Intermediate Style Canoeing Skills

Core elements must be attempted on both paddling sides but only the most proficient side will be assessed.

Prerequisites

Skills Certification

Introduction to Style Canoeing skills or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course instructor.

Minimum Course Length

8 hours minimum though additional time for routine development and practice will be required.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:6 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Intermediate Style Canoeing Instructor.

Course Location

Pool, pond, or lake on quiet water.

Environmental Conditions

Conditions should not exceed water class -0, winds <16 km/hr.

Participant Assessment

Assessment is based on the completion of core elements within the identified criteria as set by the instructor, open water manoeuvres, and routines. Although paddling strokes are taught within each level, assessment is primarily based on the movement and control of the canoe in routines rather than execution of specific strokes.

Skills and Manoeuvres

The following manoeuvres are examples and may be expanded on by the instructor:

• ‘Flip’ – line with 180° pivot turn & continue the same direction
• Line pivots
• Pinwheel (centre pivot)
• 45° line (diagonal line)
• Spiral to pivot

See Teaching Notes for more details on each core element.

Personal development and exploration. Explore and develop personalized ideas for style within the difficulty appropriate to the level. Other canoes may be used as markers or part of the routine – such as synchronized paddling.

Transitions

Transitions between core elements forward and introduction of reverse transitions including weight shifts

• Transitions covered in the introductory level
• Reverse transitions (same as forward transitions at intro level)
• Side displacement to bow/stern pivot
• Arc (e.g. spiral) into pivot
• Pivot into Arc
• Arc to Arc switching

Routines

Participants will demonstrate the following.

• Simple solo or duet routine (4-6+ manoeuvres) – synchronized paddling or complex solo routine of 6+ manoeuvres
• Routines at this level and above may be done to music and choreographed (although this aspect of the routine will not be part of the assessment)
• Routines should be considered as a whole with smooth or ‘intended’ transitions throughout.
• Experiment with ad-lib or improvised routines.
• Basic synchronized paddling.

Knowledge

Core Elements

All of the introductory core elements but with tighter corridors (for example, half of each corridor and yaw as appropriate).

Additional elements include:

• Reverse inside circles (two) (<2m, 5m radial, 20°)
• Reverse outside circles (two) (<2m, 5m radial, 20°)
• Reverse turns in both directions (<2m, 5m, 90°) – including pivot turn, stop turns, and U turns
• Controlled forward weight turns in both directions (<3m, 5m, 90°) without over rotation or ‘wash out’ – some continued side or forward motion after the turn is acceptable, demonstrating the ability to initiate the turn, stop the turning motion, and initiate again in the same direction.
• Weight shift (required for offside strokes & controlled weight turns)
• Forward running side slip (both directions) (2m to side, over 4m forward, 20°)
• Forward connected circles (two circuits) (<2m, 5m radial, 20°)
• Reverse weight turns (some control, consistent selection of direction)
• Reverse straight line glide of 5-10 seconds (<2m, 10m, minimal to zero)
• Side displacement with inside and outside corners (both directions) (<1m, 10m, 20°), onside/offside heel

The following strokes will be introduced:

• Reverse Rolling J
• Circle stroke (both high and low for extended pivots)
• Surface sweep (for turn – e.g. Christie). The sweep may be done one handed.
• One handed jam, and associated follow-up pry.
• Compound forward stroke
• Running draw & Running Pry used for side slip
• Combined or blended strokes. In particular, keeping some force on the paddle throughout blended strokes (for example, using a palm roll)
• A good understanding of all phases of a paddling stroke is required, including recovery.

Offside strokes (offside forward, draw, pry – both dynamic and static). These should be done with both onside and off-side heel. Consideration should be made of the canoe width and limitations of the size and reach of the canoeist.

Theory

Participants will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Paddle shapes/styles
• More advanced hull shape discussion and impact of heel, trim on carving & skidding turns
• Leading and trailing ends
• Importance and effect of body position, paddling style/manoeuvres
• Importance of communication when doing synchronized paddling
• Development of routines (choreography)
• Transitions between manoeuvres – most efficient and effective