This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a kayak as part of a group on inland rivers with grade 3 rapids, and according to planned and scouted courses. It requires the ability to self-rescue from a capsize and to rescue others in deep water.

Grade 3 refers to the International River Grading System which provides a broad indication of a river’s rapid features, and the degree of difficulty in negotiating these. This unit provides skills to paddle on rivers with rapids which have fairly high waves, one to two metres tall, broken water, and strong currents and eddies. These rivers have significant obstacles including large holes, exposed rocks and small falls that require manoeuvring around using proficient paddling. Passages through rapids may be difficult to recognise from the river and inspection from the bank is usually required.

It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during kayaking activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice	Yes	No	Comments/feedback
Select clothing, footwear, personal protective and other equipment suitable for the paddle and conditions, and check for safe working condition.
Carry, prepare craft and complete safety and serviceability checks.
Waterproof, pack and stow clothing, personal resources, and food according to access requirements during paddle.
Interpret planned course from activity plans and maps to assist in following the course.
Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
Confirm protocols for communications between paddlers.
Fit and adjust personal protective equipment to ensure comfort and safety.
Select suitable location, embark and launch kayak using technique suitable to situation to maintain stability.
Identify hydrological features from the water and utilise favourably to control and manoeuvre kayak.
Control direction of kayak forward, in reverse and sideways using a range of appropriate strokes, leans, edges and combinations.
Maintain appropriate posture, use of trunk rotation, paddle and blade to efficiently paddle the kayak.
Utilise appropriate padding strokes and techniques to cross currents and break into and out of eddies.
Avoid or negotiate obstacles and hazards using a combination of strokes and paddling techniques.
Support kayak using the paddle to prevent capsizes.
Maintain visual contact and effective communication with party members throughout all activities.
Monitor party formation, paddling pace and space between kayaks and make required adjustments.
Scout rapids from the water and shore to identify hydrological features, hazards and impediments.
Assess features and hazards to determine a safe route through rapids.
Plan route through rapids accounting for party member numbers, abilities and management during run.
Identify reference points to guide chosen passage through rapids.
Run predetermined route using avoidance techniques to safely negotiate river hazards.
Use efficient paddling techniques and strokes and utilise hydrological features to assist in turning and crossing currents.
Execute a roll using techniques appropriate for situation to avoid a wet exit and re-establish paddling position promptly.
Exit the kayak in a controlled manner when unable to roll following a capsize, and recover paddle.
Maintain appropriate body position in water to minimise entrapment and injury.
Manoeuvre the paddle and upturned kayak to shore or to rescue craft.
Drain water from craft in safe shallow river position or on shore and re-enter craft on shore or in an eddy.
Use techniques when in deep water to empty water and re-enter kayak.
Identify immediate hazards, assess risks and negotiate to avoid injury to self and others.
Select and use other leaders or party members, equipment and rescue techniques appropriate to situation.
Manoeuvre rescue craft to capsized party member, forming a raft-up as required.
Provide clear and concise instructions to person being rescued and others assisting.
Assist rescuee to return to their craft using rescue technique appropriate to situation.
Assess ability of rescuee to continue and tow to nearest safe landing, as required.
Select a suitable location to exit the river, and to allow for any subsequent re-entries.
Land and disembark kayak using techniques suitable for river conditions to maintain stability.
Select a secure bank feature and secure kayak using appropriate knots.
Secure kayak for road transport, on activity conclusion, using suitable methods.

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOKYK004 - Paddle a kayak on grade 3 rivers

Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOKYK004 - Paddle a kayak on grade 3 rivers

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: