Introductory Coach: (F1,F2) The Introductory coach works with paddlers who wish to gain coaching on core paddling skills. The introductory coach would ideally operate under the supervision of a current Foundation coach or above. However, can work independently under the below conditions:
Conditions:
- Enclosed waters with no current and little wind influence.
- Hazards are minimal and there is always ready access to safe landing
- Distance no greater than 50m from shore
- All participants wearing lifejackets
- All participants can swim
- Participants have basic craft handling skills. (eg move craft forward and turn around)
- Ratio of 1:4
Foundation coach: (F2 – T1) The foundation coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to discipline specific skills. The foundation coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.
Conditions:
- Conditions should be relevant to the discipline and within the participants and equipment capabilities
Talent coach: (T1 – T4) The talent coach works with intermediate paddlers wanting to advance their understanding of their chosen discipline. The talent coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for state and national level competitions.
Elite coach: (T4 – E2) The elite coach works with advanced paddlers to refine and enhance their skills and understanding of their chosen discipline. The elite coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for senior national teams and major international competitions.
Mastery coach: (E1 – M1) The mastery coach works with world class paddlers to perfect their skills and understanding of their chosen discipline. The mastery coach is aimed at coaches preparing paddlers for world stage competitions with repeated international podium success.
Coaching qualifications are not designed to be safety and rescue qualifications. They are to help develop and refine paddling skills to enhance a paddlers skill. Participants should be able to rescue themselves in the environment in which the coaching is being undertaken.