One (1) Day Intro to Canoeing
Full Day Course example time: 9:00am-4:00pm with one hour for breaks
Note: We can flexibly adjust our times based on group preference.
Aim / Overview
Learn to paddle your canoe effectively and safely with a partner or solo.
To introduce the novice paddler to paddling with a partner in shelter calm waters. To introduce basic land and water rescue techniques.
Who would normally take this course?
- Someone who has been paddling for many years but has never had any formal training
- Someone who has never been in a canoe before
- Someone who would like to progress through the Paddle Canada Certification level programs.
- Someone who just bought a canoe and wants to paddle it well
- Someone who wants to paddle larger lakes systems like Bowron, or the Powell River Lake Chain.
- Someone who wants to learn the basics so they can safely progress to river canoeing
Prerequisites
Participants must be comfortable in and around water, be reasonably fit, in good health and possess a reasonable level of strength and flexibility.
Course length
6 Hours
Class ratio
1 instructor: max 10 participants.
Location
This introductory clinic is conducted in a calm water setting and involves some time in a discussion. North Shuswap Lake, BC
Assessment
Upon completion of this six hour course, you will be assessed for Paddle Canada certification at the Introductory to Canoeing Tandem and / or Basic Solo level. Participants can then progress through the Paddle Canada National Certification Program(s).
Paddle Canada Progression Chart
Skills you will learn
How to enter and exit your canoe, how to paddle in a straight line, as well as turning, docking, and beaching.
Paddling Strokes: Forward, Reverse, J- Stroke (Lake J) Sweeps, Draw, and Pry, and others.
What to do if your canoe tips in the middle of a lake: T rescue (Canoe over Canoe)
(Tipping is not required for the Basic Paddle Canada certificate, but HIGHLY recommended in this opportune practice setting)
Other topics
- Basic parts of the Canoe
- Styles of paddles and how to choose sizing, PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices (life jacket) and sizing
- Throw Bag use and Common knots
- Mandatory Equipment and Equipment and safety gear you should always have with you
- Basic Environmental Hazards
- We touch on packing for a trip, and partner team work
- Trim and balance of a canoe
- Basic Canoe Lifts and Carries