Lake Canoe Waterfront Tandem Skills

This is a 1 - 2 hour session for camps, youth and school groups to introduce participants to lake canoe tandem skills and theory by way of demos, games and activities. The instructor can adjust the requirements based on the age level. This course may be taught in a pool.

Please Note: Summer-camps or organizations wishing to run canoe programs where the participants are taken for a paddle outside the designated waterfront paddling area as outlined in the Environment, Conditions and Sea State, must attain a higher level of certification rather than Waterfront.

General Learning Outcome

Participants should feel comfortable when performing basic strokes to manoeuvre the canoe where they want it to go.

While there is no evaluation of the paddlers at this level, participants can be registered and receive a Waterfront Canoe Tandem Skills certificate.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Length

1-2 hours. This course can be taught as one or several mini sessions, depending on the needs of the organization or group.

Class Ratio

1 instructor: 10 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Lake Canoe Waterfront 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 and 100 metres of beachfront.

Participant Assessment

Participants should leave the course demonstrating confidence in the ability to move the canoe where they want to go. There is no evaluation on performance at this level.

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

Participants will demonstrate the following strokes:

• Draw (out of water recovery)
• Push Away
• Forward and Reverse
• Deep Brace (Drop Skeg)

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.

Suggested canoe game: Rock the Boat

Lifting and Carrying a Canoe

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
• stern first when entering / bow first when exiting
• low centre of gravity / walking down centre of canoe
• 3 point contact.

Suggested canoe game: Mirror Mirror on the Water

Pivot Turn

Participants will pivot the canoe to change direction.

Suggested canoe game: What Time Is It Mister Wolf?

Paddling Forward and Reverse

Participants will safely paddle forward and reverse.

Suggested canoe game: Check Stop

Turns

Participants will be able to turn the canoe to change direction.

Suggested canoe game: Follow the Leader?

Stopping

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

Suggested canoe game: Check Stop

Knowledge

Equipment Parts and Care 

The participants should be familiar with: 

• basic parts of the canoe (bow, stern, gunwales, deck plates/handles, thwarts, centreline)
• proper basic care and use of the canoe and paddles (no dragging or laying on ground), 
• proper use and care of lifejackets (no sitting on them, hang them up). 

Suggested canoe game: Simon Says

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.

Suggested canoe game: Stand By Me

History (local or national)

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

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 "Personal Preparation

Participants will discuss and be familiar with:

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

Suggested canoe game: Why Oh Why?

Safety Considerations

The participants should be familiar with:

• Transport Canada Regulations,
• site hazards,
• first aid assistance/first aid kit location, and 
• 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.

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.

Suggested canoe games: Draw What or Whistle While We Paddle

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
• rescue procedure is in case of a swim, and
• that safety is enhanced by staying together as a group.

Suggested canoe game: What's the Bag?

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.

Suggested canoe game: Cinnamon Roll