Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for the paddle.
- 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.
- Access and interpret activity plans, and clarify any details.
- 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.
- Paddle and manoeuvre small crafts on flatwater.
- Embark and launch craft from bank, shore or jetty while maintaining stability.
- Control direction of craft forward, in reverse and sideways using a range of appropriate strokes and edges.
- Maintain appropriate posture, use of trunk rotation, paddle and blade to efficiently paddle craft.
- Establish and maintain an appropriate paddling rhythm and pace to minimise fatigue, strain and injury.
- Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.
- Maintain visual contact and effective communication with party members throughout all activities.
- Monitor party formation, paddling pace and space between craft and make required adjustments.
- Rescue self following a capsize.
- Exit the craft in a controlled manner, following a capsize, and recover paddle.
- Follow instructions from leader or other party members to complete deep water self-rescue.
- Re-enter craft and assess personal ability to continue with paddle session.
- Manoeuvre an upturned craft to shore or to rescue craft, when unable to re-enter.
- Land and secure canoes.