Qualification Scheme Flowchart

Click the flowchart to view it in fullscreen

Course Overview

Paddle WA is the National Training Provider (NTP) for the Paddle Australian Qualification Scheme (PAQS) in Western Australia.

Paddle WA provides courses for new paddlers (Basic Skills) and experienced paddlers (PAQS qualifications). Our Basic Skills Course is a half-day intro to paddling that teaches the essential paddling strokes and safety skills, while our formal qualification courses are run over two (2) days to cover all training and assessment for experienced paddlers (3 years or more).

Paddle WA Course Fees

Paddle WA/Paddle Australia members will receive a 20% discount on PAQS Courses (excludes Basic Skills Course)

Flatwater Guide/Instructor — $320
Whitewater Guide/Instructor — $350
Moving Water Endorsement & Rescue — $320
Coastal Guide — $330
Basic Skills — $100 (adults), $80 (under 18)

Paddle Australia Registration Fees

Guide/Instructor Registration (3 years) — $170 (first qualification), $18 (subsequent qualifications)
Skills Qualification Registration (3 years) — $20
Rescue Qualification Registration — $20
Basic Skills Course — $0

Testimonials

Thank you for your assistance and training at the course, I enjoyed it and learnt a lot. – Paul, 2019

Thanks again for the wonderful session. Wishing that I’m still at Ascot rather than in the office. – Addison, 2019

Many thanks for your fabulous instruction of the Flatwater Guide Course you conducted for our staff. – Natalie, 2020

Just wanted to thank you again for your work with the paddle course we attended during the week. We all really enjoyed the experience. I particularly liked the manner in which you approached your delivery of content. I think your friendly and happy demeanour really puts people at ease and allows them to feel comfortable engaging in the program. There was a lot there for us to learn, think about and process regarding what we currently do and what modifications we might need to make to existing programs. So thanks again, as in the end it is our students who will benefit. – Brendan, 2021

Thankyou. Your FW course was excellent, and also thank you Keely for those useful teaching tips! – Dr Wing Lau, 2021

It was a great course last time. Therefore, we would love to have you back if you’re available. – Tara 2021

Basic Skills Course

The Basic Skills Course is delivered by our Paddle Academy instructors, and are designed for anybody wanting to learn the essential paddling strokes and safety skills to go paddling in WA. Individuals of any paddling ability will benefit from this course, and all participants will receive a certificate following completion of the course.

COURSE OVERVIEW

A variety of paddling skills, safety and rescue techniques will be taught in the program, including

Preparation of paddle craft and equipment
Launching and landing your craft
Correct paddling posture
Paddling strokes and the correct technique
‘Rafting up’
Assisting with deep water rescues

The full assessment guideline document can be read here.

All equipment is provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket), but please feel free to use your own craft if you wish.

UPCOMING COURSES

Sunday 7th November 2021 | Ascot Kayak Club, Belmont | 9.00am – 12.30pm | Register Here

Cost: $120 (adults) or $80 (under 18)

Note: the minimum age is 12

INSURANCE

All participants of the course will be covered under the Paddle Australia Insurance for the duration of the basic skills course only.

If you wish to purchase a direct membership with Paddle WA for just $85 to get 24/7 insurance coverage, visit paddlewa.asn.au/direct-membership or contact develop@paddlewa.asn.au

Qualification Courses

Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS) is the national benchmark for paddling. The scheme includes skills and leadership programs. Leadership qualifications includes Supervisors, Instructors, Guides and Sea Leaders. The leadership programs are assessed by Paddle Australia Assessors.

Qualifications give you the authority to deliver training and are indicators of your ability to paddle on flat, white and/or sea waters. These are best suited to Outdoor Education Teachers, Commercial Guides, Instructors, Paddling Guides and the like. When you are deemed competent with a qualification, you will be reassured that you have the knowledge and skills to paddle at that level, and others can be reassured that you are qualified to deliver paddling experienced to that level.

Paddle WA provides courses for new paddlers (Basic Skills) and experienced paddlers (PAQS Qualifications). Our Basic Skills Course is a half-day intro to paddling that teaches the essential paddling strokes and safety skills, while our formal leadership qualification courses are run over two (2) days or more to cover all training and assessment for experienced paddlers (3 years or more).

External Courses
Paddle Australia Assessors are able to run their own leadership qualification courses. This is done in association with a National Training Provider (NTP). Paddle WA is the NTP for the Paddle Australian Qualification Scheme (PAQS) in Western Australia.

Flatwater Guide Course

Moving Water Endorsement & Rescue

Coastal Guide Course

PAQS Detailed Information