Introduction to Style Canoeing Instructor

Mandate of the Introduction to Style Canoeing Instructor

The Introduction to Style Canoeing Instructor is certified to conduct Paddle Canada Style Canoeing canoe skills courses up to Introduction to Style Canoeing and to certify paddlers at that level.

Prerequisites

Age

At least 18 years of age.

Membership

Current Paddle Canada membership and Provincial/Territorial membership (where required).

Skills Certification

Intermediate Style Canoeing skills.

Instructor Certification

Lake Canoe Advanced Solo Instructor

Teaching Experience

None.

Paddling Experience

Extensive solo paddling experience.

Minimum Course Length

32 hours minimum.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:6 candidates

Certification Awarded

Paddle Canada Introduction to Style Canoeing Instructor Tandem or Solo.

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Paddle Canada Introduction to Style Canoeing Instructor Trainer.

Minimum Number of Registered Instructor Candidates

This instructor course must have a minimum of three registered candidates, each with the required prerequisites completed, to qualify. This is to ensure the candidate experiences an appropriate level of group dynamics and can demonstrate competence in managing those dynamics. This policy will be strictly enforced.

If there are fewer than three registered candidates, the instructor trainer can certify them via the instructor mentorship process.

Course Location

Style canoeing focuses primarily on canoe control on quiet water; only a small area is required. A pool, sheltered pond, or small lake with 50m open water is usually adequate – larger groups may require more space. The water should be deep (1.5m or more) and free of obstructions or weeds allowing the deep paddle placement required of many of the strokes used in style canoeing.

Environmental Conditions

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

Instructor Course Information and Candidate Assessment

The instructor candidate will be assessed by the following methods:

• ongoing assessment (by observation) of the candidate’s performance in the areas of safety, self-care, care of equipment, group dynamics and leadership,
• presentations demonstrating ability to communicate course content, and
• a minimum of two demonstrations of teaching ability by each candidate, at least one of which shall be an “on water” session.

The instructor candidate will demonstrate all skills at a high level of proficiency at the Introduction level suitable for instructional demonstration purposes. Knowledge, risk management and paddling skills will exceed minimum standards and be suitable to the instructional environment.

The instructor is a leader in the paddling community and must demonstrate above- average judgment in all matters relating to safety, group management and the health and welfare of all participants. The demands of the paddling environment make demonstration of good judgment an important skill for the completion of this course.

For each category of paddling skills, theory and teaching, candidates will be graded Pass, Weak, or Fail.

Instructor Course General Information

Paddle Canada instructors are a critical link in the organization. They represent the primary point of contact with participants. As such, they are in the position to ensure the enjoyment and success of each participant, and thus the participant’s continued engagement in the sport.

Instructor courses teach instruction skills not canoeing skills and therefore instructor candidates are to be at a skill level where they are anticipating the water features action on canoes and paddling proactively to compensate. A skill-testing manoeuvre demonstrating superior and holistic boat control may be used to confirm the instructor candidate has the required skill level.

Instructor courses emphasize:

• Teaching practice and feedback,
• Rescue management,
• Safe site judgment, and
• Progression of error and detection, etc.

When evaluating candidates the following, but not limited to, should be considered: judgment, communication, control, group management, mitigate risk, rescue, leadership, competency of skills, decision making, teaching, organization, and task management.

Instructor candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the following topics, but not limited to, as they relate to the registration, administration, management and operation of recreational canoe programs within Paddle Canada.

• Paddle Canada policies, programs, certification and certification maintenance
• Organization and management of canoe courses
• Legal and liability issues affecting the instructor
• Safety procedures, hazard recognition, related regulations, permits and additional safety gear (for example, spare clothes, first aid kit, etc.)
• Equipment choice, teaching sites and areas, and scheduling
• Development of appropriate teaching progression/lesson plans
• Other resources (publications, organizations, clubs, regional events, etc) available in Canada

Paddle Canada instructors are:

• committed to Paddle Canada, its goals and objectives,
• knowledgeable of the Paddle Canada and its programs,
• committed to continued education & training in paddling and instruction,
• can communicate well, both written and oral,
• maintain course records and correspondence with Paddle Canada, paddlers, instructors, mentors and apprentices,
• competent in developing course outlines and lesson plans,
• focused on the safety of course participants, the public and themselves,
• skilled at maintaining good class management, and
• objective and compassionate with all participants.

Prerequisites

Candidates should have all the prerequisite skills certification at the level they are trying to achieve prior to gaining instructor certification. Otherwise, more time needs to be added to the course length to add those skills and knowledge.

Policies

Candidates must review and be familiar with Paddle Canada Policies and Information.

Code of Conduct for Paddle Canada Instructors

Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a professional instructor and the Code of Conduct for Paddle Canada Instructors.

Responsibilities to Paddle Canada

Paddle Canada attempts to provide the best, most up-to-date and uniform instruction available. Therefore, it is the duty of each instructor member to learn any new techniques, alterations or modifications in order to pass them on to those who take instruction.

To remain outdated in technique is unfair to fellow members and the public.

Participant Progression

Instructor progresses at the paddler pace and teaches for success. To meet the needs of the participants and the standards for the certification level, instructors may recommend additional time that exceeds the minimum duration requirement.

Get students on the water quickly. Try to limit “front loading” safety topics prior to getting on the water. These items can be dispersed throughout the course. Consider handouts with theory and knowledge information in print form and precourse videos.

Give your students a successful experience to get them hooked on paddling. Motivate by making it achievable. If you did not cover the curriculum, encourage your students to practice and retake the course.

Assessment of Participants “body, paddle, and canoe action”

When assessing participants, there is a progression of expectations. Obviously, there are higher expectations as participants move through the various levels. Nevertheless, there are some guiding common assessment principles to keep in the forefront. Consider ongoing assessment that is holistic and looks for consistent improvement and consistent performance. Look for smooth continuous motion at any rate (slow, medium, or fast)—smooth boat and smooth paddle. Does the participant’s action meet the objective and expectation (for example, to end up somewhere)? In doing so, did they make proficient use of their strokes, commands and crew members.

Look for body, paddle, and canoe action that is safe, consistent, and in control. Communicate to the participants what are the ‘must sees’ and ‘look for’ them. Use descriptive terms such as smooth, stable, effortless fashion, fluid, finesse, ease, simplicity, etc.

Assess communication, coordination, and the cooperation between the leader and their paddlers.

In the end, the participant must have the competency of skills and knowledge of the course (i.e. that means go anywhere and everywhere in a safe and controlled manner).

It is all about boat control; being in control so that you are safe and having fun.

Teaching Theory and Knowledge

How One Learns

Depending on the level of program the candidate will:

• review the different ways how one learns and retains information, and
• explain how to accommodate a variety of different styles in their lessons.

Teaching Styles

The candidate will

• review different ways of presenting information,
• discuss advantages and challenges of some common teaching strategies (lectures, scenarios, discussions, questions, activities, games), and
• learn and apply a simple teaching strategy suitable for skill development by using the I.D.E.A.S. (Introduce, Demo, Explain, Action and Summary) and I.E.S (Introduce, Engage and Summary) methods.

Course Outline, Design and Delivery

The candidates will:

• discuss pre-course work:
  • Participants – Paddle Canada waivers, medical or concerns, group dynamics, age, background, etc. “learn the names”,
  • preparing participants: location(s), times, what to bring and what is provided, course outline and expectations, and
  • pre-course work on Paddle Canada Policies (questionnaire for learning the website), and other related material such as video links for strokes, manoeuvers, rescues, etc.
• prepare a written course outline for the relevant skills course as a group or individual,
• select effective teaching location for their presentations,
• demonstrate the progressions, sequencing of material,
• develop and present a 10–15 minute on-water skill with a strong emphasis on safety and fun,
• develop and present a 5-10 minute presentation on one of the knowledge or theory topic,
• foster a rewarding and positive learning environment by using positive language,
• use a range of appropriate teaching aids and techniques including on-water
  activities or games to engage the participants,
• model ethics and values consistent with the Paddle Canada with the Paddle Canada
  code of conduct,

Candidates will be given at least 24 hours’ notice of their two formal teaching topics. Instructor Trainers may request candidates to teach other mini topics at shorter notice.

Presentation of material should match the intended target audience (kids, youth, adults) for the course level. Candidates should use activities that engage their participants as the primary method of teaching a skill or activity appropriate to the audience.

Safety Skills

Candidates must exceed the standards for demonstrating all rescue skills at the appropriate level and demonstrate above average judgment in all matters relating to safety, group management and the health and welfare of all participants. The demands of the paddling environment make demonstration of good judgment an important skill for the completion of the course.

Leadership and Group Management

The candidate will demonstrate their leadership skills by:

• leading group activities,
• organizing their group according to the environment and needs of the participants to enhance their learning,
• speaking clearly and effectively with others using a variety of verbal and nonverbal, communication tools both on and off the water,
• assist with rescues when necessary, and
• identify potential hazards as they arise.

Professional Judgment

Instructors must utilize their professional judgment and alter the course when conditions dictate. Paddle Canada instructors are to exercise their own judgment while teaching all course topics. Although the intent of the Paddle Canada canoe program manuals is to mandate a common national course curriculum, instructors must decide which test items to teach, cover, and test while bearing in mind the current environmental conditions, location, as well as the candidates’ safety.