Big Canoe Program Recent Changes

The following items have been updated in the Paddle Canada Big Canoe Program Manual. This is just a small sampling of changes since its release. Instructors and Instructor Candidate members should read through the entire manual carefully as all changes are not listed below.

January, 2026

• No major changes to the program this year.

January 2025

• Rename Drop Skeg to Deep Brace.
• Rename Maximum Seating to Maximum Paddlers.
• Added airbags in canoes for moving water and coastal environments.
• General clean up on duplicate sections and of wording to read better.
• Small grammar adjustments.

January 2024

• Updated items within levels Intermediate and Advanced.
• Optional strokes from Intermediate have been moved to Advanced.
• Advanced items have been moved to a new Style Level.
• Flip line transferred to Intermediate Level.
• Introduction of the inside tilt within Advanced Level.
• Understanding maximum seating and maximum capacity given water temperature.
• Defining paddling distance from shore given number of big canoes.
• Explanation of an additional “rescue boat”.
• Stirrup rescue devices added to all levels.