The Single Pitch Abseil Guide Refresher is a professional development opportunity for guides to combat skills fade - a common issue for those using their rope skills infrequently or in isolated contexts. Built on the success of our 2024 Roping Skills Refresher course, this program focuses on improving client experiences by focusing on efficiency in rigging and dispatching, delivering smooth rescues, and an improved guiding style.

This course doesn’t just benefit clients. It enhances guide confidence, personal roping skills, and efficiency, leading to a more positive and professional guiding experience. By investing in your team’s development, your business can actively manage risk and improve the quality of its offerings, all while ensuring guides are operating at their best.

Delivered by expert teachers and guides, current in roping disciplines, and with significant industry experience both in Australia and abroad. This training combines practical expertise with current, real-world insights. Held in the Blue Mountains or (by demand) can be tailored to your team and site, these one-day courses include all equipment, lunch, and a top-notch instructor.

Outdoor Education not only supports learning outcomes but also provides students with opportunities to develop Independence, Leadership, and Resilience while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world (Outdoor Education Australia). However, many teachers find themselves outside their comfort zones when supervising outdoor programs, impacting their ability to support students effectively. This gap can affect the quality of the experience for everyone involved.
Our Outdoor Ed for Non Outdoor Ed Teachers course is a 3-day, 2-night Professional Development program designed to bridge that gap. It provides teachers with the opportunity to build skills and confidence in outdoor environments while exploring common practices and essential risk management strategies. Starting with a theory and planning session, participants then dive into their own outdoor adventure, gaining practical insights on how Outdoor Ed can align with curriculum goals and foster essential life skills.
Teachers will challenge themselves in a safe, supportive environment to gain a firsthand understanding of the experiences their students will have, not just the mechanics of the program. Feeling relaxed about their own self-care on programs allows teachers to be more comfortable in outdoor environments, increasing their capacity to facilitate positive student outcomes.
With ample opportunities to network, share knowledge, and address concerns, this Professional Development course helps teachers enhance their practice while building confidence and comfort in outdoor settings. The result? A stronger ability to support students, lead meaningful outdoor programs, and deliver improved educational outcomes.

Content:

1. Advanced paddling strokes to increase control of the canoe both as a tandem and solo paddler:
   1. J-stroke
   2. Bow Draw
   3. Cross Bow Draw
   4. Sculling and Feathering Strokes
2. Advanced paddling techniques to best utilize strokes in different situations:
   1. Combining strokes
   2. Utilizing canoe hull
   3. Heeling the canoe
   4. Static vs dynamic strokes
3. Additional group management considerations when paddling flat water:
   1. Managing group spread in different conditions
   2. Guide placement on the water
   3. Reading and understanding weather impacts on group 
4. Inclusions: 
   • Instructor
   • Notebook and pen for each participant 
   • Emergency comms and group equipment 
   • Personal whitewater safety equipment 
   • Logistics 
   • National parks fees and insurances 
5.  
   Not Included: 
   • Meals (this is a self catered program) 

• Personal camping equipment or clothing (hire equipment available at additional cost) 

Content:

1. Introduction to river features - identifying river features and hazards in flowing rivers :
   1. Eddies and Eddy lines
   2. Upstream/downstream Vs
   3. Strainers & Sweepers
   4. Pillows/cushions
   5. Holes/recirculating waves
   6. Hidden obstacles
2. Introduction to moving water specific paddle strokes and techniques - looking at how to move efficiently and to use the current to your advantage, and which strokes to apply in each scenario
3. Introducing the whitewater mindset for both tandem and solo paddlers:
   1. How your boat interacts with the flow
   2. Where to apply strokes when interacting with current
   3. Entering and exiting eddies
   4. Understanding whitewater hazards and what they do/how to manage exposure
   5. The difference in roles based on your position in the canoe (tandem)
   6. Controlling all parts of the canoe when paddling solo
4. Inclusions: 
   • Instructor
   • Notebook and pen for each participant 
   • Emergency comms and group equipment 
   • Personal whitewater safety equipment 
   • Logistics 
   • National parks fees and insurances 
5.  
   Not Included: 
   • Meals (this is a self catered program) 

• Personal camping equipment or clothing (hire equipment available at additional cost) 

Content: 

1. What is the Duke of Ed program - What is the program trying to achieve for the students in the field: 

a. Empowering students to learn new skills and develop them to gain added confidence in themselves. b. Put them in positions to challenge themselves mentally and physically without compromising their safety. 

c. Giving students the opportunity to work in a group and make a contribution to that group through a shared experience in an unfamiliar setting. 

d. Setting the standards early to ensure students are ACTUALLY learning the skills they have set out to. 

2. Navigation and Group Management skills:

.a. This course will be used to introduce/develop/revisit navigation skills with a more advanced venue that is often used by outdoor education providers. 

b. Participants will have an opportunity to practice teaching these skills to a group along with managing their group in some more challenging environments. 

Some of there include: 

i. The Red Track, located in Bungonia. This is a challenging walking environment with large boulders, requiring guides to assess risks and manage their group accordingly while still maintaining Duke of Ed outcomes. 

ii. Creek/river crossings. 

iii. Untracked areas with little to no signage, maintaining navigation without the use of electronic devices.

Inclusions: 

• Instructor
• Notebook and pen for each participant 
• Emergency comms and group equipment 
• Logistics
• National parks fees and insurances

Not Included: 

• Meals (this is a self catered program) 
• Personal camping equipment or clothing (hire equipment available at additional cost)

This 4-day intensive course covers the nationally recognised units:

• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and CPR
• SISOFLD004 Provide First Aid in Remote Locations
• SISXEMR004 Coordinate Emergency Responses

It prepares participants (e.g., outdoor leaders, guides, adventurers) for emergencies in remote settings where medical help may be delayed by hours or days, with a strong emphasis on practical, scenario-based learning — including realistic night activities.

Course Overview & Competencies:

The course combines pre-course online theory with 4 full days of hands-on practical training and immersive simulations. Night activities involve low-light casualty management, prolonged monitoring, and emergency response coordination to build real-world confidence.

Key topics include:

• Standard first aid: CPR, defibrillation (AED), bleeding control, shock, anaphylaxis, asthma, fractures, burns, poisoning, seizures, and more.
• Remote/wilderness-specific care: Extended patient monitoring, environmental injuries (hypothermia/hyperthermia), improvised resources, evacuation planning.
• Emergency coordination: Incident assessment, team leadership, communication with emergency services, adapting plans, and managing multiple casualties. 

Successful completion awards Statements of Attainment for all three units (nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework). Statements of Attainment are issued digitally within 30 days of successful completion, provided a verified USI is on file. HLTAID011 CPR component is recommended for annual refresh; full units valid for 3 years (industry standard).

What's Included in the Course Price

The course fee covers:
 

• All training, assessment, and scenario materials
  Pre-course online learning modules
• 4 full days of face-to-face practical training (including night activities)
• Use of training equipment (manikins, AED trainers, first aid kits, splints, etc.)
• Qualified instructors and Nationally recognised Statements of Attainment (issued digitally upon successful completion)
• Venue cost with basic cooking facilities and accommodation included. We will inform the participants if something changes. 
• P

Exclusions (unless otherwise stated): Meals/snacks, personal transport, camping gear (bring your own if required).

Duration & Schedule: 4 full days.

• Days 1, 2, and 4: 0800 to 1600 hours;
• Day 3: 0630 to 1530 with a break from 1530 to 1830, then back at 1830 till 2130 (depending on daylight savings and light levels — this will be briefed on Day 1 by the instructor). Full attendance is mandatory, including night simulations.

Night activities note: These are realistic, immersive simulations to practice low-light first aid and coordination — dress warmly and bring appropriate lighting.

Pre-Course Details

Minimum age: 18 years
 

Entry Requirements & Disclaimer: Enrolment and participation are subject to meeting all prerequisites, physical/fitness requirements, and Emergency Australia’s enrolment policies. This course involves intensive outdoor physical activity, including night scenarios — it is not suitable for everyone. Full attendance is mandatory for certification. Participants must have sufficient English language, literacy, and numeracy skills to complete assessments safely.
 

Pre-course study: 10 hours self-paced online (theory + quizzes). Access provided upon enrolment/payment. Must be completed before the face-to-face days.
Unique Student Identifier (USI): Required for certification (register at www.usi.gov.au if you don’t have one).
 

Physical requirements: Moderate fitness essential. You must be able to perform 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on the floor, kneel/bend, carry light loads, and fully participate in outdoor and night scenarios (including possible short walks with a daypack). Contact us in advance if you have any health concerns.
 

What to Bring
 

Dress for variable outdoor weather, physical activity, dirt, and cooler night conditions. Expect to get messy from scenarios (stage makeup/simulated injuries may stain).
 

Essential:

• Notepad and pen
• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
• Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent
• Personal medications (inform instructors of any relevant conditions)
• Head torch (with spare batteries) — critical for night scenarios!
• Warm layers (fleece/jacket, beanie, gloves) for evenings/night activities
   

Clothing & Gear:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing (long pants, layered tops — quick-dry recommended)
• Sturdy enclosed footwear (hiking boots ideal for terrain)
• Rain jacket / wet weather gear
• Spare change of clothes (including socks)
• If venue involves camping/overnight elements: Sleeping bag, mat, tent
•  

Food & Optional:
 

• Meals/snacks for the day (self-catered; venues have basic facilities). Bring packed lunches, energy snacks, and extra for longer days/nights.
• Personal first aid items (e.g., blister plasters)
  Backpack/daypack
• Camera/phone (for non-scenario moments; respect privacy)

Do NOT bring valuables or delicate items.