ABOUT

The information in this website has been provided by Australian Canoeing as part of their registered training program for Flatwater Canoeing.  All copyright is reserved by Australian Canoeing and images remain the property of illustrator from Peter Carter. For more information please contact Australian Canoeing on canoe.org.au. 

East Coast Kayaking is a registered training partner with Australia Canoeing and runs the majority of canoeing courses in Victoria. Rohan Klopfer, is the lead trainer for East Coast Kayaking and is a certified trainer in Flatwater, Whitewater and Sea Kayaking and Canoeing, amongst his other formal qualifications.

For more details on East Coast Kayaking courses click below.

demonstrate simple canoeing skills

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, you should be capable of:

• Correctly holding a paddle

• Correctly using LIFEJACKETs

• An understanding of the basic differences between various canoe designs

• demonstrating the relevant paddling skills

DEMONSTRATE SIMPLE KAYAKING SKILLS

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, you should be capable of:

• Correctly holding a paddle

• Correctly using LIFEJACKETS

• An understanding of the basic differences between various canoe designs

• demonstrating the relevant paddling skills

PADDLING YOUR SIT ON-TOP

In recent years sit-on-top kayaks (SOT) have outsold other forms of canoe and kayak. It’s not hard to see why: they can be used by young and old, are stable and have predictable handling, divers can jump off and on, they do not need the capsize and rescue skills of decked kayaks... In short, they’re fun on the water in an easily used package.

PERFORM DEEP WATER RESCUE

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, students should be capable of:

• using the relevant rescue for the environment and craft

• performing a safe and efficient rescue

• understanding the different types of rescues and their relevance

• competence in all aspects of deep water rescue

APPLY BASIC OUTDOOR RECREATION LOGISTICS

OBJECTIVES

To be able to achieve the following for participation in a supervised paddling activity:

• make suitable selections and preparation of equipment, food, fluid and clothing requirements from a limited range provided

• make suitable logistical arrangements.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

AIM

This learner guide is designed to provide the basic knowledge for planning and executing overnight and campsite based kayaking and canoeing activities with minimal impact.

APPLY WEATHER INFORMATION

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, you should:

• have some background understanding of Australian weather

• have an understanding of how weather can affect paddling in your area

• be able to access forecasts and other advice from a variety of sources

• be able to make risk management decisions based on forecasts and other advice

INTERPRET WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE FIELD

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, you should: • have an understanding of topology and other local factors that will affect the weather • have an ability to understand current weather and predict likely future conditions • be able, based on likely future conditions, to decide whether to continue, modify, or abandon paddling activities

NAVIGATE IN TRACKED OR EASY UNTRACKED AREAS

OBJECTIVES 

On completion of this module, people should be able to:

• select and use a suitable map, understanding possible sources of error and inaccuracies, and map symbols and their use in navigation

• use a compass, with an understanding of its errors

OPERATE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

• use appropriate communications systems and equipment

• transmit and receive communications

• maintain communications equipment relevant to sea kayaking

UNDERTAKE RISK ANALYSIS OF ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this topic, students should be capable of: 

• defining and understanding hazards and their associated risks 

• facilitating the risk management process 

• using a risk management tool 

• competently identifying hazards and assessing risk

LEADERSHIP

AIM

This learner guide is designed to provide a background to leadership theory for Leaders, Guides and Instructors.

When used in conjunction with training and experience the student should understand:

• Requirements from leaders change from activity to activity and context to context

• Leadership is not a fixed personality or system

• Kayak and canoe Leaders, Guides and Instructors should be adept at matching groups to the activity aims and the environmental context

INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING

AIM

This learner guide is designed as an introduction to the skills required to plan and deliver a series of training or instructional sessions. At the conclusion of reading this resource and attending the appropriate training students should be able to:

• identify training requirements

• develop outlines of training sessions

• plan training sessions

USE AND MAINTAIN A TEMPORARY OR OVERNIGHT SITE

OBJECTIVES

To be able to:

• select a suitable site after consideration of several factors

• establish a safe shelter causing minimal environmental impact

• use and maintain the site according to procedures.

MOVING WATER ENDORSEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Water flows. ‘Flat, undemanding water’ is an exception, and sooner or later you will want to paddle waters that are moving, either a river in flow or an estuary with tidal currents.