Required skills

planning and organising skills to select and allocate kayaking equipment

problemsolving skills to

decide on stroke capsizing and rolling techniques to use according to the conditions

determine how to manage risks and hazards safely

communication skills to interact with other paddlers and rescue crew to maintain a positive and safe environment

river reading skills including and speed of flow currents eddies and other hydrological features that may impact on paddling and safety

kayak handling skills to apply a range of strokes and paddling techniques to control and stabilise the kayak in Grade water

swimming skills to remove self from danger after a capsize and to manoeuvre kayak to shore

first aid emergency response and rescue skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all kayaking activities

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

international river grading system to understand conditions and appropriateness of the river to the level of participants

types of kayaks and equipment characteristics and technology used for kayaking on Grade water the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection

clothing requirements for kayaking such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke

waterproofing techniques used to keep equipment that is not required on hand dry during kayaking

importance of a personal flotation device in keeping a person afloat and their head above water

stroke rolling and capsizing techniques used in Grade water

hydrology and river features such as currents banks change in gradient and volume and how these might impact on the kayaking experience

swimming techniques to swim out of trouble and manoeuvre kayak to shore

communication systems and signals used on rivers

navigation applicable to inland river trips

principles of nutrition to maintain health during kayaking

weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the activity

hazards obstacles and risks commonly experienced when kayaking on Grade water and how to avoid or negotiate these

emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for kayaking on Grade water to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the kayaking activity

applies knowledge of rivers and hydrological features to manoeuvre kayak interpret and negotiate hazards and rapids and determine preferred route

demonstrates control of strokes capsizing and rolling techniques in Grade moving water

evaluates and reflects on own kayaking performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in kayaking activities in Grade rapids that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information such as weather sources to plan and select equipment for the kayaking activity

suitable inland rivers with Grade moving water

kayaking navigation first aid and safety and rescue equipment

a suitable and safe method of transport if required to drive kayak to and from activity location

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of the planning and review process

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all kayaking activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of kayaking skills such as capsizing and rolling a kayak

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SISOWWRA Perform complex white water rescues and recoveries

SISOWWR403A Perform complex white water rescues and recoveries.

Food and water requirements may include:

Principles of nutrition may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Hazards may include:

Obstacles may include:

Contingency plan may include:

Risks may include:

Equipment may include:

Embark and disembark may include:

Techniques may include:

Moving water may include:

Communication may include:

Roll techniques may include:

Relevant aspects may include: