Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:54 AM AWST
22/07/2026 3:54 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply kayaking skills
Apply kayaking skills
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOKYK302A
SISOKYK302A
State Code
D6398
D6398
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/04/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
26/04/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a kayak in controlled conditions. This unit focuses on the demonstration of kayaking skills to a high standard of technical correctness.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for a kayaking activity.
- 1.1. Identify food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions of the activity.
- 1.2. Identify an appropriate activity site and course to take according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information.
- 1.4. Identify potential hazards associated with the activity and minimise risks as advised by the supervisor.
2. Select equipment.
- 2.1. Select craft and equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition.
- 2.2. Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and kayak.
- 2.3. Select personal clothing for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.
- 2.4. Waterproof and pack equipment that is not required on hand and stow or fasten in a suitable manner.
- 2.5. Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location.
3. Apply control and manoeuvring techniques.
- 3.1. Embark and disembark the kayak while maintaining stability.
- 3.2. Direct the kayak in a controlled manner.
- 3.3. Apply efficient stroke technique while directing the kayak, using the rudder if fitted.
- 3.4. Apply navigation skills to determine location and follow planned course during the activity.
4. Apply capsize procedures.
- 4.1. Exit the kayak in a controlled manner, and recover paddles and other equipment, following a capsize.
- 4.2. Manoeuvre the upturned kayak to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water, with assistance if required.
- 4.3. Demonstrate deep water re-entry techniques or take the kayak ashore.
5. Secure kayak.
- 5.1. Secure the kayak to the bank, shore or jetty.
- 5.2. Secure the kayak, where appropriate, for road transport using suitable methods.
6. Evaluate the kayaking activity.
- 6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the kayaking activity.
- 6.2. Identify improvements for future kayaking experiences.
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.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
individual food requirements and allergies.
Conditions may include:
sheltered calm waters
minimal wind
ease of access to shore
minimal flow of water.
Activity site may include:
rivers
lakes.
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
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
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
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
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.
Craft may include:
closed and open kayaks
estuary kayaks
double kayaks.
Equipment may include:
personal flotation device
paddle
spray deck
wet suit or wet weather gear
ropes or tie down straps
navigation equipment
safety and first aid equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size
Stroke technique may include:
hand placement on paddle
blade placement
paddle depth in water
paddle blade angle throughout stroke
paddle entry and exit points
use of trunk rotation
lean or edge of the craft
smooth transfer between different strokes.
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.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
individual food requirements and allergies.
Conditions may include:
sheltered calm waters
minimal wind
ease of access to shore
minimal flow of water.
Activity site may include:
rivers
lakes.
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
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
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
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
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.
Craft may include:
closed and open kayaks
estuary kayaks
double kayaks.
Equipment may include:
personal flotation device
paddle
spray deck
wet suit or wet weather gear
ropes or tie down straps
navigation equipment
safety and first aid equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size
Stroke technique may include:
hand placement on paddle
blade placement
paddle depth in water
paddle blade angle throughout stroke
paddle entry and exit points
use of trunk rotation
lean or edge of the craft
smooth transfer between different strokes.
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.
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:
applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the kayaking activity
paddles the kayak to a high standard, demonstrating efficient and clean strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the kayak at all times
applies capsizing technique and follows rescue procedures to prepare for emergency situations
evaluates and reflects on own kayaking performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple kayaking activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the kayaking activity
a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore
kayaking, navigating, safety and rescue equipment
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive kayak to and from activity location.
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:
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all kayaking activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of all strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the kayak at all times
written and or verbal self evaluation
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:
SISOCNE202A Perform deep water rescues.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the kayaking activity
paddles the kayak to a high standard, demonstrating efficient and clean strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the kayak at all times
applies capsizing technique and follows rescue procedures to prepare for emergency situations
evaluates and reflects on own kayaking performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple kayaking activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the kayaking activity
a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore
kayaking, navigating, safety and rescue equipment
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive kayak to and from activity location.
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:
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all kayaking activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of all strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the kayak at all times
written and or verbal self evaluation
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:
SISOCNE202A Perform deep water rescues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6204 | SROKYK002A | Demonstrate simple kayaking skills to a high standard | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF29 | SISOKYK002 | Paddle a kayak on moving water up to grade 1 rivers | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC364 | SISSS00064 | Kayaking Guide Flat Water | Skill set |
| AB549 | SISSS00067 | Kayaking Instructor Flat Water | Skill set |
| J761 | SIS30413 | Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |