Education

An introduction for people who want to learn to paddle a kayak or a canoe on inland waterways. The course is designed to give you the confidence to enjoy the excitement and challenge of paddling. You will be shown, and have time to practise, the basic paddle strokes for moving your craft safely and efficiently. The course is intensive but not physically demanding: as it is practical, most of the time is spent paddling and practising strokes.

There are regular breaks, so bring snacks and water.

Cost

Course fees include the use of a kayak, course notes and a certificate, and are paid when you enrol.

Please note: a course will not run if the wind forecast is not safe for novice paddlers. Weather forecasts become more reliable as the course day gets closer.

Clothing for paddling

Always dress for the weather. In summer that means light clothing (long sleeve tops to protect arms and shoulders) with good sun protection: sunglasses for your eyes and sunblock for your skin. In winter wear woollen or thermal clothing (wetsuits are fine too), and don't forget sun protection, as winter sun can still damage skin and eyes.

Warm weather

• Bathers or board shorts
• Long sleeve rash vest or long sleeve shirt (polyester or other quick-dry material)
• Broad-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses with a keeper band
• Footwear such as wet boots or sneakers

Cold weather

• Bathers or board shorts with thermal pants or track pants
• Thermal top or woollen jumper
• Windproof jacket (such as a spray jacket) or cag
• Hat
• Sunglasses with a keeper band
• Footwear such as wet booties or sneakers

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Course format

This 2-day training course is for paddlers who want the knowledge and skills to undertake a journey safely and competently without instructor supervision. It is also the prerequisite for Paddling Supervisor, Flatwater Guide and Flatwater Instructor training.

The course suits both beginning leaders and those with more experience, and includes on-water practical and off-water theory sessions. Courses at Paddle SA, Bower Road, West Lakes start at 9am and finish by 5pm each day.

Award definition

Holders of the Flatwater Skills Award have shown they can paddle competently during a trip, as part of a group of peers, on flat, sheltered and/or undemanding water.

Assessment

Assessment is not included in this training for experienced paddlers. Novice paddlers may need more experience and skill development before assessment. Assessment has a theory and a practical part:

• Theory: present your logbook and a project showing Flatwater Skills knowledge (preparing for a paddling journey, including route plan, equipment list, contingency plan and weather interpretation).
• Practical: complete an introductory paddling journey showing navigation, group and equipment management, a safety briefing, response to an incident and a debrief.

Before the course

Ideally you will have at least 5 days of paddling experience, but novice paddlers are welcome to use the course for skill and knowledge development.

Preparing for the course

Come prepared for paddling and capsizing, with enough warm clothing to change into after on-water sessions. Bring your own personal paddling gear: suitable footwear, sun protection, paddling clothing, water and food.

Kayaks, canoes, buoyancy vests, paddles and spraydecks are available at no extra charge for courses at Paddle SA, Bower Road, but we recommend you use your own where possible.

If you want practical assessment during the course, bring journey equipment such as a tow line, first aid kit, waterproofed communication device, whistle, dry bags with spare clothing and a paddle leash. These can also be shown at a separate assessment date, and most items can be borrowed during the course.

If you want theory assessment during the course, send your Flatwater Skills theory projects at least 7 days before the course, or up to 6 weeks after it. See Paddle Australia: Flatwater Skills.

Paddle Australia prefers electronic records and assessment. Please download the Paddle Prep and Paddle Log apps (Android and iPhone) and get to know them before the course.

Course content

The format can change with the weather or at the course staff's discretion. Most often it is half on the water and half in the classroom. You will learn to:

• Prepare craft and equipment for paddling
• Secure craft for transport
• Launch and land
• Perform paddle strokes including forward and reverse, draw, stern rudder, stopping and support strokes
• Wet exit
• Rescue
• Tow and be towed
• Tie basic knots
• Stay safe, including communication and incident response
• Navigate
• Interpret the weather
• Plan a paddling activity
• Minimise your impact
• Keep a logbook of at least 5 paddling experiences
• Undertake a short independent paddle journey

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Course format

This 2-day training course is a stand-alone program, or the first 2 days of the Guide and Instructor training program. It prepares you for assessment as a Paddling Supervisor (also called Flatwater Lifeguard).

The course suits both beginning leaders and those with more experience, and includes on-water practical and off-water theory sessions. Courses at Paddle SA, Bower Road, West Lakes start at 9am and finish by 5pm each day.

Award definition

Holders of the Paddling Supervisor are qualified to manage a paddling activity in enclosed situations, performing rescues as required, where the group can be seen from a single vantage point at all times and does not leave the immediate launch area.

Assessment

Assessment is not included in this training. It can be done as part of the complete 5-day Flatwater Instructor training, or as a separate assessment. Assessment has a theory and a practical part:

• Theory: present your logbook and projects showing knowledge at Flatwater Skills level (preparing for a paddling journey, including route plan, equipment list, contingency plan and weather interpretation) and Paddling Supervisor level (activity planning, hazard identification and risk management, group equipment, safety briefings, Paddle Australia leader rights and responsibilities).
• Practical: run an introductory paddling activity showing group and equipment management, a safety briefing, response to an incident and a debrief.

Before the course

You are expected to have Flatwater Skills or equivalent knowledge and experience. Suitable candidates can be assessed for Flatwater Skills during the 5-day Flatwater Instructor training, or you can do the 2-day Flatwater Skills course first. See Paddle Australia: Flatwater Skills.

Preparing for the course

Come prepared for paddling and capsizing, with enough warm clothing to change into after on-water sessions. Bring your own personal paddling gear: suitable footwear, sun protection, paddling clothing, water and food.

Kayaks, canoes, buoyancy vests, paddles and spraydecks are available at no extra charge for courses at Paddle SA, Bower Road, but we recommend you use your own where possible.

If you want practical assessment during the course, bring leader equipment such as a tow line, first aid kit, waterproofed communication device, whistle, dry bags with spare clothing and a paddle leash. These can also be shown at a separate assessment date, and most items can be borrowed during the course.

If you want theory assessment during the course, send your Flatwater Skills and Paddling Supervisor theory projects at least 7 days before the course, or up to 6 weeks after it. See Paddle Australia: Paddling Supervisor.

Paddle Australia prefers electronic records and assessment. Please download the Paddle Prep and Paddle Log apps (Android and iPhone) and get to know them before the course.

Course content

The format can change with the weather or at the course staff's discretion. Most often it is half on the water and half in the classroom. It covers:

• Hazard identification and risk assessment of an enclosed-area paddling session
• Planning a paddling session (enclosed area)
• Instruction and training methods
• Communication and leadership
• Environmental impact
• Flatwater paddling skills

At the start of the course you receive the Paddle Australia resources booklet (or an e-copy) and information about the assessment process.

Fees

• Paddle Supervisor training (2 days): $280
• Assessment (1 day): $295
• Registration with Paddle Australia: $170 for 3 years

Discounts are available for Paddle Australia members and members of affiliated clubs.

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Holders of the Flatwater Guide Qualification are qualified to lead trips on inland waters such as lakes, reservoirs and gently flowing rivers. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the industry benchmark designed to meet the needs of the paddling industry in the education, recreation and tourism sectors nationwide.

Gaining this qualification

Paddle SA's Flatwater Leadership Course is for anyone seeking qualification as a Paddling Supervisor, Flatwater Guide or Flatwater Instructor. You can start at any time. Some parts are done in your own time, plus a 3-day training workshop. The course involves:

• A 3-day practical training course, run several times a year at Paddle SA's training facility on West Lakes. Dates are in the Calendar. For small groups we can arrange a private course at a location of your choice.
• An online Paddle Australia quiz on legal issues, hazard and risk management, planning paddling activities, and weather and navigation basics.
• An online Paddle Australia project developing the planning skills needed to deliver engaging paddling programs.
• Gaining personal experience in the field, recorded in the Paddle Australia app Paddle Log. Once you have enough experience, your Paddle Log is sent to your assessor for appraisal.
• Being observed by your assessor running a suitable kayaking activity competently.

Fees

• Flatwater Instructor / Guide training (3 days): $395
• Paddle Supervisor training (2 days): $280
• Assessment (1 day): $295

Discounts are available for Paddle Australia members and members of affiliated clubs.

Once training and assessment are complete, your qualification is registered with Paddle Australia and is valid for 3 years. Registration is $170 for three years. Re-registration every three years is done in Paddle Log.

Before the Flatwater Leadership Course

You need Flatwater Skills or equivalent knowledge and experience. Experienced paddlers are assessed for Flatwater Skills during the course. If you have not been taught by a qualified kayak instructor, we recommend a Flatwater Skills training course first. See Paddle Australia: Flatwater Skills.

Preparing for the 3-day course

Kayaks, canoes, buoyancy vests, paddles and spray decks can be supplied by Paddle SA at no extra charge. You can also bring your own if it meets the required standard.

Come prepared for paddling and capsizing. Bring suitable footwear, sun protection, paddling clothing, clothing to change into after on-water sessions, water and food. You will also need leader equipment: a short tow line, first aid kit, waterproofed communication device, whistle and dry bags with spare clothing. Talk to Paddle SA if you are unsure or don't have all of these.

Please download the Paddle Ed and Paddle Log apps from the App Store or Google Play, or use the desktop version on the Paddle Australia website.

Course content

• Hazard identification and risk assessment of an enclosed-area paddling session
• Instruction and training methods
• Communication and leadership
• Environmental impact
• Flatwater paddling skills
• Planning a paddling session
• Hazard identification and risk management during a paddling journey
• Equipment and clothing instruction
• Planning a journey
• Guiding methods
• Responding to incidents during a journey
• Leadership before and during a journey

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Holders of the Flatwater Instructor Qualification are qualified to develop participants' skills and knowledge so they can paddle independently, or with minimal supervision, in flatwater paddling activities. Instructor awards include all the elements of the related Guide awards. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the industry benchmark designed to meet the needs of the paddling industry in the education, recreation and tourism sectors nationwide.

Gaining this qualification

Paddle SA's Flatwater Leadership Course is for anyone seeking qualification as a Paddling Supervisor, Flatwater Guide or Flatwater Instructor. You can start at any time. Some parts are done in your own time, plus a 3-day training workshop. The course involves:

• A 3-day practical training course, run several times a year at Paddle SA's training facility on West Lakes. Dates are in the Calendar. For small groups we can arrange a private course at a location of your choice.
• An online Paddle Australia quiz on legal issues, hazard and risk management, planning paddling activities, and weather and navigation basics.
• An online Paddle Australia project developing the planning skills needed to deliver engaging paddling programs.
• Gaining personal experience in the field, recorded in the Paddle Australia app Paddle Log. Once you have enough experience, your Paddle Log is sent to your assessor for appraisal.
• Being observed by your assessor running a suitable kayaking activity competently.

Fees

• Flatwater Instructor / Guide training (3 days): $395
• Paddle Supervisor training (2 days): $280
• Assessment (1 day): $295

Discounts are available for Paddle Australia members and members of affiliated clubs.

Once training and assessment are complete, your qualification is registered with Paddle Australia and is valid for 3 years. Registration is $170 for three years. Re-registration every three years is done in Paddle Log.

Before the Flatwater Leadership Course

You need Flatwater Skills or equivalent knowledge and experience. Experienced paddlers are assessed for Flatwater Skills during the course. If you have not been taught by a qualified kayak instructor, we recommend a Flatwater Skills training course first. See Paddle Australia: Flatwater Skills.

Preparing for the 3-day course

Kayaks, canoes, buoyancy vests, paddles and spray decks can be supplied by Paddle SA at no extra charge. You can also bring your own if it meets the required standard.

Come prepared for paddling and capsizing. Bring suitable footwear, sun protection, paddling clothing, clothing to change into after on-water sessions, water and food. You will also need leader equipment: a short tow line, first aid kit, waterproofed communication device, whistle and dry bags with spare clothing. Talk to Paddle SA if you are unsure or don't have all of these.

Please download the Paddle Ed and Paddle Log apps from the App Store or Google Play, or use the desktop version on the Paddle Australia website.

Course content

• Hazard identification and risk management
• Instruction and training methods
• Communication and leadership
• Environmental impact
• Flatwater paddling skills
• Planning and delivering a Flatwater Skills paddling course
• Hazard identification and risk management during a paddling journey
• Equipment and clothing instruction
• Instruction methods
• Responding to incidents
• Leadership before and during a skills course

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

The holder of this award has shown the ability to plan and conduct personal kayaking activities in sea kayaks in coastal conditions, defined as:

• Estuaries, embayments and areas enclosed or partly enclosed by fringing reef or islands
• Simple stretches of exposed coastline may be included, with no overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings
• Distances of up to 2 nautical miles offshore
• Conditions below Fresh (17 knots) on the Beaufort Scale, as used by the Bureau of Meteorology

Elements include, but are not limited to

• Equipment
• Paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Navigation
• Weather
• Trip planning
• Surf launch and landing
• Towing

Further assessment requirements

• Logbook: six sea trips of at least three hours each, over a period of at least two years

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

The holder of this award has shown the ability to plan and conduct personal kayaking activities in sea kayaks at sea (outside estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands) in moderate conditions:

• Conditions below Fresh (21 knots) on the Beaufort Scale, as used by the Bureau of Meteorology
• Assessed in winds of at least 11 knots (moderate conditions)
• Simple stretches of exposed coastline may be included, with no overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings
• Distances of up to 4 nautical miles from the nearest shore
• Breaking (overtopping) waves at sea up to 1 m
• Surf to 1 m

Elements include, but are not limited to

• Equipment
• Paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Navigation
• Weather
• Trip planning
• Surf launch and landing
• Towing
• Rolling

Further assessment requirements

• Logbook: six sea trips of at least three hours each, over a period of at least two years
• Two different overnight coastal sea kayak trips

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

The holder of this award has been assessed and is qualified to lead groups of Sea Skills paddlers in sea kayaks at sea (outside estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands) in moderate conditions:

• Conditions below Strong (21 knots) on the Beaufort Scale, as used by the Bureau of Meteorology
• Distances of up to 4 nautical miles from the nearest shore
• Surf to 1 m
• Activities may also run in conditions beyond these where a documented hazard identification and risk management process has made sure the participants' skills and equipment suit the environment

Sea Leaders may also lead paddlers at Intro to Sea Skills level (or equivalent) in conditions that include:

• Winds below 15 knots (forecast or observed)
• Crossings of less than 1 nautical mile
• Surf to 0.5 m
• Not rounding a significant headland

Elements include, but are not limited to

• Equipment
• Paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Navigation
• Weather
• Trip planning
• Surf launch and landing
• Towing
• Rolling
• Risk management
• Group control

Further assessment requirements

• Logbook: six sea trips of at least three hours each, over a period of at least two years
• Two different overnight coastal sea kayak trips
• Three trips of at least three hours in a coastal environment as group assistant leader
• One self-contained overnight trip at sea of at least 25 km
• A current Apply First Aid certificate

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Holders of this qualification are qualified to lead trips in sea kayaks in sea conditions. The Sea Guide is for people seeking a professional certification in sea paddling environments. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the industry benchmark designed to meet the needs of the paddling industry in the education, recreation and tourism sectors nationwide.

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course

Holders of this qualification are qualified to instruct and develop participants so they can paddle independently, or with minimal supervision, in sea kayaks in sea conditions. The Sea Instructor is for people seeking a professional certification in sea paddling environments. The Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the industry benchmark designed to meet the needs of the paddling industry in the education, recreation and tourism sectors nationwide.

For course dates and to enrol, contact Paddle SA: sa@paddle.org.au or 0408 390 211.

Course dates Ask about this course