SISOSRF408A
Guide surfing trips

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants on extended surfing trips. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group on an overnight surfing trip. This unit requires planning for the overnight trip. The performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to set up an overnight site are covered in the unit SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

Application

This unit applies to those working as surfing guides who conduct overnight surfing trips and activities in a range of surf conditions. This may include those working for private outdoor adventure companies, volunteer organisations, government agencies, schools, surf camps, group instructors in outdoor education programs or those working as surf lifesavers that run associated surf survival and awareness programs for students.


Prerequisites

SISOSRF202A Demonstrate basic surfing manoeuvres in controlled conditions

SISOSRF303A Perform intermediate level surfing manoeuvres

SISOSRF305A Guide surfing sessions


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 an overnight surfing trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.

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

1.3. Select an appropriate location for the overnight trip according to participant's abilities, trip 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 overnight trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the surfing trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select equipment and craft according to design and construction features, contextual issues 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. Pack equipment that is not required on hand in a suitable manner.

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

3. Brief participants.

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

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

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.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the overnight trip.

4. Supervise surfing activities during overnight trip.

4.1. Demonstrate correct surfing manoeuvres to participants.

4.2. Monitor surfing manoeuvres to ensure safety of participants.

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

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

5. Complete post-trip responsibilities.

5.1. Notify appropriate authorities of trip completion.

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

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of surfing trip.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future overnight surfing trips.

5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to;

consult with participants to plan an overnight surfing trip that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive surfing environment

problem-solving skills to:

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

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect activities

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and suitable locations

organise participants into manageable groups for surfing

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the overnight surfing trip

complete post activity participant and self evaluations

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 ensure safe conduct of all activities

information about local area to assist in the planning process and selection of an overnight site, enable management of potential surfing hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

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

clothing requirements for surfing and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing

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

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy throughout the overnight trip

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 overnight trip

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.

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:

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 routinely arise during the overnight surfing trip

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 activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable surfing location to enable demonstration of overnight surfing activities

a group of participants to take part in the overnight surfing trip

equipment such as suitable craft wetsuit and safety and rescue equipment

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document surfing activities 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 application of legislation and organisational policies and procedures to safe conduct of all surfing activities

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

review of overnight surfing trip plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit or units:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

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


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.

Condition of participants may include:

skill level

previous experience

physical capabilities and fitness level

swimming ability

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

session aims and objectives

date, time and duration

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:

permits or permission for access

communication protocols

time and budget constraints

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics.

Trip objectives may include:

self improvement

meeting people

fitness targets

adventure and 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:

perishability

packaging

storage.

Principles of nutrition may include:

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients:

food preparation

safe food handling and hygiene practices.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Appropriate authorities may include:

waterways departments

surf rescue

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

surfing equipment

safety and rescue equipment

resources.

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

environmental impact minimisation

surfing techniques

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

surfers ready

correct fitting equipment

appropriate spacing between participants

understanding of contingency and risk management plans

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.

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.


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.