Improve your paddling

Introductory course

Completion of afull day introductory course is required when you join the club using club equipment. However, it should be noted that as it is only an introductory course it cannot cover all aspects of paddling in detail. Further learning and practice needs to take place before the Basic Skills Audit competencies are achieved.

There is usually an introductory course scheduled for 9:30am on the first Saturday of every month. Instruction booklet, boat, paddle, spraydeck and PFD are supplied. After all the formalities are out of the way, there is a theory session (hopefully outdoors) on safe, enjoyable paddling, risk management; venue, weather, boat design, clothing and safety drills. You then hit the water for some experiential learning. We cover the basic strokes; forward and reverse sweep, stern rudder, forward and reverse paddling (canoe J-stroke), emergency stops, draw, sculling draw, bow draw, and low support. At the end an optional but highly recommended opportunity is provided (depending on individual, water and weather conditions) to do capsize and wet exits plus rescue and recovery drills. Some day it might happen to you, so be prepared in a user friendly way. This is not so scary with a friendly instructor standing by. Also, paddlers need to be able to demonstrate a controlled wet exit and reboard to satisfy the Basic Skills Audit which is the minimum certification to take part in most club paddles.

The Basic Skills Audit can be compared to acquiring a P-plate licence, i.e you achieve a minimum level of competency to paddle in a safe environment before venturing out on your own. The 'driving' test (audit) is less stressful than for a car. You need to demonstrate and understand safety, preparation, launching, landing, paddling forward, backwards, stopping, turning, supports, capsize and recover, swim 50m in paddling clothing and PFD.

On the day of the course, wear synthetic long sleeve top (NOT COTTON), light windproof jacket, hat, sunscreen and softsole joggers for wading and wearing in the boat. Bring a lunch, a change of clothes, a towel and some warm clothes to change into.

We meet at the Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre, Bobbin Head, Bobbin Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park adjacent to the Bobbin Inn. There are two ways to get there. From Turramurra, turn off the Pacific Highway at Turramurra into Bobbin Head Road and keep going through the National Park gates ( National Park entrance fees apply). Cross the bridge and turn immediately left. Alternatively take the F3 north from Wahroonga and take the fist exit to Mt Ku-ring-gai. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and follow the National Park signs near Mt. Ku-ring-gai railway station. Turn immediately right at the bottom of the hill(before crossing the bridge) and park near the garages. Park near the two storey building with a row of garage doors.

Booking is essential. Please complete a membership form and email the form back to us before the course (to be signed on the day). Cut off time for registration is usually 8pm the Wednesday before the course, but places may still be available up to Friday evening. Courses may be postponed subject to weather, availability of instructors, or less than 4 paddlers registered.

Download Course & Event Calendar

Download Basic Skills Training Package

Download Basic Skills Audit Checklist

Australian Canoeing (AC) Award courses

Once you have the basics, new horizons will open up and you will probably want to extend your paddling options. The best way to do that is to undertake further training. K&C offers courses beyond the basics. The hierarchy of AC Awards is;

1. Flatwater Skills - competency in extended paddles on flatwater.
2. Intro to Sea Skills and Sea Skills - competency in coastal areas.
3. Intro to Whitewater and Whitewater Skills - competency on grade 2 rivers.
4. AC Guide and Instructor courses - looking after and teaching skills to others.

Details of AC awards can be found on the AC web site www.canoe.org.au - education.