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
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
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
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
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.
