Intermediate Big Canoe Leader

General Learning Outcome

Participants who complete the course will be comfortable leading a crew of novices on calm sheltered waters, stern the canoe, and giving basic commands to propel a big canoe to the desired destination. Participants will be comfortable leading self-rescues and demonstrate safe paddling practices and etiquette.

Mandate of the Intermediate Big Canoe Leader

The Intermediate Big Canoe Leader is to conduct Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe clinics.

Prerequisites

Age

At least 16 years of age.

Skills Certification

Basics Lake Canoe Tandem or Intro Big Canoe Paddler, or equivalent skills at the discretion of the course instructor.

Instructor Certification

None.

Instruction Experience

None.

Paddling Experience

Some experience paddling a tandem canoe.

Other Recommended Training

None.

Minimum Course Length

8 hours minimum.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:12 participants

Certification Awarded

Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader.

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Instructor.

Minimum Number of Registered Instructor Candidates

This instructor course must have a minimum of three registered candidates to qualify. This is to ensure the candidate experiences an appropriate level of group dynamics and can demonstrate competence in managing those dynamics. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Environmental Conditions

Courses should be taught on a pond, lake or ocean front. There should be minimal to no waves (class 0, < 16 km/hr). The designated area must be free of powerboat traffic and no more than 25-50 metres from shore (depending on depth).

Participant Assessment

Participants will be assessed on the following:

• 80% competence in all strokes and manoeuvres, show competence in calls and successful completion of Big Canoe watercourse (see recommended course layout, flexibility given to suite location as long as all aspects of buoy course are present).
• Participants can give basic commands to run a big canoe.
• Participant can paddle in the stern on calm water with a group of novices.
• Can lead and perform a rescue.

Skills and Manoeuvres

Participants will demonstrate the following manoeuvres using the appropriate paddle strokes learned during the course. Participants will follow the Intermediate Big Canoe course layout.

The Leader must initiate all manoeuvres with the required stroke prior to engaging their crew members to assist with any manoeuvre.

The following strokes will be used:

• Forward
• Reverse
• Check/stop
• Deep Brace
• Draw
• Pry
• Cut (also known as stationary draw)
• Jam (also known as stationary pry)
• Stationary Low Brace

Moving A Big Canoe

Participants will lead their crew to safely lift and carry the canoe from the trailer/rack to the shoreline.

Launching

Participants will demonstrate clear and concise commands to get their crew to safely enter the canoe.

Landing

Participants will demonstrate clear and concise commands to get their crew to safely exit the canoe.

Pivots

Participants will initiate a pivot prior to giving clear and concise commands to get their crew to pivot the canoe 180 degrees.

Forward and Reverse Straight Line Paddling

Participants will keep the canoe straight while ensuring demonstration of clear and concise commands in paddling forward 50 metres and reverse for 2 big canoe lengths

Turns under power

Participants will initiate a turn under power prior to giving clear and concise commands to ensure the canoe is turning in the desired direction. Progressing from a gentle arc to a tighter arc.

Docking

Participants will approach a dock, at 90 degrees, initiate a turn towards dock and then give clear and concise commands to ensure the canoe slowly approaches alongside the dock and then stops next to the dock. Canoe must not hit the dock.

Slalom Course

Participants will demonstrate proper cadence and stroke technique paddling through a 4 buoy slalom course layout.

Intermediate Course Level (no tilts required)

Course layout may be altered to meet the needs of the environment/location or progression of the course.

Knowledge

Paddler Placement

Best placement for a varying number of paddlers in a canoe

• Trimming the canoe with peoples’ weight

Best placement for people:

• Front: Someone with timing (musical, in a band, keep a beat)
• Behind the bow paddler, people most likely to paddle, for morale and continuity of strokes
• The rest are the “powerhouse” of the crew
• Stern person, designated leader (Captain, etc.), able to steer and command the crew

Boarding Commands to the Crew

While the Leader is bracing the stern of the canoe on shore/dock, they will advise the crew.

• Listen for the commands/direction.
• Carefully walk down the centre of the canoe to your seat.
• Hip against the side of the canoe when seated.
• If we have any issues listen to the leader.
• No standing (unless directed to).

Stroke Review with Crew

Prior to departure and while the paddlers/crew are in the canoe, the Leader will review the primary strokes and commands from shore. The leader will ask the bow person to choose a side to paddle on. The Deep Brace will be introduced when and where appropriate.

Commands

Participants will review the following recommended commands clearly and concisely.

• Paddles Ready
• Forward Paddle
• Rest or Stop Paddling
• Check or Stop the Canoe
• Back Paddle
• Brace (Deep Brace or Static Low Brace)

Risk Management

Lifejacket Policy - Always Wear It!

Participants will demonstrate how to properly choose, wear and secure a lifejacket.

Managing the Risk

Participants will discuss the following:

• float plans,
• safety briefing,
• preparing and knowing your clients (for example, pre-trip gear list, expectations, waivers, medical forms),
• group awareness (hypothermia and hyperthermia) prevention and preparing for,
• group safety gear: “Comfort Bag/Barrel”,
• safe distance from shore,
• open water crossings and support motorboats,
• maximum capacity and maximum seating,
• limitations for youth groups under the age of 14,
• safety requirements (Transport Canada and Paddle Canada requirements),
• weather awareness,
• communication and signals (on and off the water),
• when docking or rafting up with clients: ensuring paddlers onside hands are inside the canoe to prevent pinching between canoes or canoe and dock, and
• additional training.

Self-Rescue

Participants will practice at least 2 flips and re-enter the big canoe.

See Teaching Notes and Resources for Big Canoe Courses for more details and information.