Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem Skills

This course focuses on foundational skills, knowledge and proper technique to control a tandem canoe on a calm lake. The course includes knowledge of introductory land and water-based rescues.

General Learning Outcome

Participants will gain the confidence and introductory skills to venture out on paddling adventures on calm waters.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Length

8 hours

Class Ratio

1 instructor: 10 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Lake Canoe Introduction 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).

Participant Assessment

Assessment at this level occurs throughout the course as the instructor observes the performance of each participant's skills and overall development as a paddler.

Teaching Resources

Canoe Games

Lake Canoe Skills Checklists

Canoe Strokes Resource Document

Skills & Manoeuvres

The following skills will be introduced with a focus on the fundamentals of stroke technique and effective body position to perform specific manoeuvres.

Strokes

The following strokes will be introduced:

• Draw (out of water recovery)
• Push Away or Pry
• Forward and Reverse
• Stern Pry or "J"
• Stern Draw
• 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 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 a dock.

• Shoreline
  • canoe fully supported by water along or perpendicular to the shoreline
  • stern first when entering / bow first when exiting
  • paddle across the gunwale
  • low centre of gravity / walking down centre of canoe, with 3 point contact
• Dock
  • paddles in the canoe
  • partners side by side, lift with legs, slide canoe in
  • bow paddler positions canoe for stern to enter
  • stern enters, and positions the canoe for bow person to enter

Pivot Turn

Participants will pivot the canoe one complete revolution in one direction, and then one complete revolution in the other direction.

Forward and Reverse Paddling

Participants will paddle forward in a relatively straight line for 25 metres, stop the canoe, and then back up for 5 metres.

Forward Paddling with Turns

The participants will paddle forward, turn and continue for 10 metres.

Stopping

Participants will be able to stop the canoe in a safe and effective manner using the term "Check" to stop the canoe moving versus to just stop paddling.

Circles

Participants will demonstrate paddling in a circle at a moderate and consistent pace. Participants will start with an inside circle, stop, switch sides and then paddle an outside circle.

Changing Positions

Participants will demonstrate changing positions in any way they feel most comfortable. The easiest and safest way to change positions is to go to shore or to raft up.

If participants wish to change position while on water, they can demonstrate this by rafting up or alone.

Participants will also choose from, carefully passing over their partner, or beside their partner. Communication is critical to ensure that both participants know what to do.

Sideslip (stationary)

The participant will demonstrate how to move the canoe sideways/laterally for 5 metres. Limited to 60 cm forward or backward movement. Limited yaw.

Knowledge

Concepts

Participants will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• low centre of gravity (sitting vs kneeling),
• tendency for the canoe to veer off course: due to placement of the paddle and hull shape,
• a fully immersed blade,
• vertical paddle shaft: grip and shaft hand placement,
• body positioning and torso rotation, and
• balance and trim affect the movement of the canoe.

Equipment Parts and Care 

The participants will review: 

• how to select a proper fitting lifejacket and paddle,
• basic parts of the canoe (bow, stern, gunnels, deck, handles, thwarts, keel/centreline),
• proper care and use of paddles, lifejackets,
• throw-bags and bailers, and
• painters if applicable (a bowline knot for the purpose of securing a painter/rope tied onto the bow of a canoe).

Hazards

Participants will be made aware of the following hazards:

• hazards around the shoreline (for example but not limited to uneven ground, rocks, slippery surfaces, docks, etc.),
• wind, waves, water, weather,
• wildlife, and
• human.

Environmental Impact

Participants should be made aware of the impact of canoeing on the environment. For example, aquatic habitats from trampling, close approaches to wildlife (birds, fish, etc.), physical damage to plants from paddles on the lake beds, shoreline plants, wildlife disturbance. The potential spread of invasive species (clean canoes, gear after trip). Human-generated waste and chemical pollutants, like those from sunscreens, can also be issues if not managed properly. Remember the Leave No Trace seven principles.

Canoe History

Participants will engage 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 be made aware of:

• the benefits and value of proper footwear,
• dressing for the weather and water,
• hydration and food,
• PaddleSmart: Taking the essentials, Training, and having a Trip plan, when not to go; weather considerations,
• rescue priorities: paddlers, canoe, gear,
• basic hazards (Water/Wind/Waves/Weather),
• identifying lightning protocol,
• preventing hypothermia and hyperthermia, and
• human hazards: motorized crafts, invasive species, other paddlers, swimmers, and anglers.

Safety Considerations

The participants should be familiar with:

• 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 should 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,
• canoe over canoe rescue (instructor demonstration), and
• throw bag rescue (instructor demonstration).

Rescue Practice

If time allows, participants can practice a canoe rescue using an empty canoe and throw bag toss on shore.