Paddle Canada National Canoe Poling Program
The Canoe Poling programs cover the unique skills and knowledge to successfully navigate your canoe not by paddle – but by pole. The program emphasizes balance and boat control while teaching participants the necessary skills and knowledge to safely pole to their destination.
Instructor Levels Overview
The purpose of the Canoe Poling Instructor course is to provide a standard national certification of competence in the instructional and administration of canoe poling programs and courses.
Upon successful completion of the canoe poling instructor program, the instructor may certify the Canoe Poling Level Programs and Courses in Canada to the level of their qualifications in accordance with Paddle Canada’s policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
Canoe Poling Instructor and Advanced Canoe Poling instructor are instructor courses presented by Paddle Canada Advanced Canoe Poling Instructor Trainers.
Instructor Certification through Mentorship
When there are limited opportunities for instructor courses to meet the minimum student ratio 3, candidates can achieve their instructor certification through mentorship on a minimum of two 2 skills courses. Instructor Trainers can register a candidate within the course registration.
Instructor Trainer Level Overview
Paddle Canada’s Instructor Trainer Development process is standardized across the organization. This mentorship process provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Canoe Poling Instructor Courses. There is only one level of Instructor Trainer within the Canoe Poling program.
Learn more about becoming an Instructor Trainer.
Key Policies for New Instructors
New instructors should take note of these key policies before running your first course or clinic. All instructors must make themselves familiar with our complete list of policies as well.
Assessment Guidelines for Skill Courses
Learn how to apply the pass, weak, or fail evaluation system on skills courses including the use of conditional passes.
Course Administration Policies
Learn about the various policies and requirements related to course registration and reporting.
Code of Conduct for Instructors and Volunteers
Learn about the code of conduct, developed to foster a safe, inclusive, and healthy paddling environments for all course participants and instructors.
First Aid Certification Requirements and Standards
Learn about the first aid certification requirements that all Paddle Canada Instructors must meet and keep up-to-date.
Intoxicants Policy
Learn about your responsibilities related to Paddle Canada's Intoxicants Policy.
Paddle Canada Accident Policies
Learn about your responsibilities in the event of an accident on a Paddle Canada course.
Policies and Definitions Pertaining to Course Roles
Learn about the various course roles in skills, instructor and instructor trainer courses.
Recent Program Changes
See a complete list of recent changes to the program.
Program Development Process
The process for the development of this program included the review of our program and discussions with our Solo Canoe Poling members.
Future Program Development
This is a living program; always getting refined and updated. The Canoe Program Committee welcomes any suggestions by the Paddle Canada Canoe members. Please contact us with your ideas or comments.
Acknowledgements
The Paddle Canada Canoe Poling Program is the product of committed canoe Poling enthusiasts from across Canada and the Solo Canoe Poling Sub-committee. To those individuals, Paddle Canada extends a sincere thank you.
Acknowledgement of the Cultural Foundations of Paddling
Paddle Canada is a community of trusted leaders that inspires connections to Canadians and nature through paddling. The bind that ties us all, the paddle, and the craft that it propels (the canoe, kayak, and stand-up board) are not ours to claim.
We acknowledge and respect the cultural traditions of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people on whose land and waters we live, learn, play, and earn.
We stand as allies to the owners of this land we call Canada, and we respectfully acknowledge how we came into the privilege to be here.