Course Description
This 6-hour Introduction to Lake Canoeing course introduces beginner tandem paddlers how to paddle with a partner in calm sheltered waters.
Participants will be introduced to the basic paddling strokes and land and water rescues techniques. At the end of the course participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures. Lunch available $20
Course Includes
- Certified Paddle Canada Instructors
- Fully Outfitted Coast Guard Approved Canoe (We have a variety of styles of kayaks and canoes that you may try out during your course.)
- Course Materials
Extra Course Options
- Certification Fee
Certification Notes
Optional Paddle Canada certification.
Prerequisites
- None
Course Content
Safety Topics
- Carrying a canoe
- Basic environment hazards like water, wind, waves, weather
- When to get off the water
- Being prepared for hypothermia and hyperthermia
- Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
- Transport Canada regulations and requirements
- Safe canoe procedures (lead/sweep and on water leadership)
- Canoe over canoe rescues
- Towing a canoe
- Throw bag practice
Theory Topics
- Momentum and initiation
- Trimming a canoe
- Basic canoe and paddle parts
- Paddle and canoe care
- Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and truckers hitch)
- Equipment for a half day tour
- Paddling within your ability
- PaddleSmart
- Leave No Trace principles
Paddling Skills
- Getting in and out of a canoe at a dock or easy shoreline
- Paddling in cadence
- Rafting up
- Forward strokes
- Reverse strokes
- Check (stop)
- Draw stroke
- Pry
- J-Stroke or rudder
- Forward and Reverse sweep (stern only)
- Low brace
- Drop Skeg