Advanced Big Canoe Coastal Leader (Endorsement)

The program develops the participant’s ability to make good judgments about conditions and routes in coastal environments. Strokes and maneuvers are to be performed at a higher degree of proficiency than in the intermediate program and in conditions with greater exposure to wind, waves, swell, current and surf. The skills and knowledge gained at this level enable the successful participant to travel with others of similar ability along moderately exposed coastlines. Rescue techniques at this level revisit assisted rescues however the true focus is on the effective management of challenging rescue situations in a coastal environment.

Prerequisites

Age

At least 16 years of age.

Skills Certification

Advanced Lake Tandem or comparable skills and experience at the discretion of course instructor.

Intermediate Big Canoe Coastal Canoeing Leader

Paddling Experience

At least 3 coastal canoe trips in different locations.

Other Recommended Training

Introduction to Moving Water Tandem is recommended

VHF Marine Radio Operator’s certificate is recommended

Minimum Course Length

16 hours minimum.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:12 participants (based on canoe size)

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Advanced Big Canoe Coastal Canoeing Instructor.

Course Location

Moderately exposed coastline with frequent landing opportunities, limited open crossings (in good conditions) not exceeding 2.5 Nautical Miles between landings. An example would be an island archipelago with both exposed and sheltered areas.

Environmental Conditions

Moderate wind (0-15 knots), combined sea state less than 1-meter, surf < 0.5 meter. Current up to 3 knots.

Participant Assessment

Activities focus on making good judgments in coastal environments, that is, the ability to relate the ability and desires of the group in relation to the actual or forecasted coastal conditions. Participants will also be assessed on their ability to contribute to the effective management of simple but challenging rescue situations. Successful participants must be able to effectively command and control the big canoe in moderate wind, swell, waves, current and surf. Participants should leave the course confident in their ability to command and paddle a big canoe in moderately exposed coastlines with others of similar ability but have an awareness of their individual limitations.