PA Coastal Guide Course (Sit-on-Top Kayak)

Separate assessment day(s) are required to complete certification.

Coastal Guide

This course is for people seeking employment where the the group under instruction will leave the immediate launch area such as a day or part-day excursion. Holders of the Coastal Guide Award are qualified to guide groups of novices on activity and day-based programs on sit-on-tops in Coastal  conditions:

• Outside of estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands

• Areas of exposed coastline that are simple, not involving overfalls or tidal races

• Maximum of 1 nautical mile from shore

• Wind conditions below Fresh Winds (17 knots)

• Breaking (whitecapping) waves (sea) up to 0.5m

• Surf to 0.5m

This is recommended for activities such as camps, school trips and experiences.

Elements covered in the course will include but are not limited to:

• Equipment

• Paddling skills

• Rescue skills

• Navigation

• Weather

• Tides

• Trip planning

• Risk management

• Group control

Paddle Craft & Equipment

This course is designed specifically for Sit-on-Top kayaks and deals with the paddling skills and rescues applicable to these craft.

It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including kayak, PFD and paddle. East Coast Kayaking can provide any or all of this equipment - please notify us at the time of booking if you need to hire equipment.  Please detail personal equipment on the checklist on the Participant Information form emailed to you following your booking to determine its suitability.

Paddle clothing needs to be suitable for the conditions and environment - to protect you from sun, wind and cold.

WHAT IS INVOLVED

All the Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) awards involve demonstrating a level of competency in paddling skills (Coastal and Sea awards will require an assessment in the Sea environment, including a surf assessment). In addition there is a knowledge component which may be assessed through observation, discussion in the course of the assessment day and by a written test. When you enrol course materials will be provided.

Your ability to communicate with your group is an important consideration for all candidates and for leaders, guides and instructors it is important to be able to deliver instructions and briefings in a clear and concise manner.

Your experiences as a paddler should be recorded in PaddleLog (also available as an app) - the number of trips recorded and the environment (Flat water, enclosed, sea, whitewater etc) should meet the requirements of the Qualification by the time you are ready for assessment. For your intake session you should submit an extract of your logbook prior to the day so we can have an idea of your experience.

As part of your assessment, you will prepare a trip plan (or Instructional session for Instructor candidates) as a Project that reflects the level of qualification and environment.

See the Assessment Guidelines (see links below) for details on these requirements.

Coastal GUIDE COURSE INTAKE (1 DAY)

Location: Our Training Centre at 37 Jetty Road, Sandringham, with the practical component on the sheltered waters of Sandringham Harbour. 
Other locations for your private group / organisation can be arranged - contact us to discuss.

Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm in a scheduled class. Private Mentoring days can be organised as required.
Cost: $350 scheduled course or per Private Mentoring day ($550 per person for one day private session).
Kayak/Canoe hire $50 - please specify type of craft when booking. Hires include paddle, PFD and all safety gear.
Class Size: Maximum 6 participants per scheduled class.

BEFORE YOU ATTEND

Applicants for a Guide Award should already hold a Coastal Skills Award or have demonstrated equivalent skills. This allows the paddler to operate confidently, skilfully and safely within their tested conditions.

It is a good idea to review your log book prior to attending, to ensure that you will meet the Experience requirements by assessment time.

Coastal Guide ASSESSMENT

The Intake weekend is for the training component - assessment will take place in a separate one day sessions, please discuss prior to booking your intake weekend. This assessment date at Sandringham can be a Private Tuition session at an agreed date if the scheduled dates do not suit you. Some assessment may be done remotely by agreement with the assessor - discuss the required standard of presentation prior to submission.

You need to complete the Assessment Day(s) and pay a registration fee (direct to Paddle Australia) in order to complete your certification as a Guide. These sessions can be done in any order.

Surf Assessment

Location: Meet at 8:30am at a designated café to discuss the program and destination for the day. Locations are within 2 hours drive of Melbourne, eg. Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, Inverloch, Waratah Bay
Duration: 8.30am - 4.00pm
Class Size: Maximum 6 participants
Cost: $375. If own kayak & gear used, $50 less
This assessment day can also be undertaken through Private Tuition $550 for a one day private session

Practical Skills, Knowledge and Leadership Assessment

Location: Our Training Centre at 37 Jetty Road, Sandringham, with the practical component on the sheltered waters of Sandringham Harbour. Other locations for your private group / organisation can be arranged - contact us to discuss.
Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Class Size: Maximum 12 participants
Cost: $295 in a scheduled course. Kayak hire $50 if required
Registration is payable directly to Paddle Australia.
This assessment day can also be undertaken through Private Tuition $600 for a one day private session or we can schedule a day for your group of 4 or more - contact us for a quote and to organise your assessment outside the scheduled dates.

Prior to booking you should check the assessment criteria for the Coastal Guide Award, including logbook and first aid certificate requirements to ensure you can meet this within the available timeframe. 

DATES

Contact us for Skills, Leader, Flat-water Guide / Instructor, Coastal Guide / Instructor, Sea Guide / Instructor or Enclosed Guide / Instructor courses on info@eastcoastkayaking.com or 03 9597 0549.