Questions and Answers for People's Association Water Venture Discovery Series
Who are the people involved in the programme? How many guides are there typically?
During each expedition, the participants are divided into groups of 10 – 20 and there is 1 volunteer trainer to each group. The total participants may range from approximately 40 -100. Larger groups may be later divided into smaller groups of 10, where a trainer / facilitator will lead and coach this group throughout their journey. The number of trainers following each expedition can range from 4 – 10 in total.
Over the years, has the participation rate grown?
Comparing 2013 and 2014, we have increased the frequency of Reservoir Discovery Series from once to twice a year and even added a new route (Punggol Waterways) in 2014. The total participation numbers rocketed from 99 to 465. That is more than 4-fold increase.
What are the types of games played on the kayak?
There are lots of games that can be conducted on kayaks and they include:
· Rafting-up
· 1 partner to stand and hold hands while in raft
· Walking from one edge of the raft to the other
· Paddling without using your paddles
· Facing each other (in a double kayak) and paddling one direction
· Paddling on one side only (like oars)
· Raft race (competing and moving while rafted up)
Can you give more examples on the types of the more notable flora and fauna seen during some of the series?
· Marina Reservoir: Smooth Coated Otters on manmade pontoons, Owls underneath bridges and Pink Apple Snail Eggs,
· Jurong Lake: Monitor Lizards, Lineated Barbet, Banded Skimmer Dragonfly, Red Ginger Plant and Weaver Ants
· Lower Seletar reservoir: Smooth Coated Otters
· Punggol Waterway: White-throated kingfisher, African fountain grass, Black naped oriole, Coral Plant, Collared Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron and Pacific Swallow
What are the timings like for the series and is there any limits in terms of age, medical condition?
Different series may have different expedition time slots. Generally, participants with reported medical conditions will be accepted into our programmes as long as they have been cleared by a medical examiner. It will be good for a participant to be water confident even if they will not be submerged in water. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and an orientation of the equipment/techniques will be provided before commencing the activity.
The min age requirement is 10 to 12 years of age as of 1st January (depends on series and venue). All participants aged between 10 to 12 years must be accompanied by supervising adults.
How much does it cost to attend and are there any requirements?
The PA Water-Venture discovery series is open to everyone. The aim of the programme is to interest and engage all members of the community regardless of the participant skills level or prior experience in kayaking.
Participants can register for the PA Water-Venture Discovery Series via https://one.pa.gov.sg/. Search “Discover Series” under “Activity”.
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