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Canoeing Basic Skills

Aim
To introduce novice participants to paddling with a partner, in shelter calm waters. The skills and knowledge gained at this level form the foundation for basic paddling close to shore on sheltered bodies of water. Rescue options are discussed at this level and can be demonstrated by the instructor.


Upon Successful Completion
The Canoeing Basic Skills is certified to:

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

Assist and/or Apprentice (Mentorship) on the following courses:
Not Applicable

Prerequisites
None

Course Length
2 - 4 hours

Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 10 Participants

Location
Sheltered pond or lake
Pool


Conditions
Calm with no wind
Area Similar to the Waterfront Designated Area Limitations.


Program Overview
SAFETY & RESCUE
Theory:
TC Regulations
Designated Paddling Area
Environmental Hazards
Cold Water Concerns & Hypothermia and Clothing
Rescue Procedures (RETHROG= reach/throw/row/go)
Help & Huddle Positions
Expanding Ones Skills
Buddy System (responsible for your partner’s well being)
PC PFD Policy: Always Wear It!


Practical:
Warm Up to Reduce Paddling Injuries
PFD Selection
Body Mass Centred in Canoe
Canoe Stability (sitting vs kneeling)
Basic Whistle Signals
If time allows for the following:
Rafting Rescue (Instructor Demo)
Canoe over Canoe (Instructor Demo)
Canoe Towing Rescue (Instructor Demo)
Shore based Throw Bag Rescue (Instructor Demo)

PADDLLING SKILLS
General:
Enter & Exit Canoe (shore or dock)
Balance 3 Point contact
Paddling Positions
How to Hold a Paddle
Switching Sides
Paddling Mechanics (paddling in cadence)
Rafting up
Landing

Strokes:
Forward
Reverse
Check (stop)
Draw
Pry
J Stroke

Manoeuvers:
Forward Paddling
Pivoting the Canoe
Paddling in Cadence
Stopping
Backing Up

KNOWLEDGE
Canoe & Paddle (parts and terms)
Equipment (selection and care)
Personal Outfitting (clothes, water bottle, etc)
Basic Canoe Lifts and Carries (tandem & underhand)
Painters (selection, care, storage, and securing to canoes)
Safe Paddling Practices (paddling in a group, telling people where you are going, etc.)
Course Limitations
Additional Courses
Canoeing Resources
Local Paddling Clubs or Groups
Paddling Etiquette (on & off the water)
Canoe National Symbol



Instructors
The following instructors are accredited to offer this course:
Lake Canoe Instructor Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Intermediate Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Advanced Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Solo
Lake Canoe Instructor Intermediate Solo
Lake Canoe Instructor Advanced Solo
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Solo
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Solo
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Intermediate Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Advanced Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Intermediate Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Advanced Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Tandem
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Solo


The following instructors may assist/apprentice (Mentorship) on this course:
Not Applicable

Assessment
Activities focus on safety and comfortable paddling in a calm designated area and
shoreline. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, activity should concentrate on
progress, teamwork and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should
leave the course empowered and motivated to continue their learning and aware of their
individual limitations.