Paddling is

The Paddle Oz Program is designed to provide young people with an enjoyable introduction to paddling that encourages lifelong participation. Experiential learning through participation in games and activities is the focus of the programs.

These games and activities allow the participants to develop the essential skills and safety knowledge that underpin all future paddling pathways. Gaining knowledge of the different forms of paddling, making links to local clubs and understanding further development pathways is an important feature of the program.

Aims:

  • Enable more young people to try paddling and stay paddling
  • Provide an enjoyable, sociable and safe introduction to paddling
  • Use games and activities to support experiential learning
  • Establish basic paddling skills and knowledge that support future paddling pathways
  • Provide a progression through to specialised areas of paddling
  • Develop an awareness of all aspects of paddling
  • Provide links to clubs, Paddle Education and other paddling opportunities
  • Assist clubs in developing young paddlers
  • Allow flexibility in delivery according to venues and situations
  • Increase the level of safe paddling practices in the community through educating young people

Paddle Starter

Aim

The Paddle Oz Starter program is the first component of the Paddle Oz Discovery program. This helps participants have a sense of accomplishment and encourages further participation.

Venue and Equipment

The venue for the Starter program can be almost any swimmable, enclosed flatwater. This program would work well in a swimming pool or similar venue which would allow for a very controlled environment for safety and ease of communication during activities. The venue needs to be suitable for the size and skills of the group. People need some space to safely practise paddling their craft. Easy access to dry land and an exit from the craft or water is also essential for the Starter program.

Time

No time limit is given to the Starter program. The time can be tailored to the group considering the age, location, equipment, skills, etc.
On average the program will normally take around 2 – 3 hours.

Delivering the program

The Paddle Oz trainer is required to put some thought into how they would like to run the program. Only a sample of a lesson plan is given so that trainers can develop a delivery style that will suit their needs and requirements.
The concept of the Starter program is to introduce paddling through active participation in fun games and activities. Some teaching or demonstrations will be required but these would be best kept short and spread out.

Program Outcomes

  • Follow the instructions given by your instructor or coach
  • Wear a lifejacket and recommended clothing
  • Get into and out of your craft from shore, with assistance
  • Sit comfortably in/on your craft
  • Keep your balance while sitting in/on your craft
  • Hold a paddle with correct blade position
  • Paddle your craft forward
  • Stop your craft from moving forward
  • Float in a lifejacket

Paddle Discovery

Aim

The Discovery program aims to introduce young people to the activity of paddling. Through the use of games, participants will learn basic paddle skills in a fun environment, discovering what an exciting activity paddling can be. Very basic craft handling and safety skills should be achieved by the completion of this level.

Venue and Equipment

The venue for the Discovery program can be almost any swimmable, enclosed flatwater. This program would work well in a swimming pool or similar venue which would allow for a very controlled environment for safety and ease of communication during activities. The venue needs to be suitable for the size and skills of the group. People need some space to safely practise paddling their craft. Easy access to dry land and an exit from the craft or water is also essential for the Discovery program.

Time

No time limit is given to the Discovery program. The time can be tailored to the group considering the age, location, equipment, skills, etc.
On average the program will normally take around 6 – 10 hours.

Delivering the program

The Paddle Oz trainer is required to put some thought into how they would like to run the program. Only a sample of a lesson plan is given so that trainers can develop a delivery style that will suit their needs and requirements.
The concept of the Discovery program is to introduce paddling and learn some skills through active participation in fun games and activities. Some teaching or demonstrations will be required but these would be best kept short and spread out.
The Discovery program consists of 3 levels. It is up to the trainer if they work through each full level in order or if they develop certain skills through all the levels while completing the Discovery program.

Program Outcomes

  • Choose and fit your lifejacket and appropriate clothing for the conditions
  • Show basic knowledge and use for parts of paddle
  • Get into and out of your craft from shore, without assistance
  • Paddle your craft with an upright sitting position
  • Change directions while paddling to follow a course
  • Maintain your balance while rocking your craft from side to side
  • Exit your craft, swim around and self rescue with assistance
  • Make appropriate safe decisions when paddling with others

Paddle Ball

Aim

The Paddle Ball program aims to introduce young people to the sport of Canoe Polo using a modified version of the game, known as Paddle Ball. The aim of the program is to promote an activity that can be delivered by a local community or group, on their local waterway or pool, targeting all ages.

Venue and Equipment

The venue for the Paddle Ball program can be almost any swimmable, enclosed flat water such as a swimming pool or similar venue which allows for a very controlled environment for safety and ease of communication during activities.

Time

No time limit is given to the Discovery program. The time can be tailored to the group considering the age, location, equipment, skills, etc.

Delivering the program

The Paddle Oz trainer is required to put some thought into how they would like to run the program.

The plan will need to take into account several items such as, Craft, numbers, location, equipment, timelines etc.

Program Outcomes

  • Choose and fit your lifejacket and appropriate clothing for conditions
  • Show basic knowledge and use of parts of paddle
  • Get into and out of craft from shore without assistance
  • Paddle your craft with an upright sitting position
  • Change direction while paddling
  • Maintain balance
  • Make appropriate safe decisions
  • Awareness of water safety
  • Improved water confidence
  • Gain knowledge and experience the game of Paddle Ball
  • Work as part of a team
  • Strengthen relationships

Paddle Action

Aim

The Action program aims to extend and refine the basic paddle skills learnt in Discovery. With participants exploring and experiencing different paddle craft and learning new skills, they discover that there are no limits to what paddling has to offer.
Consistent basic craft handling and safety skills should be achieved by the completion of this level, with participants developing the skills to paddle specialised craft. Participants should have an awareness of how to contact their local club.

Venue and Equipment

The venue for the Action program can be almost any swimmable, enclosed flatwater. This program would work well being delivered in a couple of different areas. These areas would need to allow for a very controlled environment for safety and ease of communication during activities. The venue needs to be suitable for the size and skills of the group. People need some space to safely practise paddling their craft. Access to dry land and an exit from the craft or water is also essential to have for the Action program.

Time

No time limit is given to the Action program. The time can be tailored to the group considering the age, location, equipment, skills etc.
On average the program will normally take around 10 – 16 hours.

Delivering the program

The Paddle Oz trainer is required to put some thought into how they would like to run the program. This will depend on the participants, equipment, venue etc.
The concept of the Action program is to further develop the skills learnt in the Discovery program and personal safety through active participation in fun games and activities. Some teaching or demonstrations will be required but these would be best kept short and spread out.
The Action program consists of 3 levels. It is up to the trainer if they work through each full level in order or if they develop certain skills through all the levels while completing the Action program.

Program Outcomes

  • Capsize your craft and maintain contact with your equipment
  • Capsize and use an appropriate self or buddy rescue
  • Maintain good fluid and energy levels
  • Enter and exit your craft from variety of situations
  • Enter your craft from two different landing areas
  • Try paddling other craft
  • Communicate in a positive manner
  • Know about further paddling pathways
  • Show consideration for others

Paddle Adventure

Aim

The Adventure level aims to launch participants into more adventurous forms of paddling. Participants are introduced to specialised craft and the specific skills required to paddle them. There are four separate programs, Flatwater, Sea, Whitewater and Canoe Polo. The Adventure program is designed to provide a link into Clubs, Paddle Education and National development programs for competitive disciplines. By the end of this level, participants should have the skills, knowledge and experience to participate in a club event or a day trip on moving water, flatwater or the sea.

Venue and Equipment

The venue for the Adventure program should be based on the Adventure program being delivered, eg: Flatwater, Sea, Whitewater or Canoe polo. The venue will need to allow for all of the criteria to be met; this may require a number of different venues.
The Equipment used should be designed for the Adventure program being delivered. The craft will enable the skills to be learnt and demonstrated in a safe manner.
The venue needs to be suitable for the size and skills of the group.

Time

The Adventure program may run over an extended period of time and include more formal Instruction to develop the required skills.

Delivering the program

The concept of the Adventure program is to further develop the skills and knowledge in a specialised area. This program is designed to enable participants to have the skills, knowledge and experience to participate in a club event or a day trip on moving water, flatwater or the sea.

Program Outcomes

The specific outcomes for the Adventure programs are different depending on the Adventure program undertaken. All Adventure programs however aim to give the participants the required skills and knowledge to be safe independent paddlers.

Age Limits: No age limits are set for any of the Paddle Oz programs. The trainer will need to consider all aspects of the program, venue, craft, etc. to determine an appropriate age.

Deliverer requirements:

Starter, Discovery, Ball and Action
  • Hold a current PA Supervisor or above award
  • Current first aid certificate
  • Current Working with children check or teacher registration
Adventure
  • PA discipline specific Coach or Instructor
  • Current first aid certificate
  • Current Working with children check

Equipment needs: 

Craft

When considering what type of craft to use for your program there are many factors that need to be considered, particularly in regard to matching the size of the equipment to the size of the participants. Having people participate in a craft that is the correct size for them and promotes safety and comfort can make all the difference.

A few things to consider:

  • Ability of the group
  • Age
  • Size
  • Launch and landing sites
  • Comfort
  • Ability for craft to perform what you are asking
  • Size of craft verses location limits, etc.
Paddle

It is best to have a paddle that suits the size of the participants. This is not only in the length of the paddle but also the diameter of the shaft for smaller hands. The correct size paddle can make all the difference in the progress of the participants.

Lifejackets

Lifejackets that are the correct size will not only make for a safer program but it will allow the participants to enjoy greater comfort.

A few things to consider:

  • Range of sizes that may be required
  • Types and amount of adjustments
Clothing

Maintaining wellbeing while paddling is very important. Participants need to be wearing appropriate clothing to maintain good body temperature, comfort and movement while participating in any Paddle Oz program. Sunsmart considerations, as well as warmth if applicable, should be considered. Any immersion in water has the potential to lower body temperature quickly so participants should be required to bring suitable post-activity clothing to any activity. A clothing list should be provided with any pre-activity information.

There are several resources available that will help in the delivery of the Paddle Oz program, these include:

Paddleed can be used to create and register your Paddle Oz programs and participants, This then not only allows you to issue your participants with electronic certificates, but also means that yourself and the participants fall under the Paddle Australia insurance. A how to video can be found here

Paddle Australia Safety Guidelines: These guidelines provide the minimum requirements for the safe conduct of Recreational Paddling activities. This document gives a guideline to help operate a safe fun paddling activity. All Leaders are responsible to ensure that they undertake a thorough risk assessment prior to activities to ensure that additional requirements are considered and if required undertaken.

Games and Activities: This is a booklet with a variety of games and activity that can be played with your group

Paddle Discovery and Paddle Ball are currently available to Secondary Schools through the Sporting Schools funding. More information on the programs and how you can have them at your school, please visit the Paddle OZ Sporting Schools website

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