700 or before each day.
Award Definition
Holders of the Flatwater Instructor Award are qualified to instruct, facilitate skill transfer to develop participants in order so that they may act independently or with minimal supervision in controlled conditions for inland kayaking and canoeing.
Assessment
Assessment of the award is not included in this training however Flatwater Supervisor assessment can be undertaken as part of the complete 5-day Flatwater Instructor training.
Assessment includes both theory and practical components.
Theory assessment includes presentation of log book and appropriate standard project that demonstrates knowledge at Flatwater Skills (preparation for a paddling journey including route plan, equipment list, contingency plan, weather interpretation) and Flatwater Instructor (activity planning, hazard identification and risk management, contingency plan, permits and licences, group equipment, equipment and clothing briefing, safety briefings, minimal impact, use of communication equipment, Paddle Australia leader rights and responsibilities, session plan for on an and off-water course instruction )
Practical assessment requires candidates to conduct an introductory paddling journey demonstrating navigation, group and equipment management, safety briefing, response to an incident, debriefing, instruction for independent paddling, managing an instructional course.
Prior to Attending the Course
Participants in this course are expected to have Flatwater Skills or equivalent knowledge and experience. Flatwater skills can be assessed during the 5-day Flatwater Instructor Training for suitable candidates. Alternatively candidates can undertake the 2-day Flatwater Skills training course.
Flatwater skills includes capability to:
- Prepare craft and equipment for paddling
- Secure craft for transport
- Launch and land
- Perform paddle strokes including but not limited to forward and reverse, draw, stern rudder, stopping and support strokes
- Wet exit
- Rescue
- Tow and be towed
- Basic knots
- Safety including communication and incident response
- Navigate
- Interpret weather
- Plan a paddling activity
- Minimal impact
- Maintain a log book demonstrating at least 5 paddling experiences
- Undertake a short independent paddle journey
For further detail see http://paddle.org.au/education-safety/flatwater-awards/#FW-Skills
Preparation for the Course
Please come prepared for paddling and capsizing including sufficient warm clothing to change into after on-water sessions. You will need to provide all your personal kayaking equipment such as suitable footwear, sun protection, paddling clothing, hydration and nutrition.
A range of kayaks, canoes, buoyancy vests, paddles and spraydecks are available for courses presented at Paddle SA Bower Road at no additional charge for the duration of the course but it is highly recommended that you source your own where possible.
If you require practical assessment throughout the course you will need to ensure you have leader equipment such as tow line, first aid, waterproofed communication device, whistle, waterproof bags with spare clothing, paddle leash, etc. Alternatively these items can be presented at a separate assessment date with most items able to be loaned during the training course.
If you require theory assessment throughout the course you will need to submit your Flatwater Skills and Flatwater Instructor theory projects prior to the course (7 days minimum). Alternatively these can be presented up to 6 weeks following completion of the training program. For further details see http://paddle.org.au/education-safety/flatwater-awards/#FW-Instructor.
Paddle Australia now prefers electronic records and assessment. It will be helpful if you could download both ‘Paddle Prep’ and ‘Paddle Log’ apps available on both Android and Itunes to your smart phone or other device and be familiar with these resources.
Course Content
The course format is subject to change (due to changing weather conditions or at the discretion of course staff). The most common training format is 50% on-water and 50% off-water (classroom).
The course will include content from the Flatwater Supervisor Course including:
- Hazard identification & risk assessment of an enclosed area paddling session
- Planning a paddling session (enclosed area)
- Instruction & training methodologies
- Communication and leadership
- Environmental impact
- Flatwater paddling skills
- At the commencement of the course you will be provided with:
- Paddle Australia resources booklet (or e-copy)
- Information about the assessment process.
In addition to Flatwater Supervisor the course will include the following additional Flatwater Guide content including:
- Hazard identification and risk management during a paddling journey
- Equipment and clothing instruction
- Planning a journey
- Guiding methodologies
- Responding to incidents during a journey
- Leadership prior to and during a journey
In addition to Flatwater Guide the course will include the following Flatwater Instructor Content
- Planning an instructional course
- Instructional methods for skill development and self-reliant paddling journeys
- Leadership of a course
The course registration fee does not include fees for assessment or fee for registration of the PAQS Awards.
For further information, please visit the Paddle SA Education webpage.