Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Sea Kayak Leader Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

Leader Workbooks

• Sea Kayak Leader Workbook
• Core Knowledge Workbook (You only need to complete this once. If you already hold a Registered NZOIA Leader, 1 or 2 qualification you do not need to complete this workbook).

It is optional for NZOIA Assessment Centre tertiary students to complete the workbooks as the content may be assessed as part of the tertiary course curriculum.  Please follow the requirements of your tutor/Assessor.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate knowledge, care and appropriate use of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 4: Obtain a weather forecast and apply weather interpretation skills
• Section 5: Demonstrate cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of areas visited
• Section 6: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Demonstrate effective safety management
• Section 9: Plan and prepare an introductory sea kayak experience

The following will likely be covered depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Feedback and results process
• Questions and answers

Personal Skills

• Equipment use and knowledge
• Launching and landing from a beach in surf up to 0.5m
• Paddle strokes, edging and railing, manoeuvres
• Rescue skills: capsize, self-rescue, re-entry, participant rescue (single and double), towing

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader Syllabus:

• Section 2: Demonstrate effective personal paddling skills on flat or sheltered water
• Section 3: Demonstrate effective rescue techniques and management on flat or sheltered water
• Section 4: Obtain a weather forecast and apply weather interpretation skills
• Section 5: Demonstrate cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of areas visited

Client day briefing and planning

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader Syllabus:

• Section 4: Obtain a weather forecast and apply weather interpretation skills
• Section 8: Demonstrate effective safety management
• Section 9: Plan and prepare an introductory sea kayak experience

The following will likely be covered depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Lead and manage a group sea kayaking on flat or sheltered water and instruct skills required

• Client briefing and outfitting
• Paddling and manoeuvring skills
• Cultural and environmental discussions

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader Syllabus:

• Section 4: Obtain a weather forecast and apply weather interpretation skills
• Section 5: Demonstrate cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of areas visited
• Section 6: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 7: Lead and manage a group sea kayaking on flat or sheltered water
• Section 8: Demonstrate effective safety management
• Section 10: Instruct a group in the sea kayak skills required for a positive introductory experience

Debrief and Assessment result with the Assessor

Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Sea Kayak Guide Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

Assignment - Scenario

You will be given a scenario and asked to plan an excursion based on the information given. This will include a trip plan with contingencies, hazard identification, aims and objectives, and how you would source weather and access information. Complete and email this assignment to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus:

• Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
• Section 6: Demonstrate camp-craft skills for established site
• Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
• Section 11: Plan and prepare for a multi-day trip
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

Surfing Assessment Video

To ensure your skills are assessed accurately when surf conditions are unsuitable during the assessment, you’ll need to submit a video demonstrating safe and effective surf skills, as outlined in Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus. Requirements will be outlined once your assessment application is approved.

The video must be submitted to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment. 

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus:

• Section 3: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak

The following will likely be covered on Day 1, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Feedback and results process
• Theoretical knowledge: multichoice quiz and weather tests
• Questions and answers

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus:

• Section 1: Describe the development of sea kayaking
• Section 2: Demonstrate the care and correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
• Section 6: Demonstrated camp-craft skills for established sites
• Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Understand connections between te ao Māori and the marine environment

Personal Technical Competence

• Personal paddling e.g. forward paddle, back paddle, stopping, sweep strokes, draw strokes, bracing and edging.
• Rescue skills e.g. self-rescues, towing, assisted, unassisted, contact tows, long tows (a double sea kayak required for client rescues)
• Personal surfing skills includes; stern rudders, bracing and rolling in the surf

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 3: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak
• Section 4: Demonstrate safe and efficient rescue skills from a single sea kayak

Client day planning session

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus:

• Section 12: Lead and manage a group during a guided day trip
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

The following will likely be covered on Day 2, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment. Note: If this is a combined Assessment with Sea Kayak 1, you will only attend Day 1 and 3 of the course.

Manage and instruct a group during a guided sea kayak day trip

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus:

• Section 8: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 9: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Understand connections between te ao Māori and the marine environment
• Section 12: Lead and manage a group during a guided day trip
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management
• Section 14: Provide clients with instruction on the skills necessary for a guided sea kayak trip
• Section 15: Provide cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation to clients

Assessors may direct candidates on additional instruction or skills that they require demonstrated. This may occur because the assessors need to gather more evidence of candidates’ performance.

Debrief and Assessment result with the Assessor

Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Sea Kayak Instructor Endorsement Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

The NZOIA Sea Kayak Instructor Endorsement candidate is expected to demonstrate any of the competencies outlined in the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guide Syllabus.

Instructional / Teaching Sessions

Prepare to teach the other candidates on your assessment on topics covered under Section 5 of the syllabus.  Each candidate will deliver one 30-minute instructional session on a skill and one 30-minute teaching session on a subject.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Instructor Endorsement Syllabus:

• Section 4: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 5: Teach sea kayak skills

The following will likely be covered on the day, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Feedback and results process
• Theoretical knowledge: multichoice quiz and weather tests
• Questions and answers

Personal Technical Competence

Role model technique that create good visual images suitable for clients to learn from:

• Personal paddling e.g. forward paddle, back paddle, stopping, sweep strokes, draw strokes, bracing and edging.

Instructional Skills

• Skills instruction with clients (or fellow candidates) demonstrating instruction and teaching abilities (60 minutes)

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak Instructor Endorsement Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak
• Section 2: Lead and manage a group during an instructional session
• Section 3: Apply effective safety management
• Section 4: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 5: Teach sea kayak skills

Debrief with the Assessor and Assessment result

Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Sea Kayak 1 Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

Assignment - Scenario

You will be given a scenario and asked to plan an excursion based on the information given. This will include a trip plan with contingencies, hazard identification, aims and objectives, and how you would source weather and access information. 

Complete and email this assignment to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
• Section 6: Demonstrate camp-craft skills for established site
• Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
• Section 11: Plan and prepare for a multi-day trip
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management  

Instructional / Teaching Sessions

Prepare to teach the other candidates on your assessment topics covered under Section 15 of the syllabus. Each candidate will deliver one 30-minute instructional session on a skill and one 30-minute teaching session on a subject.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 14: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 15: Teach sea kayak skills

Surfing Assessment Video

To ensure your skills are assessed accurately when surf conditions are unsuitable during the assessment, you’ll need to submit a video demonstrating safe and effective surf skills, as outlined in Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus. Requirements will be outlined once your assessment application is approved.

The video must be submitted to your Course Director 1 week prior to your assessment. 

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 3: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak

The following will likely be covered on Day 1, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Feedback and results process
• Theoretical knowledge: multichoice quiz and weather tests
• Questions and answers

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Describe the development of sea kayaking
• Section 2: Demonstrate the care and correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
• Section 6: Demonstrated camp-craft skills for established sites
• Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Understand connections between te ao Māori and the marine environment

Personal Technical Competence

• Personal paddling e.g. forward paddle, back paddle, stopping, sweep strokes, draw strokes, bracing and edging.
• Rescue skills e.g. self-rescues, towing, assisted, unassisted, contact tows, long tows (a double sea kayak required for client rescues)
• Personal surfing skills includes; stern rudders, bracing and rolling in the surf

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 3: Demonstrate sea kayak skills in a single sea kayak
• Section 4: Demonstrate safe and efficient rescue skills from a single sea kayak

The following will likely be covered on Day 2, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

• Check and discuss overnight equipment and packing boats for trips

Instructional Skills

• Skills instruction with fellow candidates demonstrating instruction and teaching abilities (60 minutes)

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Describe the development of sea kayaking
• Section 2: Demonstrate the care and correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 5: Demonstrate navigation and location awareness skills
• Section 7: Apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Understand connections between te ao Māori and the marine environment
• Section 14: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 15: Teach sea kayak skills

Client day planning session

Note: this may occur on Day 1 if combined with Sea Kayak Guide Assessment

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 14: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

The following will likely be covered on Day 3, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Manage and instruct a group on a guided sea kayak trip

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea kayak 1 Syllabus:

• Section 8: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 9: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Understand connections between te ao Māori and the marine environment
• Section 12: Lead and manage a group during an instructional day trip
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management
• Section 14: Prepare and delivery teaching sessions
• Section 15: Teach sea kayak skills

Assessors may direct candidates on additional instruction or skills that they require demonstrated. This may occur because the assessors need to gather more evidence of candidates’ performance.

Debrief and Assessment result with the Assessor

Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Sea Kayak 2 Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

The NZOIA 2 candidate is expected to demonstrate any of the competencies outlined in the NZOIA 1 Syllabus.

Presentation

Candidates will be required to deliver a 20-minute presentation during the assessment. It needs to be engaging, informative, accurate and demonstrate good presentation skills. It should be able to be delivered without the use of computer technology, unless you provide your own. It is to be delivered to the client group, probably during the overnight camp. It is important that you come prepared.

Assigned topic examples:

• The Marine Environment from a te ao Māori lens
• Local iwi, their history, legends, present day, how this relates to sea kayaking
• Marine weather and it’s practical impact on sea kayaking
• Marine navigation, charts, maps and sea kayak travel
• Communications and emergency equipment
• Tides and their effects on sea kayak travel
• Safety and managing risk on sea kayak expeditions

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 2 Syllabus:

• Section 4: Demonstrate route selection and navigation skills in a marine environment
• Section 6: Demonstrate knowledge of meteorology and apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skill
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate knowledge of te ao Māori in the marine environment
• Section 10: Plan and prepare for a multi-day expedition
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management
• Section 13: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions

Assignment – Trip Planning

You will be required to prepare a written Activity Management Plan for a multi-day sea kayak expedition on exposed coastlines and open ocean, where long periods of activity without landing are anticipated. This will include aims, outcomes and purpose, detailed route info, hazard ID and management, weather, communications, clothing and equipment, menu plan and environmental and cultural information.  

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 2 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care, correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 4: Demonstrate route selection and navigation skills in a marine environment
• Section 6: Demonstrate knowledge of meteorology and apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skill
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 10: Plan and prepare for a multi-day expedition
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management

The following will likely be covered on Day 1, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Feedback and results process
• Questions and answers

Personal Skills

• Equipment
• Weather interpretation and assessment
• Route selection and navigation
• Environmental and nautical knowledge
• Te ao Māori in the marine environment
• Role model sea kayaking skills, including rolling and paddle strokes
• Personal paddling techniques in adverse conditions, including rolling and paddle strokes
• Surfing and landings
• Rescues in challenging conditions

Q&A with Assessor

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 2 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care, correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 2: Demonstrate personal sea kayak expedition skills
• Section 3: Demonstrate rescue skills for sea kayak expeditions
• Section 4: Demonstrate route selection and navigation skills in a marine environment
• Section 6: Demonstrate knowledge of meteorology and apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skill
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate knowledge of te ao Māori in the marine environment
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management

Client day planning session

Applicable components from the NZOIA Syllabus:

• Section 4: Demonstrate route selection and navigation skills in a marine environment
• Section 6: Demonstrate knowledge of meteorology and apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skill
• Section 10: Plan and prepare for a multi-day expedition
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management 
• Section 13: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions

The following will likely be covered on Day 2, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Client Day

Lead and manage a group on a multi-day sea kayaking journey, instructing intermediate / advanced sea kayak skills, which may include sessions such as:

• Rolling session
• Safety management
• Weather
• Route selection and navigation
• Equipment
• Expedition preparation and packing
• Communications and emergency equipment
• Group Management
• Environmental and nautical knowledge
• Te ao Māori in the marine environment
• Paddle strokes and skills
• Rolling session
• Rescue techniques
• Surfing and landings

Overnight camp with model clients

• Campsite management
• Presentations

Applicable components from the NZOIA Sea Kayak 2 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care, correct use and repair of sea kayak equipment and clothing
• Section 2: Demonstrate personal sea kayak expedition skills
• Section 4: Demonstrate route selection and navigation skills in a marine environment
• Section 6: Demonstrate knowledge of meteorology and apply nautical and weather interpretation and forecasting skill
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Demonstrate environmental knowledge and interpretation skills
• Section 9: Demonstrate knowledge of te ao Māori in the marine environment
• Section 10: Plan and prepare for a multi-day expedition
• Section 11: Lead and manage a group on a multi-day expedition
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management
• Section 13: Prepare and deliver teaching sessions
• Section 14: Teach a rolling session
• Section 15: Teach sea kayak skills

The following will likely be covered on Day 3, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Client Day

Final day of overnight sea kayak journey with clients. Instruction of the remaining syllabus components.

Debrief and Assessment result with the Assessor