“There is nothing that is so aesthetically pleasing and yet so functional and versatile as the canoe.” – Bill Mason

The Style Canoeing program follows in the footsteps of Omer Stringer, Bill Mason, Becky Mason, and others paddling in a classic Canadian form also called “Omering”, or Classic Solo Canoeing. This is a quiet water solo paddling style where the canoe is moved across the water in free flowing graceful motions and routines. It uses a traditional tandem canoe paddled on one side, with occasional cross strokes. The canoe is heeled to the paddling side with the gunwale near the water surface and the canoeist is quiet [sitting still almost invisible]; the focus is on the movement of the canoe. Canoe Dance or Ballet is subset of Style canoeing with usually longer routines done to music. American Freestyle is a closely related discipline that typically uses smaller canoes, many dramatic static strokes, and more body movement. An introduction to the basics of this more recent Style technique is included as part of this program.

Paddlers will gain an intimate feel of the connection between body, water, and canoe. By the end of the program they will be able to take the canoe through a series of precisely controlled quiet water routines as a single paddler or as part of a group. Participants will finish each course with a good understanding of the effect of hull shape, edging, body position, and strokes. Advancement from one level to the next will mean extending basic manoeuvres into routines with tighter corridors along with mastering new skills and new manoeuvres.

The Style program is divided into three broad steps:

• Introduction. Basic introduction to the concepts and forward control, weight turns, pivots.
• Intermediate. Controlled weight turns, intro to variety of reverse manoeuvres, and simple routines.
• Advanced. Controlled reverse, advanced routines, weight sift and static strokes (Intro to American Freestyle).

Program Goal
Participants will learn graceful and fluid paddling skills that demonstrate a high level of control over the canoe.

Ratios for Style Canoeing Program
Introduction to Advanced levels are taught with a maximum ratio of one instructor to six students (1:6)

Course Length
Minimum time required to complete each course

• Introduction: 8 hours
  • 2 days will be required if the participant does not have the required Basic Canoe and Solo Skills
• Intermediate: 8 hours
• Advanced: 8 hours

Age Requirements: There is no age restrictions for any Skill Courses - at the discretion of the Course Director please check with them. For all Style Canoe instructor courses there is a minimum age of 16.

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Select from the program titles listed below to learn more about the requirements for each level of the Paddle Canada National Canoe Program.

Skill Level Programs
Style Canoeing Introduction
Style Canoeing Intermediate
Style Canoeing Advanced

Instructor Level Programs
Paddle Canada recommends that any Paddle Canada Instructor teaching a Paddle Canada course or program should hold a minimum First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification for the area or location they will be instructing in.

Style Canoeing Instructor Introduction
Style Canoeing Instructor Intermediate
Style Canoeing Instructor Advanced

Instructor Trainer Programs

Style Canoeing Instructor Trainer Introduction
Style Canoeing Instructor Trainer Intermediate
Style Caneoing Instructor Trainer Advanced

Find A Course Near You