How to become a Volunteer Trip Leader
Volunteer Trip Leader training days are scheduled for QSKC members throughout the year to assist you in becoming a volunteer Club trip leader, increase your sea kayaking skills and improve your knowledge of local conditions. The QSKC Committee will then approve and appoint you as a Volunteer Club Trip Leader. To maximize the benefits to participants, spaces on the training days are limited. To find out more or register your interest in Trip Leader training, please contact the Events Coordinators and keep an eye on the Club calendar for training dates. A guide to the requirements for both Grade 1 and Grade 2 Trip Leaders can be found on the assessment pages at the links below:
How to plan & present a club trip/event
Once you have received your Volunteer Trip Leader grading and approval, use the following tools and guidelines located under ‘Event Planning’ on the Resources page to assist with planning and presenting your trip or event. It may also be helpful to review previous and upcoming trip plans on the Club calendar for ideas.
- Trip Plan Templates
- Risk Management
- Trip Sign On Sheet
- Tide Information (BOM)
Send your completed trip plan to the Events Coordinators for review and uploading to the club calendar. In line with Australian Canoeing (AC) Insurance Guidelines, trips require 3 or more participants (including the Leader) to be classified as a QSKC trip and therefore be covered by Insurance.
After your trip/event
It is a requirement of AC/QC that the QSKC maintain records of completed club events/trips. Trip Leaders must submit completed sign on sheets to QSKC Events in the week following your trip. This can be done electronically, in person or by snail mail. If there is a problem submitting the forms, please contact QSKC Events.
Trip Leader to Participant Ratio
Refer AC Safety Guidelines
- At sea depending on conditions and skill level of participants and leader: 1:6/1:8
- On remote trips with a committing shoreline and surf over 1m: 1:2
- If conditions are forecast as stable and paddling close to shore/all participants can roll/self rescue: 1:10
If you would like more information on trip leading, skills training or other sea kayak education topics, please contact the Events Coordinators or members of the QSKC Committee, who are happy to assist you if they can. If you are unable to trip lead but have ideas for club trips, please contact the Events Coordinators with your suggestions.