Moving Water Canoe Basic Tandem Skills Course Resource Manual

Introduction

This course introduces participants to safe and fun paddling experience on a slow-moving current with easily avoidable hazards as they “follow the leader”, their Paddle Canada Instructor, down the river. Emphasis is placed on safety, stability, controlled downstream and upstream paddling, as well as pivot turns.

This manual has been provided to help instructors better structure and facilitate their program, offering clearer instructions and best practices for course delivery. It emerges from our evolving understanding of how to teach moving water canoeing in an effective and efficient manner.

Recent Program Changes

See a complete list of recent changes to the program.

General Learning Outcome

Participants will leave the course feeling confident with being able to control and manoeuvre a canoe, and how to avoid any hazards on slow moving rivers.

Skills and Manoeuvres

Participants need to practice paddling upstream, directional control and ferries, prior to heading down stream.

Stroke Development

The following strokes will be introduced with emphasis placed on boat control rather than proper stroke technique.

• Draws: for pivots and directional control
• Push Away: for pivots and directional control
• Stern Pry: for directional control
• Stern Draw: for directional control
• Forward and Reverse: for momentum

Lifting and Carrying a Canoe

Introduction

When moving a canoe from the land (rack or ground) to the water requires proper lifting technique, communication between partners and awareness of the environment.

Demo

Explanation

1. Ensure paddlers know the path to the shoreline.
2. Bow and stern paddlers are on opposite sides and ends.
3. Grab the end deck plate/handle and lift with the legs not the back.
4. Paddlers will communicate what hazards need to be avoided.

Action

Participants safely lift and carry the canoe.

Summary

The bow and stern paddlers work together to carry the canoe to the shoreline.

Launching in Current

Introduction

When launching, ensure the canoe is in the correct position, facing upstream and is stable and trim for entering.

Demo

Explanation

With the canoe (fully floating on the water) facing upstream, the bow person hangs onto the bow for stability, holding the stern close to shore.

Stern person enters just in front of the stern seat:

• lays the paddle shaft across the gunwales,
• grasps the gunwales and with one foot at a time, steps into the centre of the canoe,
• kneels or sits, positioned in the centre of the seat, and then
• braces off the riverbed.

Bow person enters just in front of the bow seat:

• lays the paddle shaft across the gunwales,
• grapes the gunwales and with one foot at a time, steps into the centre of the canoe,
• kneels or sits, positioned in the centre of the seat, and then
• braces off the riverbed.

Action

Participants safely enter the canoe.

Summary

The bow and stern paddlers work together to stabilize and enter the canoe while facing upstream.

Required Foundational Skills

River anatomy and stability.

Landing in Current

Introduction

When landing in the current the canoe should be facing upstream. The bow paddler should exit the canoe first and anchor the bow to avoid the canoe swinging back out into the current.

Demo

Explanation

1. Approach shore with the canoe facing upstream.
2. The bow person places the paddle across the gunwales for stability and exits the canoe while the stern person stabilizes the canoe.
3. Once out, the bow person anchors and stabilizes the canoe holding the stern close to shore while the stern exits the canoe.

Action

Participants effectively land in the current and safely exit the canoe.

Summary

With the canoe facing upstream, the bow paddler exits first to ensure the current doesn’t catch the canoe.

Required Foundational Skills

River hazards, river anatomy, stability, and river signals.

Paddling Upstream and Front Ferries

Introduction

Paddling upstream and the front ferry are used to move the canoe upstream, across the current, and to safely land the canoe.

Demo

Explanation

1. Participants will start paddling upstream, point to the opposite shore and paddle forward.
2. Stern paddler will keep the desired path to maintain forward momentum.
3. Participants will pivot the canoe to change the direction towards the desired direction.

Action

Participants will practice moving upstream, adjusting the direction as needed.

Summary

A front ferry is a lateral manoeuvre facing upstream to a targeted destination

Required Foundational Skills

River hazards, river anatomy, stability, and river signals.

Downstream Run

Introduction

The goal of paddling downstream is to safely manoeuvre the canoe, avoid hazards, communicate with their partner and other members of the group. Participants will be introduced to paddle signals, what to do in case of a swim, and to “follow the leader” on a river run. This can be introduced on the river, rafted up, or as a shore talk prior to heading downstream.

Explanation of River Run

1. Introduction to “follow the leader” (on shore)
   • Safe distance between canoes (talking distance vs shouting distance)
   • Lead and sweep boats
   • Define river right and river left
   • Review paddle signals and “passing them on”
     • Go Left / Go Right / Follow Me
2. River Run (practice communication skills)
   • Follow the leader with paddle signals
     • Go Left / Go Right / Follow Me
3. Raft up or shore talk - avoiding potential hazards when sighted on route.
   • Trees (sweepers, strainers)
   • Shoreline (inside: shallow/rocky vs outside: steep/undercuts)
   • Current speed (middle/inside/outside)
   • Sandbar

Summary

The river run develops basic skills for manoeuvring, group communication, safe paddling practices, basic river anatomy and introduction to reading current.

Required Foundational Skills

River hazards, river anatomy, stability, and river signals.

Navigating River Bends

Introduction

Navigating the inside river bend to maintain a safe, dry and direct route and to avoid hazards.

Explanation

1. Introduction to riverbend features (raft up or shore talk)
2. Trees (sweepers, strainers)
3. Shoreline (inside: shallow/rocky/sandy vs outside: steep/undercuts)
4. Current speed (middle/inside/outside)
5. Sandbar
6. River Run (Follow the Leader)
7. Watch for paddle signals and pass them on.

Summary

Travelling along the inside bend offers a slower current and preferred route.

Required Foundational Skills

River hazards, river anatomy, stability, and river signals.

Knowledge

Specific skills and knowledge are required for canoeists to paddle in the current. They build a foundation skill set that allows paddlers to achieve the manoeuvres outlined in this manual.

River Hazards

Introduction

Hazard awareness allows paddlers to exercise risk management skills appropriate for the outing.

Engagement

Participants will discuss these hazards that may be encountered.

• River Bend: Water flowing around a corner resulting in usually slower current speed on the inside and faster on the outside. This results in pushing the canoe to the outside of the bend including hazards such as sweepers and strainers.
• Obstacles (Rocks or Bridge Piers): A solid object in the river. This results in damages to the canoe due to wraps or capsizes as well as possible foot entrapment.
• Overhanging Trees (Sweepers & Strainers): Tree branches and/or trunks that are hanging low over the river or just below the surface. This can result in canoe capsize or possibility trap paddlers and canoe.
• Temperature/Weather: The degree or intensity of cold or heat in a location including rain, wind, and snowmelt. This can lead to hypothermia or hyperthermia as well as the rise or fall in river water levels.
• Undercuts: Eroded shorelines where the water flows beneath the bank, usually found on outside bends of rivers, that expose or collect debris. This exposes the paddlers to a riverbank that may hold debris (for example, rocks, tree roots, etc.) that may flip or jam the canoe with limited exit points.
• Waves: A feature in the river caused by a sudden change within the riverbed or shoreline. This can lead to the canoe taking on water, pushing the canoe around and potentially capsize.

Summary

Hazard awareness ensures proper planning: where to go, when to go, how to dress, and being able to identify these hazards for a safer run and when not to attempt a run.

River Anatomy

Introduction

The ability to identify river anatomy features provides a useful link between water reading skills and a more complete understanding of the river environment that will result in a paddler’s increasing ability to understand the current, identify safe routes and to use features to assist manoeuvres.

Engagement

Participants will discuss the following features that may be encountered.

• Current: The flow of water descending from higher to lower areas. Different speeds may be present due to varying depths, gradient and riverbed features.
• River Bends: The location where the riverbank directs the river around a bend. The speed of the river varies from the inside to outside of the bend (slow to fast respectively).
• River Right/River Left: River left, and right are referenced “left and right” when looking downstream and will remain the same even if one turns around looking upstream.
• Gravel/Sand Bar: An area where the riverbed (gravel, rocks, sand) rises up towards the surface of the river.

Summary

Knowledge of river anatomy will allow paddlers to understand the makeup of a river and how best to navigate it.

Stability

Introduction

At this level paddlers are introduced to the importance of stability in the canoe.

Engagement

Participants will demonstrate different ways to stabilize the canoe.

• Kneeling vs sitting
• Paddling forward

Summary

It is recommended that kneeling and paddling forward offer the best options for keeping the canoe stable.

River Signals

Introduction

When padders cannot speak to paddlers in another canoe, it is important to have a universal way to communicate. These basic signals are understood by most paddlers to ensure they are safe, need help, or to offer direction for safe passage. When we see someone signalling, we must reciprocate to acknowledge that the message is received and passed on. Though there could be regional differences in signalling traditions, it is important to have a common system with your paddling partners.

Engagement

Participants will discuss and perform the following river signals where appropriate.

The following illustrations are by Paul Mason.

Stop

When there is a hazard ahead, signal a Stop, form a horizontal bar with your outstretched arm or paddle. Those seeing the signal should pass it onto others on the river that may not see it. Wait for the All Clear sign before proceeding.

Help or Emergency

Three (3) long blasts on a whistle while waving a paddle (or arms) overhead. If you do not have a whistle, use the visual signal. A whistle is more convenient if it is attached to the life jacket/PFD.

All Clear or Go That Way

To proceed down the centre of a river put your paddle vertical in the air with the blade flat towards the others to ensure maximum visibility. You may also use your outstretched arm raised vertically. To go towards a different direction, angle your paddle or arm towards the path you wish the group to follow. Never angle the signal towards the obstacle you are trying to avoid.

Are You OK / I’m OK

Pat the top of your head repeatedly to ask if a person is ok. If you are indeed ok, respond with the same action - pat your head repeatedly.

Summary

River signals are used throughout the paddling community when verbal communication is limited due to background sound or distance. The lead canoe can use river signals to give direction and each canoe after the lead should pass the signal along to ensure the message has been understood and received by all.

Strokes

The following strokes will be introduced with emphasis placed on boat control rather than proper stroke technique.

Basic terminology and concepts:

• Shaft and grip hands stacked, vertical shaft with grip hand aligned above the shaft hand
• Paddle blade fully immersed
• Power and non-power face, indicating which side of the paddle face is pulling water
• Onside and offside, indicates the side the stern paddler is paddling on
• Paddlers should have an appropriate size and style of paddle for moving water

Stroke Legend

Draw

Introduction

The Draw is used to move the canoe toward the paddler’s onside.

Demo                                      

Explanation

1. Face the paddle and reach out from the mid-thigh to fully immerse the blade, parallel to the canoe.
2. Pull the canoe to the paddle.
3. To recover, drop the grip hand down, slice the blade back and out of the water. Repeat if necessary.

Action

Paddlers will execute a draw to move the canoe toward their paddling side.

Summary

The paddlers will use the draw to move the canoe toward the paddler’s onside. If done at the same time with the tandem partner the canoe will pivot.

Push Away

Introduction

The Push away and Pry strokes move the canoe away from the paddler’s onside. Pivoting the canoe happens when both paddlers perform the same strokes.

Explanation for Push Away

1. Set up: Rotate to face the paddle, with the paddle horizontal and parallel with the gunwale, the blade, parallel to the keel line, is sliced from behind the hip, lifting the grip up so the paddle is vertical with hands stacked adjacent to the knee.
2. Push the shaft hand away from the canoe keeping the grip hand in place.
3. To recover, slice the blade back out of the water and back to the canoe by dropping the grip hand down toward the gunwale. Repeat if necessary.

Action

Paddlers will execute a pry to move their end of the canoe away from their onside.

Summary

The paddlers will use the pry to turn the canoe away from the paddler’s onside. If done at the same time with the tandem partner the canoe will pivot. Pivots are frequently used to change the direction of travel.

Stern Draw

Introduction

The Stern Draw is used by the stern person to change the direction of the bow away from their onside.

Demo                                      

Explanation     

1. Slice the paddle blade 45° away from the stern of the canoe.
2. The shaft hand is extended out and away from the hip and acts as a fulcrum.
3. The grip hand begins the stroke located above the onside knee.
4. Punch the grip hand outward accompanied by rotating the torso for added power.
5. To recover, slice the blade upward and out of the water and then forward to prepare for the next stroke.

Action

The stern paddler will execute a Stern Draw to move the bow of the canoe away from the stern paddler’s onside. This can be used to change the direction of the canoe.

Summary

The stern draw is used by the stern paddler to turn the bow of the canoe away from the stern paddler's onside.

The Stern Draw is usually done after a forward stroke. However, if you need a quick adjustment a Stern Draw can be done on its own without a forward stroke.

Stern Pry

Introduction

The Stern Pry is used by the stern person to initiate a change in direction towards the stern paddler’s onside.

Demo

Explanation                             

• Slice the paddle blade alongside the canoe toward the stern with the grip hand thumb up.
• The shaft hand is anchored behind the hip at the gunwale while the grip hand is extended beyond the gunwale adjacent to the onside knee aided by facing the paddle. This positions the blade flat against the stern of the canoe.
• Pull the grip hand quickly inward to a position above the onside knee.
• The stroke uses the gunwale as a fulcrum.

Action

The stern paddler will demonstrate the use of a stern pry to turn the canoe to their onside.

Summary

The stern pry is used by the stern paddler to turn the canoe toward their onside.

Most of the time the stern pry is done after the forward stroke to ensure momentum is maintained. However, if you need a quick adjustment without a forward stroke a single stern pry can be done on its own.

Forward

Introduction

At this level the forward stroke may not need to be taught as it is intuitive to the participants. However, instructors can fine tune the participants' forward stroke if needed. The forward stroke is used to move the canoe forward and to offer stability.

Demo

Explanation

• Extend the paddle toward the bow and fully immerse the blade.
• The shaft hand begins ahead of the grip hand, both over the water.
• Grip hand should be at forehead level, arm with the elbow bent.
• The shaft hand pulls back toward the onside knee, and the grip arm straightens by extending forward.
• When the grip hand passes the shaft hand, lift the paddle from the water by lifting the shaft hand and lowering the grip hand and rotating the blade to slice it through the air back to the start position.

Action

The forward stroke is an elliptical paddle movement, where the grip hand replaces the shaft hand location. The cycle continues as required.

Summary

Both paddlers use the forward stroke to propel the canoe forward.

Reverse

Introduction

The Reverse stroke offers the paddlers a way to slow down or stop the canoe’s momentum. 

Demo

Explanation

• Slice the blade in behind the body next to the canoe.
• Place the shaft hand adjacent to the hip with the grip hand reaching across the body.
• Both hands are over the water alongside the gunwale.
• The paddle blade (non-power face) is pushed toward the knee where the blade is removed from the water. Repeat if necessary.

Action

The reverse stroke is often used to slow progression to avoid running into another canoe or reducing its momentum.

Summary

Both paddlers use the reverse stroke to propel the canoe backwards to slow down.

Stabilize the canoe with a Forward Stroke

Introduction

The forward stroke is an important tool to stabilize the canoe.

Demo

Explanation

• A forward stroke is the fundamental stroke to stabilize the canoe.
• They connect both the paddler and the canoe to the water by using the resistance created on the paddle blade.
• If the paddlers begin to lose stability, they may regain balance by using the resistive force of the forward stroke.

Action

Paddlers can practice by having one paddler rock the canoe as the other paddles forward.

Summary

The forward stroke should be the first option used to stabilize the canoe.

Risk Management

It is recommended that prior to the course the participants are supplied with a resource highlighting expectations and what to bring. See Resource Section

Prior to the Course: Know Before you Go, Taking the Essentials

Introduction

Informing the participants and knowing what to take prior to the event assists with a safe and enjoyable trip. See the welcome letter and the sample gear list below.

Engage

Participants will review what they have brought.

Summary

Proper preparation significantly enhances the safety, comfort and enjoyment of the course.

Safety Briefing

A safety briefing will be held prior to going onto the river. Participants will review the safety requirements prior to getting on the water.

• Dressed to paddle (footwear, dress for the weather: prepare for changing weather conditions, eye glass strap, etc)
• Life jacket and paddle selection
• Partners acquired
• Personal Gear (packed in a waterproof container: spare cloths, medication, water, snacks)
• Lead and Sweep (designation and explanation)
• River Signals
• What happens if canoe capsizes
• Expectations for the paddle tour

Swimming

Introduction

Knowing what to do after a canoe capsizes will provide for an effective rescue for the swimmer and the rescuer. Participants are not required to go for a swim at this level.

Engage

Participants will review (on land):

• what is the proper defensive swimmer’s position (on back, feet first downstream, hang onto paddle and stay upstream of the canoe),
• to never stand in current, and
• to listen for direction from the instructor.

Summary

Knowing what to do in case of a canoe capsize makes for an effective rescue.

Lead and Sweep Canoes

Introduction

Staying together within a set boundary will allow for better communication and support between the paddlers.

Engage

Participants will discuss why it is important to assign a lead and sweep position

• communication (auditory and visual),
• avoiding hazards, and
• effective rescues.

Summary

Staying together makes for a safe and comfortable paddle.

Expanding Skills and Training

Introduction

At this level it is important to know that Paddle Canada offers additional courses in canoeing as well as many other different disciplines.

Engage

Participants should be able to see or reference resources on Paddle Canada offerings.

• Links to Paddle Canada website prior to or after the course, and/or
• Links to local paddling options.

Summary

Expanding one’s skill offers a lifetime of fun and enjoyable challenges.

Resources

Welcome or Introduction Letter

To better prepare your participants a welcome or introduction letter should be sent out ahead of time. It should include the following:

• Instructor introduction,
• Location, put-in and take-out,
• Date and time,
• Waiver and medical form,
• Gear list of what to bring,
• Expectations (Paddle Canada directives for running a course (always wearing a life jacket, weather changes, possible swim, lunch break, etc), and
• Links to Paddle Canada website for further skill development and information.

Sample Gear List

Participants should be supplied with a gear list to best prepare them for the course. Adjust as needed.

Be Prepared & Have Fun! Gear List

Clothing & Footwear

• Dress for the weather but be prepared for changes.
• Sweater or wind Jacket
• Rain jacket
• Footwear that will get wet or muddy.
• Full change of clothing at your vehicle or in your dry bag.

Energy Items

• Water (cold and/or hot).
• Snacks or lunch (trip dependant).

Personal

• Hat/Toque (time of year dependant).
• Sunblock
• Insect repellent (time of year or type of trip)
• Sunglasses
• Glasses straps
• Medication (please let the instructor know if you have any health concerns)

There is always the possibility of rain or "splash" in the canoes so please keep electronic equipment in a waterproof container.

Gear should be packed in a dry bag or a backpack that is lined with plastic bags or Ziplock bags as this will help keep the gear water repellent.