Kayak Instructor Level 1 Photo: Kaiapoi H.S. Assessment Guide For Assessors and Candidates
Assessment Notes This Assessment Guide is to assist assessors with judging a candidate s competency. All judgements must be based on current best practice and industry standards. This guide is also to help candidates know what they will be assessed on and what assessment tasks they will be asked to complete. Assessors use three types of direct evidence to judge a candidate s competency: - Written questions / assignment. - Oral questions and discussion. - Observation of practical tasks. Technical Competence 1. Describe the development of kayaking and discuss contemporary issues The candidate will be able to describe and discuss: The development of kayaking as a sport and current trends Current threats to New Zealand s rivers and the effect of these have on recreational river use Legislation relevant to whitewater kayaking 2. Demonstrate the care and correct use of kayaking gear and equipment commonly used in New Zealand The candidate will: Have knowledge about equipment commonly used in New Zealand, including the types, characteristics, advantages, limitations, cost, care, maintenance and storage for a range of equipment e.g. kayaks, PFD s, spray decks, paddles, helmets, dry tops/ paddle jackets and other clothing and footwear suitable for kayaking Role model the use of gear and equipment that is in good condition, well maintained and wear clothing and footwear that is appropriate for use in a class 2 whitewater environment Demonstrate safe transportation of kayaks on trailers and / or roof racks Demonstrate a working knowledge of a range of safety equipment e.g. air bags, survival bags, tow-lines, throw-bags, slings, karabiners, Prusiks, knife, saw, split paddle Be able to impart basic knowledge about appropriate Kayaks, Kayak clothing and equipment to participants 3. Demonstrate personal kayaking skills on class 2 and class 3 whitewater The candidate will demonstrate kayaking on class 3 including: A reliable roll Controlled river running The candidate will demonstrate the following role model kayaking skills (i.e. making good visual images suitable for students to learn from) on class 2:
A range of efficient and effective paddling techniques e.g. forward, reverse, sweeps, draw strokes, bracing, edging/railing, body position Sweep roll on both sides Carving eddy turns using a variety of strokes e.g. forward paddle, sweep to stern draw, gliding draw Forward and reverse ferry gliding Safe and efficient river running including choosing lines /routes down rapids 4. Demonstrate river rescue skills The candidate will demonstrate the following river rescue skills at a given location on a class 2 river section: Instructor assist and instructor intervention rescues: Two of the following three rescues: Bow (or T) Rescue, H Assist, Barrel Roll Transport a swimmer across the river using a bow carry or a stern deck carry and a tow Deep water rescue. Recommended time for kayak emptied, kayaker back in and spray deck on is 2 minutes Management techniques without a towline e.g. rafting up, assisted kayaking, shove, instructor draw Use of an effective towline system: Capsize, release and roll Assisted ferry glide Towing a kayak and a paddle Rescue of an unconscious swimmer Use of a throw bag to: Rescue a swimmer - attention gained, accurate throw, stable belay, safe pendulum Set up a simple hauling system / Z- drag / 3:1 system with a pin kit. (For efficiency this can be done as a simulated rescue on land) Describe methods for dealing with foot entrapments. The Environment 5. Role model accepted environmental practices The candidate will: Demonstrate and/or describe the responsibilities to land owners, including access protocols and issues, and other river users Role model the principles of the New Zealand Water Care Code, the New Zealand Environmental Care Code and/or Leave No Trace Demonstrate an awareness of practices to stop the spread of Didymo and other freshwater pests
6. Demonstrate and / or describe cultural and environmental knowledge of NZ rivers The candidate will have an understanding of: River hydrology River types Water Conservation Orders and the protection of NZ rivers Concepts of tikanga Māori and be able to connect these to the river environment e.g. Tapu, Kaitiakitanga, Whakapapa, Ranginui, Papatuanuku, Mauri Group Management and Leadership 7. Lead and manage a group kayaking up to and including class 2 whitewater The candidate will demonstrate competent leadership and management of a group in pool, flatwater and moving water environments, up to and including class 2 whitewater which includes: A safety brief before the session or river trip commences Awareness of relevant hazards encountered A range of on the water group management strategies as appropriate Effective and proactive management of the group including; anticipation of capsizes, dealing with differences in abilities of party members, protecting rapids as appropriate for less experienced paddlers An effective communication system for managing the group Establishing rapport and using a leadership style appropriate to the group Organise and motivate a group / individuals in pool, flatwater and whitewater environments 8. Apply effective safety management The candidate will demonstrate: The ability to access and apply weather, tidal and river flow information as appropriate to a planned session or river trip Have a first aid kit and be able to deal with first aid situations as required Awareness of the risks and appropriate risk management strategies during a given session or river trip and the ability to adjust plans when required Awareness of the prevention, symptoms, remedies and treatment for common medical issues relevant to kayaking e.g. near drowning, hypothermia, shock, sunburn, dehydration, shoulder dislocation, concussion, tendonitis Safe practices and good judgement and decision making within the scope of this qualification
Instruction 9. Prepare and deliver teaching sessions The candidate will prepare and deliver teaching sessions on any given topics or skills contained in the NZOIA Kayak Instructor Level 1 Assessment Guide which demonstrates: A range of teaching skills e.g. introduction, appropriate voice, language and body language, teaching/visual aids, demonstrations, teachable moments, evaluation of learning A wide knowledge of the topic or skill Engaging the students in a positive learning experience which encourages enthusiasm and interest These will be assessed as part of the pool, flatwater, moving water sessions. 10. Teach a pool session. The candidate will teach a pool session that prepares students for a flatwater or moving water session and/or a river trip, which demonstrates: Preparing and delivering a safe, well managed and positive learning experience Confidence activities including capsize procedures/wet exit A sweep roll progression A rolling technique most suited to the needs of individual models students (This acknowledges the value of alternative rolling techniques to the sweep roll) 11. Teach flat water kayaking skills. The candidate will teach a flat water session that prepares students for a moving water session and/or a river trip, which demonstrates: Selecting a suitable training site Preparing and delivering a safe, well managed and positive learning experience The ability to teach a range of kayaking strokes and techniques on flat water. The range may include, but is not limited to forward paddling, reverse paddling, sweep strokes, draw strokes, bracing, edging and railing, eddy turn progression The ability to use a variety of activities to achieve results e.g. games, drills, journey s
12. Teach moving water skills The candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach on class 1 and 2 whitewater, including: Selecting a suitable training site Preparing and delivering a safe, well managed and positive learning experience Carving eddy turns using a variety of strokes. May include, but is not limited to - forward paddle, sweep to stern draw Ferry gliding 13. Teach river running skills The candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach river running skills on a class 2 river trip, including: Selecting a suitable river trip. Preparing and delivering a safe, well managed and positive learning experience Identifying river features and hazards and how to use and/or avoid them Effective communication including the use of paddle signals River running strategies, including scouting and choosing safe lines through rapids