Basic Skills Course - learn about safety and technique on the water

Sunday, 2 August 2009

What better way to spend some time than messing around in kayaks on a lake or river. Learn the basics of kayaking so you can safely enjoy being active in the outdoors.

Basic Skills Course

Next Course: Canoe SA, West Lakes ................. Saturday 20th February 2010

Not able to attend on that day Click here for more dates for Basic Skills Courses

To register please return the enrollment form to Canoe SA, PO Box 281, Port Adelaide SA 5015

or contact Canoe SA by phone: 08 8240 3294 or email canoesa1@canoesa.asn.au

(group bookings on other dates can be arranged, please contact Canoe SA)

Time: 9am - 3pm (approx)

Cost: $100 (inc GST)

Please note: Courses may not go ahead if bookings are insufficient or the weather is unsuitable

Basic Skills courses are intended for people who wish to learn to paddle kayak, canoe or sit-on-top on calm inland waters. Canoe SA also offers other courses, such as the Introduction to Sea Kayak Skills or Flatwater Skills courses, which equip you for paddling in more demanding conditions.

The programme is designed to cater for all ability levels, with the aim of providing you with the skills to enjoy the excitement and challenges of canoeing in safety. The course includes the basic strokes for controlling your craft (either kayak, canoe or sit-on-top) and important safety and rescue procedures. A set of notes is provided, covering equipment, paddling skills, rescues, safety code, environmental code, and lists of other resources.

Fees and Registration

The course fee is $100 (inc GST) and includes all equipment, instruction, notes and Australian Canoeing Basic Skills Award Certificate on sucessful assessment.
Payment can be made by cheque, money order or credit card (Mastercard/Visa).

Registration is available online by clicking the date of the course above or contact the office to register over the phone.
Registration for courses generally closes on the Monday prior, however please call the office as vacancies are often available.

Courses for small groups or individuals can be run to suit. Please contact the office for more details.

Courses from Basic Skills to Instructor level will be held through the 2009 - 2010 season. For brief details of the courses, see Australian Canoeing Award Scheme

Canoe or Kayak?

The kayak is the better choice for more open waters where wind and chop may be a problem (kayaks only are used at sea). There is less stowage space, and access to stowed gear is not as easy. Kayaks are usually better as singles, and are paddled with double blade paddles.

The open canoe is the ideal craft for the Murray backwaters and similar areas. It has plenty of room for gear, and is easy to load and comfortable to paddle, with a single blade paddle. Most touring canoes are built for two paddlers.

Accreditation and beyond

Following successful assessment you will be granted the Basic Skills award. Your details will be registered by Australian Canoeing. Canoe SA recommends and encourages all paddlers to join a canoe club to further their skills and to meet other people who enjoy paddling.

Clubs provide opportunity for you to paddle in some of the most beautiful parts of the state and beyond. As a beginner clubs can provide opportunity to practice and improve your skills in a safe and supportive environment. Clubs also provide opportunity to meet other paddlers who will share their experience with you.

Canoe SA offers other courses leading to instructional awards. Click on the following to go to the appropriate course.

Sea Skills Weekend (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Flatwater Skills

Coastal Skills (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Coastal Guide (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Canoe/Kayak Lifeguard

Flatwater Instructor

Flatwater Guide (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Sea Skills Instructor (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Advanced Sea Instructor (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Whitewater Instructor and Guide (this link is temporarily unavailable)

Advanced Whitewater Instructor (this link is temporarily unavailable)