TASSIE KAYAK SCHOOL
Experience the ultimate adventure with our kayaking school, immersing you into the stunning landscapes of Tasmania. We take great pride in offering Australia's finest kayaking education, catering to individuals who wish to enhance their paddling skills or those who want to obtain professional qualifications.
At our school, you'll find a team of exceptional instructors who are experienced and accomplished paddlers. They have a wealth of expertise, hold current Paddle Australia certifications and possess the necessary first aid qualifications, ensuring your safety and learning experience are of utmost importance to us.
Immerse yourself in our comprehensive training programs, in either calm flat-water and thrilling white-water environments. Whether you seek a peaceful journey or crave an adrenaline-filled adventure, we have the perfect course to suit your needs and aspirations.
BEGINNER COURSE:
This course is designed for those with little to no experience in kayaking. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of kayaking & paddling. Our experienced instructors will guide you through gentle rapids, gradually building your confidence and proficiency on the water.
COURSE CONTENT:
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Flat-water & light introduction to moving water
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Capsizing + basic rescues and recoveries
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On-water communication
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Paddle strokes
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Basic boat control
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Entry and exit from the kayak
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Kayak types and design features
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Parts of the kayak and fit-out
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Paddling equipment
DURATION
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2-4 days (Course dependent)
VENUE:
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TBA depending on water availability
COURSE FEE:
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Duration and location dependent
PADDLING GEAR:
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BYO or gear hire available for additional fee
DATES:
intermediate COURSE:
This course is designed for those with existing kayak experience who wish to take their paddling to the next level. The focus is on further developing and improving your kayaking. This is the perfect course for those looking to consolidate their skills on class 3 water and begin moving to the next level.
COURSE CONTENT:
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Refining and improving your paddle strokes
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Improving your boat placement and control
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Developing a better roll
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Technical river reading skills
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Improving your rescue skills
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Analysis of your personal paddling through video feedback
PRE-REQUISITES:
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Ability to paddle class 2 water
DURATION:
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2-4 days (course dependent)
VENUE:
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Forth, Mersey River, Brady's, North Esk - location is water dependent
COURSE FEE:
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Duration and location dependent
PADDLING GEAR:
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BYO or gear hire available for additional fee
DATES:
advanced COURSE:
The advanced course will focus on refinement and consistency of quality paddling technique. We will spend time working on your strokes, edging and boat control on faster, technical water. There will be an opportunity for you to fill in those annoying skill gaps in your paddling and move into the higher classes of white-water!
COURSE CONTENT:
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Refinement of effective paddle strokes
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Next level boat placement and control
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Next level river reading skills
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Improvement of edge control
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Analysis of your personal paddling through video feedback
PRE-REQUISITES:
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Ability to paddle class 3 water
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Consistent solid roll
DURATION:
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2-4 days
VENUE:
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Brady's, Mersey River, The Lea, North Esk - location is water dependent
COURSE FEE:
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Duration and location dependent
PADDLING GEAR:
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BYO or gear hire available for additional fee
DATES:
WHITE-WATER KAYAKing-
Skills development
Looking to embark on or enhance your kayaking career? Look no further!
Our specialised kayak guiding and instructor courses are tailored to meet the demands of your work requirements. You will potentially gain a recognised certification that will not only boost your professional credentials but also equip you with essential skills in kayaking techniques, safety protocols, navigation, rescue procedures, and more.
Led by experienced instructors, our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training ensure you develop the expertise and confidence needed to excel in your guiding role. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your kayaking career to new heights.
WILL I OBTAIN A PEAK BODY QUALIFICATION FROM THE TRAINING?
Potentially yes...
Students who wish to be assessed and meet the criteria may be eligible for one of the following Paddle Australia Certifications:
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Flatwater Guide
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Flatwater Instructor
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White-water Guide
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White-water Instructor
Please note: If you wish to obtain a Paddle Australia certification, there will be additional costs with obtaining the Peak Body award.
The training in all courses focuses on:
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Technical knowledge and skills aligned with the Paddle Australia syllabus
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Safe & efficient personal paddling practices
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Group Management on & around river environments
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Minimal Impact & following ‘Leave No Trace’ principles
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Responding to common white-water kayaking challenges & emergencies
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How to facilitate a safe & engaging kayaking experience in either a flat or white-water environment
Flatwater kayaking guide/instructor course:
This course is designed for those with no or limited experience in kayaking. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of kayaking & paddling. This includes equipment, safety briefings, basic paddling strokes, safe boat wet exits, rescue techniques & basic trip planning. You will also have an opportunity to 'guide' people on the water and develop those on water management skills.
COURSE FEE:
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Whitewater Kayaking Introduction $800
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Fees include expert tuition, training manual and all technical equipment
DURATION:
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4 days
START & FINISH TIMES:
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Courses commence at 8.30am each day
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We plan on finishing by 5.30pm each day
PREREQUISITES:
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Nil
PADDLING GEAR:
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BYO or gear hire available for additional fee
DATES:
White-water kayaking guide/instructor course:
This course provides the fundamental knowledge & skills for those wishing to gain a formal certification to work as a white-water guide &/or instructor (in grade 2 white-water) in the future. We continue to build upon your personal paddling skills but we also introduce the concept of ‘guiding’ & or ‘instructing’ clients in a controlled and safe manner. There may be opportunities to ‘guide’ a group of real clients on a simple stretch of white-water.
There is a focus on more technical paddling, understanding rapids & how to negotiate them, performing white-water rescues, scouting, decision making, rolling & white-water trip planning / preparation.
Students will receive on going feedback throughout the week. Ultimately this course is designed to improve technical paddling skills and set students up for facilitating a safe & engaging simple white-water kayaking experience in the real world.
COURSE FEE:
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Whitewater Kayaking Introduction $800
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Fees include expert tuition, training manual and all technical equipment
DURATION:
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4 days
START & FINISH TIMES:
-
Courses commence at 8.30am each day
-
We plan on finishing by 5.30pm each day
POTENTIAL VENUES:
Our venue for training varies depending on water levels, river conditions & the type of course. Generally, the following venues are used:
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Derwent River
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Picton / Huon River
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Forth River
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Leven River
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Mersey River
PREREQUISITES:
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Previous grade 1-2 white-water paddling experience
PADDLING GEAR:
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BYO or gear hire available for additional fee
DATES:
DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT:
Knowledge and skills will be delivered and practiced through a combination of on-water theory sessions, skill drills, demonstrations, practical exercises and scenarios. During an ‘assessment’, skills & knowledge will be practically assessed on the water, where you will be running a session with participants under the watchful eye of an instructor.
You will also be required to complete a comprehensive trip plan & undertake a short knowledge exam.
TRAINERS:
Your trainers will be certified instructors & assessors from Paddle Australia (Australia’s peak paddling body).
flat water & white-water kayaking-
certifications for work