Migrant Men's Kayak Course - with ORISCON

Are you a male member of ORISCON and want to paddle on the river but you're not sure where to start? If so, this is the course for you!

This river safety kayaking course covers: 

• Paddle skills - on gently flowing water
• How to avoid logs and other hazards
• What to do if you capsize, and how to help a friend who has capsized
• Which sections of the river are easy to paddle on
• How to look up water levels and weather forecasts and know if its safe to go paddling
• What to take with you when you go paddling
• How to tie your kayak onto roof racks
• And the opportunity to create connections and more paddle buddies!

This course is for migrant men members of ORISCON - so you can gain the skills to go paddling with friends/peers or on your own, with confidence.

The course is part of the project 'Creating Resilience through Recreation: strengthening women and communities around the Wambuul Macquarie River' - a funding announcement will be made soon.

More info: 

Do I need my own kayak? 

No - these will be provided for the course.

Please note, we only have a limited number of kayaks available for people who weigh over 100kg, otherwise we may need to issue you with a sit-on-top kayak which don't have backrests. Please contact us if you have any questions about this. 

How much does the course cost? 

The course is free, thanks to funding.

The course may book out. If you register and then can't make it, please let us know so that we can give your spot to someone else. 

Do I need any experience in kayaking?

No. This course is for beginners.  

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes - you need to be able to swim out of a gentle current and to the riverbank.

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be a little bit fit - eg. if you can walk for 20 mins, you'll be fit enough. You do need to be able to sit in a kayak all day (with breaks to stretch legs) which can be tiring.

I have a disability/injury/medical condition, can I still participate? 

Please contact us to discuss.

What can I expect at the course?

We will discuss a few things on the riverbank first, get your boat set up right for you, then hop into our kayaks and start learning some paddle skills! 

You can expect a supportive environment; slow learning is ok, and you are not expected to be able to do everything you've been taught straight away.  

What do I need to bring? 

More information will be sent on registering, but you will need to bring a water bottle and food for the day. Wear clothing that is lightweight, easy to move in, and can get wet. Most people wear a long sleeve top/shirt and hiking pants or shorts. You will need to wear shoes that stay on in the water and can get wet (things and crocs won't stay on so do not wear these). Old joggers, sandshoes, sandals or water shoes are good.  

I can't make it on time to the course - can I still participate? 

No (only up to 15 mins late). There is only one instructor and they won't be able to stop the course to fill you in. 

What ages is this for? 

16+

I live outside of the Dubbo LGA, can I still participate?

It depends on how full the course is and where you live - priority will be given to people who live in the Orana Renewable Energy Zone. 

Who is the instructor?

Bron Powell - a qualified Paddle Australia Moving Water Kayak and Canoe Instructor 

I can't make this course, are there other courses running?

No - but you can request a lesson with the instructor. This isn't funded though, so you will need to pay. Please email greencanoeinc@gmail.com if you would like to enquire about a lesson.

I have questions about the course, who do I contact? 

greencanoeinc@gmail.com or phone zero four one five 396 696