Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants on extended surfing trips. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group on an overnight surfing trip. This unit requires planning for the overnight trip. The performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to set up an overnight site are covered in the unit SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to those working as surfing guides who conduct overnight surfing trips and activities in a range of surf conditions. This may include those working for private outdoor adventure companies, volunteer organisations, government agencies, schools, surf camps, group instructors in outdoor education programs or those working as surf lifesavers that run associated surf survival and awareness programs for students.

Prerequisite units 

• SISOSRF202A Demonstrate basic surfing manoeuvres in controlled conditions
• SISOSRF303A Perform intermediate level surfing manoeuvres
• SISOSRF305A Guide surfing sessions

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan an overnight surfing trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants .

1.2. Develop a trip plan , according to participant's needs, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Select an appropriate location for the overnight trip according to participant's abilities, trip objectives , relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards  associated with surfing and minimise risks  to ensure personal safety of participants.

1.5. Access relevant sources  to interpret detailed weather and environmental information  to determine activity plan.

1.6. Determine food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and contextual issues  of the overnight trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities  before commencing the surfing trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select equipment  and craft  according to design and construction features, contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Pack equipment that is not required on hand in a suitable manner.

2.4. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the conditions.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information  about the surfing trip in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Outline safety procedures  and safe areas and or boundaries for the overnight trip.

3.3. Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring.

3.4. Establish a suitable communication system  for participants to use while surfing.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped  for the overnight trip.

4. Supervise surfing activities during overnight trip.

4.1. Demonstrate correct surfing manoeuvres  to participants.

4.2. Monitor surfing manoeuvres to ensure safety of participants.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance  and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors  that are monitored.

5. Complete post-trip responsibilities.

5.1. Notify appropriate authorities of trip completion.

5.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects  of surfing trip.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future overnight surfing trips.

5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to;

• consult with participants to plan an overnight surfing trip that meets their needs
• convey information about the safety aspects of the trip
• interact with participants to create a safe and positive surfing environment

• problem-solving skills to:

• plan a suitable surfing trip according to participant's needs and abilities
• make decisions about potential hazards that may affect activities
• respond appropriately to non-routine situations

• planning and organising skills to:

• source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and suitable locations
• organise participants into manageable groups for surfing

• language and literacy skills to:

• produce a plan for the overnight surfing trip
• complete post activity participant and self evaluations

• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in surf emergencies.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe conduct of all activities
• information about local area to assist in the planning process and selection of an overnight site, enable management of potential surfing hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for surfing, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing requirements for surfing and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing
• care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy throughout the overnight trip
• surfing techniques and common communication systems used between surfers to reduce risk
• surf environments, including types and features of waves, the effect of wind, tide, swell and ocean floors on surf conditions and appropriate responses
• surfing etiquette to surf safely alongside other surfers and swimmers showing a common understanding
• beach zones and signs to avoid hazards and minimise risks
• surf survival and rescue techniques to remove group members from trouble in the surf
• sources of weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the overnight trip
• hazards and risks that may be experienced in various surf conditions
• first aid, emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner
• applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that routinely arise during the overnight surfing trip
• encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure leading surfing activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a suitable surfing location to enable demonstration of overnight surfing activities
• a group of participants to take part in the overnight surfing trip
• equipment such as suitable craft wetsuit and safety and rescue equipment
• resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document surfing activities for a variety of participants.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
• oral or written questioning to assess application of legislation and organisational policies and procedures to safe conduct of all surfing activities
• observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather and surf conditions and equipment failure
• review of overnight surfing trip plans
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit or units:

• SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Condition of participants  may include:

• skill level
• previous experience
• physical capabilities and fitness level
• swimming ability
• age
• injuries and illnesses.

Plan  may include:

• session aims and objectives
• date, time and duration
• guide and participant ratios
• resources
• equipment
• food and water
• weather details
• participant information
• safety and emergency requirements

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety:
• permits or permission for access
• communication protocols
• time and budget constraints
• confidentiality of participant information
• code of ethics.

Trip objectives  may include:

• self improvement
• meeting people
• fitness targets
• adventure and recreation.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment and course failure.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• coastal patrol or coastguard
• volunteer marine rescue
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• perishability
• packaging
• storage.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• dietary guidelines
• essential nutrients:
• food preparation
• safe food handling and hygiene practices.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Appropriate authorities  may include:

• waterways departments
• surf rescue
• authorities
• supervisors.

Equipment  may include:

• surfing equipment
• safety and rescue equipment
• resources.

Craft  may include:

• bodyboards
• surfboards
• soft surfboards
• single and double sit on-kayaks
• stand up paddle boards.

Relevant information  may include:

• personal equipment requirements
• safety procedures
• environmental impact minimisation
• surfing techniques
• objectives
• rules and codes
• responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures  may include:

• surfers ready
• correct fitting equipment
• appropriate spacing between participants
• understanding of contingency and risk management plans
• use of safety and rescue equipment.

Communication system  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

Surfing manoeuvres  may include:

• selection of appropriate waves to catch and ride
• catching and riding wave
• standing, where appropriate to craft
• traversing left and right along the face of a spilling wave
• turning and linking of basic manoeuvres
• displaying balance and confidence.

Participant's performance  may include:

• use of appropriate communication system
• surfing technique and manoeuvres
• surfing control and balance in various conditions
• attitude
• surf etiquette
• negotiation of hazards
• use of equipment.

Variable factors  may include:

• change of weather
• equipment failure
• participant's needs
• surf conditions.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector 

Outdoor Recreation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field