SISOKYK303A
Apply inland kayaking skills on Grade 2 water

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply inland kayaking skills on Grade 2 water. This unit focuses on personal kayaking skills, such as the ability to control and manoeuvre a kayak on Grade 2 water.

Application

This unit applies to those working as kayaking guides or assistants under supervision in a range of controlled inland conditions, including Grade 2 water.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan a kayaking activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues.

1.2. Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine activity plan.

1.4. Identify potential hazards and obstacles associated with the activity and determine a contingency plan to minimise risks.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select kayak and equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check working condition.

2.2. Fit and adjust equipment according to manufacturer's specifications to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and kayak.

2.3. Select personal equipment for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.

2.4. Select safety and rescue equipment appropriate to the activity location.

2.5. Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand, and prepare kayak for transportation if required.

3. Control kayak in moving water.

3.1. Embark and disembark the kayak while maintaining stability.

3.2. Apply appropriate strokes and techniques to cross and break into and out of currents.

3.3. Negotiate or avoid hazards using a combination of strokes and techniques.

3.4. Support the kayak using the paddle to prevent capsize.

3.5. Apply knowledge of river and hydrological features to assist in controlling the kayak.

4. Plan and run a route through a rapid.

4.1. Scout and assess sections of moving water to identify hydrological features, hazards and impediments.

4.2. Select and navigate preferred route using efficient strokes and technique.

4.3. Apply navigation skills to determine location and follow route.

4.4. Maintain communication with other paddlers.

5. Roll a kayak in Grade 2 water.

5.1. Determine roll techniques appropriate for Grade 2 water.

5.2. Perform a roll and maintain calm while upside down in Grade 2 water.

5.3. Regain paddling position promptly on completion of roll.

6. Apply capsize procedures.

6.1. Exit the kayak in a controlled manner following capsize.

6.2. Maintain appropriate body position in the water to minimise injury and entrapment.

6.3. Manoeuvre the upturned kayak to shore or to rescue craft, and empty water from kayak.

6.4. Re-enter the kayak in an eddy or bring ashore.

7. Evaluate kayaking activity.

7.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the kayaking activity.

7.2. Identify improvements for future kayaking experiences.

Required Skills

Required skills

planning and organising skills to select and allocate kayaking equipment

problem-solving 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 direction 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 2 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 2 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 2 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

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 2 water, and how to avoid or negotiate these

emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for kayaking on Grade 2 water, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

Evidence Required

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 2 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 multiple kayaking activities in Grade 2 rapids that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the kayaking activity

suitable inland rivers with moving water, up to and including Grade 2 rapids

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

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISOWWR201A Demonstrate self rescue skills in white water.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency and safety procedures

minimal impact codes

international river grading system

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Obstacles may include:

rocks

piers

submerged items.

Contingency plan may include:

contingency exit points for group evacuation

summoning of assistance if required

alternative location and or route

spare equipment in case of loss or damage.

Risks may include:

weather conditions; including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Equipment may include:

kayak

paddles

helmet

personal flotation device

spraydeck

safety and rescue equipment

first aid equipment.

Embark and disembark may include:

in eddies

in moving water

from a bank

ledge.

Techniques may include:

edging or leaning of kayak

using body weight and strength

using paddle and river features

stopping

steering

turning

capsizing

rolling

directional control

sweep control.

Moving water may include:

rivers with Grade 2, moving water

rapids with waves less than 1m

low ledges and drops, and easy eddies.

Communication may include:

calls

whistles

paddle signals

hand or arm signals

International River Signals.

Roll techniques may include:

screw

steyr

reverse screw

vertical paddle

C to C

hand.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.