Lake Canoe Introduction Solo Skills

The program includes an introduction to land and water-based rescues. The skills and knowledge gained at this level form the foundation necessary for confident and safe travel within calm waterways.

The majority of canoes that will be paddled in this course will be the 16 foot symmetrical tandem canoe, with or without a kneeling thwart. Smaller solo specific canoes or pack boats can be used. If possible participants should sit in the middle of the canoe behind the centre-point. Sitting in the bow seat facing stern with a weighted object in the opposite end to trim out the canoe is acceptable for some manoeuvres. It is important that participants have good access to the water with a vertical paddle shaft.

General Learning Outcome

The participants will demonstrate specific manoeuvres using proper technique and body positions and demonstrate a canoe over canoe rescue as a rescuer.

Prerequisites

None

Minimum Course Length

8 hours minimum.

Class Ratio

1 instructor: 6 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Lake Canoe Introduction Solo Instructor

Environmental Conditions

Courses should be taught on a lake. There should be limited wind or waves (class 0) and no offshore wind. The designated area should be free of powerboat traffic up to 200 metres.

Participant Assessment

Participants should leave the course demonstrating confidence and the ability to move the canoe where they want to go.

Teaching Resources

Lake Canoe Skills Checklists

Canoe Strokes Resource Document

Skills and Manoeuvres

The following skills will be introduced with a focus on stroke technique and effective body position to perform specific manoeuvres. Paddlers should be demonstrating body rotation, and vertical paddle shafts with the grip-hand over the water.

The following strokes must be demonstrated with proper technique:

• Forward and reverse strokes
• Check stroke
• Draw (above water recovery)
• Push away (above water recover)
• J stroke
• Deep Brace (Drop Skeg)
• Sculling Low Brace
• Stern draw
• Stern push away (initiating a turn)
• Sweep, Forward and Reverse

Launching and Landing a Canoe

The participants will demonstrate safe entering and exiting a canoe from alongside the shoreline or dock.

Pivots

The participant will pivot the canoe 360 degrees, check and then reverse pivot 

Circles

The participant will demonstrate paddling a full circle. One inside circle and then one outside circle.

Side-slipping (Sideward Displacement)

The paddler will move the canoe laterally for approximately 5 metres and then return.

Straight Lines

The participant will paddle 20 metres forward in a straight line.

The participant will demonstrate backing the canoe up 5 metres.

Stopping

The participant will practice stopping the canoe in all directions. Check/holding water or any stroke may be used to stop the momentum.

Turns Under Momentum

Participants will demonstrate paddling a rectangular course with straight lines and carving around the corners. Paddlers will need to stop the skidding by applying a correction stroke after the turn.

Stabilizing a Stationary Canoe and a Canoe Under Momentum

The participant will demonstrate stabilizing a stationary canoe.

Strokes: Deep Brace, Sculling Low Brace

The participant will demonstrate stabilizing a canoe under momentum by paddling forward.

Lifting and Carrying a Canoe

While in pairs, participants will demonstrate the safe and proper way to lift and carry a canoe, suitcase style or overhead depending on the physical ability of the participants. Lifting solo is optional, depending on clients.

Transport of Canoe Equipment

Participants will demonstrate lifting a canoe, with a partner, on and off a rack, and will demonstrate how to secure a canoe to a car or a rack. Possible methods could include: cam or ratchet straps or rope (trucker’s hitch, half hitches).

Knowledge

Lifejacket Policy: Always Wear It!

Participants will demonstrate knowledge of how to properly choose, wear, and secure a lifejacket and also know when to replace it.

Concepts

Participants must understand:

• paddlers seating position, pivot point, tilt, balance and trim affect the movement of the canoe,
• that canoes tend to turn away from the paddling side of the paddler because of off-set paddling,
• momentum is essential to controlling the canoe,
• all strokes must have a fully immersed blade and a vertical paddle shaft where needed and
• stroke phases (catch, power, and recovery).

Canoe Equipment and Care

The participants will be made familiar with:

• basic parts of the canoe (bow, stern, gunnels, deck plates/handles, thwarts, keel/centre line),
• proper care and use of paddles, lifejackets, and the canoe,
• selection of equipment and
• throw-bags, tying your boat up, painter awareness) and knots (bowline, two twist trucker’s hitch, half hitches).

Risk Management

Personal Preparation

Participants will be made familiar with:

• proper footwear,
• dress for the weather,
• hydration and
• float plans.

Safety Considerations

The participants should demonstrate knowledge of:

• PaddleSmart: taking the essentials, training, and trip plans (when to go and when not to go, weather considerations),
• Transport Canada Regulations and
• Basic Environmental Hazards (Water/Wind/Waves/Weather, identifying and preventing hypothermia and hyperthermia).

Communication

Participants will demonstrate their knowledge of the whistle signals by responding to the instructor’s signals. One blast: Attention (look and listen to the instructor), Two blasts: Raft Up, (this can be optional). Three blasts: Emergency, go to shore and/or listen to the instructor for further instructions. Ensure the whistle signals are understood by all.

Swimming

Participants will be introduced to the theory of the HELP and Huddle positions. Swimming is optional at this level. If the participants do go for a swim, they will demonstrate how to hang on to their paddle, canoe, and listen for directions from the instructor.

Rescues

Swimming: Paddlers need to know that swimming is a real possibility and to discuss the proper procedure and to listen for direction from the instructor.

Expanding Skills and Training: Paddlers should be made aware that Paddle Canada offers additional courses for skill development.

Safe Rescue Procedure

If a canoe tips, the paddlers will hang onto the canoe, the paddle, and wait for direction from the instructor. Swimmers will stay with the canoe and listen for instruction.