This page covers Intermediate level paddling skills that candidates should have mastered before starting an Intro Lake Tandem or Solo Instructor course. These skills may be assessed as part of the instructor course. The paddling skill information below is provided for self assessment and is not considered part of a course.
When teaching, intro level instructors and candidates, are only responsible for covering the actual Introductory Level skills, demonstrated at an Intermediate level. .
Paddle Canada has set consistent nation wide standards for instructors. Obtaining instructor certification can be a difficult task and may take some time to complete through both courses and mentorship. More information on the necessary criteria for instructor levels, skills, and apprentice/mentorship requirements can be found on the Paddle Canada website under Programs/Canoeing.
Instructor courses focus on teaching methods and detection/correction skills, candidates must be able to complete and demonstrate skills and manoeuvres at a level higher than the requirements of the courses they will be teaching. You should have completed the Intermediate Lake Tandem or Solo skills courses, or you can consistently demonstrate the equivalent skills.
The following check lists include the Intermediate manoeuvres and skills expected of an instructor candidate. You should be able to complete these skills on both your 'on' and 'off-side'. This list does not cover all of the Intermediate level skills, but if you can demonstrate these manoeuvres consistently you are well prepared.
This page is focused on specific manoeuvres and some safety requirements. It does not cover specific strokes or theory material (knots, portaging, boat/paddle material/design, navigation, weather, etc....), instructor candidates are also responsible for adequate knowledge of these topic areas.
Although as an Introductory level instructor you only have to demonstrate the Intro level skills, having additional skills and manoeuvre capabilities provides for safety and risk mediation. If someone needs help, or a rescue is required, many of the listed manoeuvres & skills would be critical - even if they are not part of the intro curriculum.
If you are unfamiliar with any particular manoeuvre or skill contacting the instructor trainer before the course is often helpful.
| Task | Stern | Bow | Solo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight line forward and backward ~25m | |||
| Controlled Stopping (forward and backward ~1m mark) | |||
| Pivot both directions (1m) | |||
| Side displacement both directions ~5m | |||
| Side slip (running) both directions ~1-2m | |||
| Inside circle ~5m radius (part of figure 8) | |||
| Outside circle ~5m radius (part of figure 8) | |||
| Inside turn & continue, approach ~90° | |||
| Outside turn & continue, approach ~90° | |||
| Inside landing ~1m from mark | |||
| Outside landing ~1m from mark |
| Skill | Done |
|---|---|
| Canoe rescue with canoe-over-canoe and/or parallel technique (lt 4 min) reenter canoe and assist others from deep water | |
| Throw bag - throw, hit, and tow victim (10m) | |
| Canoe towing | |
| Tow swimmers (15m) |
| Skill | Done |
|---|---|
| Understanding of Edging momentum, initiation, tilt, hold | |
| Appropriate treatment of equipment | |
| Safe paddling awareness | |
| Equipment selection knowledge
Small Vessel regulations appropriate size (PFD/Paddle) |
| Resource | Note |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Tandem Manoeuvres | TBD - spring 2019 |
| Intermediate Solo Manoeuvres | |
| Rescue Demonstration & Description Canoe over Canoe from Canoeroots Parallel Rescue from Canoeroots | TBD - fall 2019 |
| Paddle Canada Lake Manual (6th ed, 2013) | |
| Paddle Canada Strokes Manual (2012) | |
| MPC Canoe School Lake Resource (2018) | |
| MPC Canoe School Instructor Resource (2018) |
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If you have any questions or comments please send me Email: burc...@cc.umanitoba.ca