Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:34 PM AWST

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Paddle a kayak on moving water up to grade 1 rivers

Paddle a kayak on moving water up to grade 1 rivers

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOKYK002
State Code
OBF29
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a kayak on a planned course as part of a group on waterways that feature slow moving water conditions. It covers the skills to paddle on rivers, up to grade 1, and on large open bodies of water such as lakes and dams. It requires the ability to self-rescue from a capsize and to rescue others in deep water.For rivers, grade 1 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. These rivers have long stretches of slow moving water that could feature regular small waves and or riffles, relatively few obstacles and an easy passage to find and follow. Large bodies of water also feature slow moving water conditions.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the paddle.
  • 1.1. Select clothing, footwear, personal protective and other equipment suitable for the paddle and conditions, and check for safe working condition.
  • 1.2. Carry, prepare craft and complete safety and serviceability checks.
  • 1.3. Waterproof, pack and stow clothing, personal resources, and food according to access requirements during paddle.
  • 1.4. Interpret planned course from activity plans and maps to assist in following the course.
  • 1.5. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 1.6. Confirm protocols for communications between paddlers.
  • 1.7. Fit and adjust personal protective equipment to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Paddle and manoeuvre kayaks on slow moving water.
  • 2.1. Embark and launch kayak from bank while maintaining stability.
  • 2.2. Control direction of kayak forward, in reverse and sideways using a range of appropriate strokes and edges.
  • 2.3. Maintain appropriate posture, use of trunk rotation, paddle and blade to efficiently paddle the kayak.
  • 2.4. Establish and maintain an appropriate paddling rhythm and pace to minimise fatigue, strain and injury.
  • 2.5. Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.
  • 2.6. Maintain visual contact and effective communication with party members throughout all activities.
  • 2.7. Monitor party formation, paddling pace and space between kayaks and make required adjustments.
3. Rescue self following a capsize.
  • 3.1. Execute techniques appropriate for situation to avoid a wet exit and re-establish paddling position promptly.
  • 3.2. Exit the kayak in a controlled manner following a capsize, and recover paddle.
  • 3.3. Manoeuvre the paddle and upturned kayak to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water.
  • 3.4. Use techniques when in deep water to empty water and re-enter kayak.
4. Perform deep water rescues in slow moving river conditions.
  • 4.1. Identify immediate hazards, assess risks and negotiate to avoid injury to self and others.
  • 4.2. Select and use other leaders or party members, equipment and rescue techniques appropriate to situation.
  • 4.3. Manoeuvre rescue craft to capsized party member, forming a raft-up as required.
  • 4.4. Provide clear and concise instructions to person being rescued and others assisting.
  • 4.5. Assist rescuee to return to their craft using rescue technique appropriate to situation.
  • 4.6. Assess ability of rescuee to continue and tow to nearest safe landing, as required.
5. Land and secure kayaks.
  • 5.1. Land and disembark kayak at bank while maintaining stability.
  • 5.2. Select a secure bank feature and secure kayak using appropriate knots.
  • 5.3. Secure kayak for road transport using suitable methods.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6398 SISOKYK302A Apply kayaking skills Unit of competency