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 day surfing session.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.

1.2. Develop a session plan according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select an appropriate site or location for the session according to participant's abilities, session objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards associated with surfing and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.

1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.

1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the session.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select equipment and craft according to design and construction features and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the surf conditions.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the surfing session in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the session.

3.3. Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring.

3.4. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while surfing.

4. Supervise surfing session.

4.1. Demonstrate correct surfing manoeuvres to participants.

4.2. Monitor surfing techniques to ensure safety of participants.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to session in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.

5. Complete post session responsibilities.

5.1. Notify relevant authority of session completion.

5.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of surfing session.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future surfing sessions.

5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a surfing session that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive surfing environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable surfing session according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect session

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable site or location

organise participants into manageable groups for surfing

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the surfing session

complete post session participant and self evaluations

swimming, surf survival and rescue techniques to use in the case of a wipe out or troubled situation

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in surf emergencies.

Required knowledge

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

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential surfing hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment and craft types, characteristics and technology used for surfing, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

use, care and maintenance of surfing equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during the session

surfing techniques and common communication systems used between surfers to reduce risk

surf environments, including types and features of waves, the effect of wind, tide, swell and ocean floors on surf conditions and appropriate responses

surfing etiquette to surf safely alongside other surfers and swimmers showing a common understanding

beach zones and signs to avoid hazards and minimise risks

surf survival and rescue techniques to remove group members from trouble in the surf

sources of weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the session

hazards and risks that may be experienced in various surf conditions

first aid, emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

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:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner

applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that commonly arise during surfing sessions

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure leading surfing sessions that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable surfing location or site that enables the demonstration and practice of surfing techniques and manoeuvres

a group of participants to take part in the surfing session

equipment such as suitable craft

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document surfing session for a variety of participants.

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 interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to safe conduct of all surfing activities

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of surfing session plans

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:

SISOSRF304A Perform simple rescues in moderate surf conditions.

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.

Condition of participants may include:

skill level

physical capabilities and fitness level

swimming ability

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

session aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location

guide and participant ratios

resources

equipment

food and water

weather details

participant information:

safety and emergency requirements.

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:

communication protocols

marked beach zones

time and budget constraints

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics.

Session objectives may include:

developing surfing session skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

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

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods

perishability

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.

Equipment may include:

fins

wetsuit

craft

booties

leg ropes

paddles

rash vests

helmets

rescue and safety equipment

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for sit-ons.

Craft may include:

bodyboards

surfboards

soft surfboards

single and double sit on-kayaks

stand up paddle boards.

Relevant information may include:

personal equipment requirements:

safety procedures

preventative measures for risks

possible hazards

environmental impact minimisation

surfing techniques and manoeuvres

rules, codes and etiquette

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

equipment checked and undamaged

correct fitting equipment

appropriate spacing between participants

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Surfing manoeuvres may include:

selection of appropriate waves to catch and ride

catching and riding wave

standing, where appropriate to craft

traversing left and right along the face of a spilling wave

turning and linking of basic manoeuvres

displaying balance and confidence

flat water manoeuvres.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

surfing technique and manoeuvres

surfing control and balance in various conditions

attitude

surf etiquette

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

surf conditions.

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.