In order for you to book and successfully complete your River Guide Evaluation/Assessment you need to obtain 20 logged days on the river and get your First Aid qualification Level 1 up to date. The River Guide Evaluation is a one day practical and theoretical assessment.
For the assessment you need to bring the following on the day:
– A Copy of a valid First Aid Level 1 certificate (This can also be done through us, click here for more info)
– 20 Guiding logged days
– A Copy of your ID
– A Pen
– Your own breakfast and lunch. It is a long day so make sure to keep yourself hydrated.
– River Guide Equipment – Boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, throwbag, prussik, webbing, carabiners, etc. Get the list from our downloads page.
– Personal First Aid Kit – CPR mouthpiece, latex gloves.(otherwise basic gloves and CPR masks found at your local pharmacy)
* It will count against you if you do not have all the above!!
Evaluation/Assessment Fees:
R1 450.00 per trainee with own equipment
Preparation for Evaluation/Assessment:
– Franco Ferrero’s Whitewater Safety & Rescue (book can be ordered through Kalahari.net)
– Go through the River Guide Course booklet you have received on the course, mark the points that you are not clear on and ask the assessor in advance(one day refresher course).
– Know your knots and systems.
What to expect:
Expect a full day, if you know all your work
Written Exam(Theory): Approx. 1.5 hours
Practical Exam: on the river including personal and group efforts.
*See column below for more details.
You will be evaluated on how you behave and communicate, not just on what you know. River guiding is a thinking game; you will be asked questions where you must analyze situations and give considered opinions. You must act with responsibility and with an awareness of how others will behave. Your appearance and turnout are important in tourism guiding. These evaluations are no walkover and you must be thoroughly prepared; mentally and physically.
Do not panic. The exam is reasonably easy and straightforward for anyone with a background on rivers. Please see the criteria for this. Also see our river guide information page.
After you have completed your assessment successfully we will send your paperwork off to APA. They will get hold of you to issue your certificate so make sure you have given the correct contact details to your training centre.
The cost for the registration from APA is R175-00 including a certificate, cloth badge, membership card and is valid for 3 years. This must be paid directly to APA.
APA Office:
Tel nr: 079 463 1500
Email: info@apa.org.za
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 14:00 till 16:00
What to expect in the theory and practical exams
COVER PAGE
Details of examiner, candidates
Mark sheet
MARKS 200/2 = 100
PRAC 100
THEORY 100
THEORY EXAM:
SECTION 1 RIVER SAFETY
QUESTION 1
Draw a rapid that you know, in detail, showing danger points and rescue set ups.
20-25 marks
QUESTIONs 2 & 3
General questions on knowledge gained in the field and from the textbook. These questions cover safety procedures, boating, reading the river, emergencies, etc. You may be asked asked to define river terms or to draw river features, like holes.
35-45 marks
QUESTION 4
You will be given a scenario with a river map, showing the scene of an ‘accident.’ This is the heart of the theory paper as regards the detail all guides should know about “What if” situations. You will be expected explain what you would do and say why – i.e. demonstrate your understanding of the principles of safety and rescue.
25-35 marks
PRACTICAL EXAM (on the river)
This involves everything in the Checklist and what you have learned from your 20 days of logged time. You will need to be alert, to think and react to situations. You must show initiative, communicate well, and must always ask the “What if?” questions. You must be well turned out and neat. You must be service-orientated.
Your personal equipment will be examined: your properly fitting buoyancy aid (lifejacket) and helmet, good guide paddles, knife, sandals or booties, webbing tapes/prussic loops and carabiners, throwbag, personal medical kit, mouth to mouth airway, plastic gloves.
You will be examined on the following:
Ropework, all knots, rope throwing, coiling, handling.
Knowledge of equipment, how to care for it and how to get people to respect it.
Reading the river, knowing the names of features.
Knowing about basic safety talks, safety procedures, and general river discipline, paddle signals.
How to train clients and prepare them for rapids, rafting, crocking, swims and rescues.
How to give a basic lesson in boating, capsizes etc.
Organisation and leadership on the river.
Handling yourself and your boat in rapids.
Skippering or kayaking.
How to carry out a rescue alone and with others.
Principles of what to do and what not to do.
Emergencies; emergency procedures and dos and don’ts of emergencies.
Kit required for rescues and emergencies.
Transport and logistical issues.
The questions may take the form of quick exercises or an interview.
BEWARE OF TRICKS THAT THE EVALUATOR MAY PLAY TO TEST YOUR THINKING AND REACTIONS.
For a spot on our evaluation/assessment day you can now do the following:
Email wwt@whitewatertraining.co.za to make a booking
Pay your deposit of 50% to secure you booking and send your proof of payment using your name as reference
Now wait for the date, pack your kit and come!
Make sure that you pay the outstanding amount before the start of the course.
We have a non-refundable cancellation fee.
Banking Details:
H Du Preez
Capitec
2015809143
Go to the Calendar. Click here Should you require other dates, please contact us