Lake Canoe Basic Tandem Skills

The Basic Lake skills program is a 4 hour program designed for individuals that wish to receive certification in basic lake canoe tandem skills and knowledge, such as basic strokes, stability, straight line paddling, pivots and turns, and safety when paddling on a calm lake environment.

General Learning Outcome

Participants should feel confident in performing basic manoeuvres in the canoe. At this level emphasis is placed on boat movement rather than paddler form.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Length

4 hours

Class Ratio

1 instructor: 10 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Lake Canoe Basic Tandem Instructor.

Environmental Conditions

Class-0 conditions which are described as: Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots). Location: 50 metres from shore.

Participant Assessment

Participants are assessed for comfort with emphasis placed on stability, directional control of the canoe, the environment and safety awareness. At this level emphasis is placed on boat movement rather than paddler form.

Teaching Resources

Canoe Games

Lake Canoe Skills Checklists

Canoe Strokes Resource Document

Skills and Manoeuvres

At this level emphasis is placed on boat movement rather than paddler form.

Strokes

The following strokes will be introduced:

• Draw (out of water recovery)
• Push Away or Pry
• Forward and Reverse
• Deep Brace (Drop Skeg)
• Low Brace (basic)
• Sculling Low Brace.

Canoe Stability

Participants will demonstrate how to keep the canoe stable by:

• showing proper positioning on the seat (sitting or kneeling) and 
• how to brace (Deep Brace) the canoe while stationary.

Lifting and Carrying a Canoe

The participant will demonstrate, with a partner:

• how to safely lift and move a canoe (suitcase style) to the shoreline or dock,
• display an awareness of the environment around them, and
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Launching and Landing a Canoe

Participants will demonstrate how to safely launch and land a canoe at a shoreline and/or a dock:

• canoe fully supported by water along the shoreline or perpendicular to the shore,
• stern first when entering/bow first when exiting,
• low centre of gravity/walking down centre of canoe, and
• 3 point contact.

Pivot Turn

Participants will pivot the canoe 180° and then repeat in the other direction.

Forward and Reverse Paddling

Participants will paddle forward in a relatively straight line for 25 metres and back up for a distance of at least 1 metre.

Forward Paddling with Turns

The participants will paddle forward in a relatively straight line for 30 metres and turn the canoe to change direction of travel.

Stopping

Participants will be able to stop the canoe in a safe and effective manner. Communication is important to synchronize stopping and understanding the term "Check" to stop the canoe moving versus to just stop paddling.

Sideslip (stationary)

The participant will demonstrate how to move the canoe sideways 1 metre away from a dock or another canoe.

Knowledge

Equipment Parts and Care 

The participants will be familiar with: 

• how to select a proper fitting lifejacket and paddle,
• the basic parts of the canoe and paddle, and
• basic care of equipment while in use.

Hazards

Participants should be made aware of the following hazards:

• at the beachfront (for example but not limited to uneven ground, rocks, slippery surfaces, etc.)
• on the water (for example, dock, rocks, other boats, swimmers, etc.)
• wildlife, and
• human.

Canoe History

Participants will participate in a brief discussion on the history of the canoe.

Resources

Participants should be made aware of resources from Paddle Canada, possible provincial organizations, canoe clubs, etc.

Risk Management

Lifejacket: Always Wear It!

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

Personal Preparation

Participants will discuss and be familiar with:

• proper footwear for waterfront activities,
• dressing for the weather, and
• hydration.

Safety Considerations

The participants will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Transport Canada Regulations,
• site hazards,
• first aid assistance/first aid kit location,
• lightning protocol: when you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter for 30 minutes after the last “Flash and Crash” before returning to the water,
• how to properly secure items on the canoe and on their body, and
• always wear life jackets during on water activities.

Communication

Participants will:

• communicate with each other to move the canoe where they want to go, and
• demonstrate their knowledge of whistle signals by responding to the instructor’s signals. One blast: Attention (look and listen to the instructor), Two blasts: Raft Up (optional), Three blasts: Emergency, go to shore and listen to the instructor for further instructions.

Safety and Rescue

Participants will come prepared for the activities with proper clothing (for change of weather and possible capsize), footwear, hydration, sunscreen, medication, eye wear and straps if needed, and ensure any gear is appropriately secured (on shore or in canoe).

Participants need to know:

• swimming is a real possibility, what the proper rescue procedure is in case of a swim, and that safety is enhanced by staying together as a group,
• whistle signals, and
• Paddle Canada offers additional courses for skill development.

Safe Rescue Procedure

If a canoe tips, the paddlers will:

• hang onto the canoe and the paddle,
• blow the whistle three times, and
• wait for direction from the instructor.

Paddlers may be introduced to the theory of the HELP and huddle positions.