Moving Water Canoe Basic Tandem Skills

Emphasis is placed on safety, stability, controlled downstream and upstream paddling, as well as pivot turns. 

General Learning Outcome

Paddlers 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.

Prerequisites 

None.

Course Length 

6 hours minimum. This program can be taught in mini sessions depending on the needs of the group.

Class Ratio 

1 instructor: 8 participants 

Minimum Staff & Certification

One Moving Water Canoe Basic Tandem Instructor.

Environmental Conditions 

Flatwater, slow moving Class I, easily paddled upstream.

Approximate 6 km/hr.

Learning Outcomes and Teaching Resources

See the new Moving Water Canoe Basic Tandem Skills Course manual.

Moving Water Skills Checklists

Canoe Strokes Resource Document

Assessment 

Assessment is to be done on participant comfort while paddling in current with emphasis placed on stability, directional control, the river environment and safety awareness. Paddlers should leave the course energized to continue learning to advance their skill and knowledge.

Skills and Manoeuvres

Paddlers will demonstrate the following manoeuvres. Note, at this level emphasis is placed on boat movement rather than paddler form. Details on the manoeuvres can be found in the Moving Water Canoe Basic Tandem course resource manual.

Strokes

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

The participant will demonstrate the following strokes during the following manoeuvres:

• Draw: to pivot or change direction of the canoe
• Push Away: to pivot or change direction of the canoe
• Forward: to propel the canoe forward
• Reverse: to stop forward momentum or to slow the canoe down
• Stern Pry: to turn the canoe to the stern paddler's onside
• Stern Draw: to turn the canoe to the stern paddler's offside

Lifting and Carrying a Canoe

The participant will:

• demonstrate how to safely lift and move a canoe to the water’s edge by demonstrating proper technique with the help of a partner,
• display an awareness of the environment around them, and 
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Launching in Current

The participant will:

• demonstrate how to safely launch a canoe in current with proper boat placement, fully support by the water and facing upstream, with the help of a partner,
• display an awareness of keeping the centre of gravity low, and 
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Landing in Current 

The participant will:

• demonstrate a pivot and a ferry to safely land a canoe in current while maintaining control and stability,
• display an awareness of other canoes, and 
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Front Ferry

The participant will:

• demonstrate how to pivot and ferry the canoe upstream, while maintaining control and stability,
• display an awareness of the environment around them, and
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Downstream Run

The participant will:

• demonstrate control and stability of the canoe while following the Lead canoe,
• display an awareness of the environment around them, and
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Navigating River Bends

The participants will:

• demonstrate how to navigate a safe route along the inside of a river bend while following the lead canoe,
• display an awareness of the environment around them, and
• communicate effectively with their partner during the activity.

Knowledge

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

Transport Canada Regulations

The participant will:

• list the minimum (4) safety requirements from Transport Canada’s regulations, and
• demonstrate how to properly secure these items on the canoe and on their body.

Canoe and Paddle Parts and Outfitting

The participant will:

• list the basic parts of the canoe and paddle, and
• point out any canoe outfitting that may be fitted to the canoe. 

River Hazards

The participant will:

• identify common hazards within the environment they are paddling on, and 
• explain how to avoid them.

River Anatomy

The participant will:

• identify the river features, as well as their names, and
• describe how they are a potential problem or benefits.

Reading Current

The participant will:

• demonstrate their knowledge of using visual clues such as water colour and texture and
• describe how they can assist with identifying the direction of flow, deep or shallow water.

Stability

The participant will:

• demonstrate the different ways of keeping the canoe stable by paddling forward, on opposite sides, sitting in the centre of the seat, 
• and explain the benefits of kneeling versus sitting in a canoe.

River Signals

The participant will:

• use common paddle signals,
• discuss common whistle signals for the group's attention or in an emergency, and
• describe their importance for safe paddling practices.

Risk Management

Taking the Essentials

The participant will:

• come prepared for the activities with proper clothing, footwear, equipment and food, and
• ensure their gear is in a waterproof bag. 

Swimming

The participant will:

• know that swimming is a real possibility, and
• discuss the proper swimmer position, and the importance of listening for direction from the Instructor in case of a swim.

Staying Together as a Group

The participant will:

• demonstrate knowledge of the importance of a designated lead and sweep canoe, and
• understand that safety is enhanced by staying together as a group. 

Expanding Skills and Training

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the other Paddle Canada additional courses for skill development and including the Safety and Rescue clinics.