Rafting| Rafting |
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At the beginning of 2007 the Tasmanian Branch Rover Council purchased two Achillies 12ft 6in expedition grade self-bailing rafts, paddles, buoyancy vests helmets and safety equipment. The rafting equipment is stored in a custom built trailer that allows us securely store the deflated rafts and to transport the rafts on top when inflated. To date the rafts have been used on the Derwent, Picton, Mersey and Leven rivers and are proving to be a great investment. As the skill of our guides increases we aim to take on higher grade water and more challenging rivers, including overnight and multi-day expeditions. We are currently implementing a training program which aims to train Rovers as guides for white water rafting within the scouting movement. In future we are hopeful that Scouts Australia will become a RTO for white water rafting, allowing members to use the qualification outside of the scout movement. It is expected that once rovers are trained they will be technically competent with controlling a raft using a range of strokes and paddling manoeuvres, negotiating or avoiding river hazards, launching and landing a raft, planning and running rapids, capsize procedures and river rescue. At present the training program is being run as a series of weekends with time between each for rovers to build on the skills they have learnt. Rovers interested in becoming rafting guides should undertake an introductory weekend which will then allow them to raft a number of rivers with other members who have completed sections of the course. In addition to the training courses guides will need to accrue 20 days of white water guiding before they can become qualified guides. Bookings: |
