Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem

Aim

To Introduction the novice paddler to paddling with a partner in shelter calm waters. To Introduction basic land and water rescue techniques.

Upon Successful Completion

The successful INTRODUCTION TO LAKE TANDEM candidate is considered a beginner tandem lake canoeist, capable of performing basic land and water-based rescues. Rescue techniques at this level teach self, as well as assisted rescues. The skills and knowledge gained at this level form the foundation necessary for confident and safe travel within the previously mentioned environments.

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

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

Prerequisites
None or Canoeing Basic Skills Course

Course Length
One (1) day

Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 10 Participants

Location
• Pond or Lake (very sheltered, with little or no wind)
• Pool (for rescue related activities)
• Ocean (very sheltered, no current, with little or no wind)
• Distance from shore: within comfortable swimming distance from shore (based on the weakest swimmer or someone that doesn’t know how to swim).

Conditions
Little to no wind

Program Overview

SAFETY & RESCUE

Theory

  Basic Environmental Hazards: Water/Wind/Waves/Weather (when to get off the water)

  Hypothermia and Hyperthermia (being prepared)

  Personal Preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)

  Transport Canada Regulations & PC PFD Policy: Always wear It!

  Safe Canoe Procedures

Practical (TARETHROG: talk, reach, throw, row, go) (practice if time permits)

  Warm Up to Reduce Paddling Injuries

  Swim a Swamped Canoe to Shore

  Empty a Swamped Canoe at Shore / Dock

  Canoe over Canoe

  Canoe Tows

  Shore Based Throw Bag Rescue

PADDLING SKILLS

General

  Launch and Remove Canoe (shore or dock)

  Paddling Concepts (MITH, basic: hand placement)

  Paddling Mechanics (balance & trim, and pivot point)

  Stroke Terminology (catch, power phase, recovery)

  Switching Sides in Cadence

  Body Position (centred on seat & reach with the shaft hand)

Strokes

  Forward and Reverse

  Check (stop)

  Draw (above water recovery)

  Pry or Push Away

  J Stroke or Rudder

  Low Brace

Manoeuvres (Performed on one side)

  Forward Straight Line Paddling (50 metres)

  Wide Turns (Triangular Course)

  Pivot Turns

  Reverse Paddling – Backing Up

  Left and Right Turns

  Docking

  Switching Ends in the Canoe (if time permits)

  Paddling in Cadence

KNOWLEDGE

Canoe, Paddles, PFDs, Throw Bags, and Bailers (Basic knowledge Design & Care)

Canoe Lifts & Carries: Suitcase Style or Overhead Tandem

Knots: Bowline & Half Hitch (Trucker’s Hitch if time allows)

Navigating Shoreline

Choosing Safe Paddling Environments

Personal Equipment for Short ó Day Paddling (waterproofing)

Paddling in a Group (lead & sweep)

Canoe Transport on Car: Loading and Unloading, Racks, Ropes and/or Straps (if time

allows)

Expand on Course Limitations & Additional Courses

LEAVE NO TRACE Principles (in relation to day paddling)

Canoe and Indigenous Peoples (or regional/local information)

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 Trainer Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Tandem
Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Tandem


Assessment
Activities focus on safety and comfortable paddling along a calm 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 encouraged to continue learning and aware of their individual limitations.