Intro Solo instructors should have demonstration skills at a level beyond the basic introduction skills that will be taught. Candidates are expected to have at least the boat control skills required at the intermediate level prior to starting the instructor course. This means the ability to consistently demonstrate the introductory level manoeuvres cleanly with no hesitation or errors.
The following are the expectations for Intermediate level paddlers based broadly on the Paddle Canada Lake Program manual (6th Edition, 2013). The following list is not the material covered in an Introductory course, but the level of skill expected of the instructor. Although the following criteria don't fit exactly with the Intermediate skills outlined by Paddle Canada, the skills and manoeuvres listed demonstrate adequate boat control and can be reviewed quickly at the start of a course. Candidates should be able to complete all of the manoeuvres on both paddling sides. The linked video clips present a higher level of skill than is required, they do show what the manoeuvres should look like in practise. In some cases the defined criteria refer to a dock, the manoeuvres demonstrated here are done without a dock to provide adequate viewing of the paddler and canoe motion. There is no voice over or discussion of paddling strokes, names, or criteria – this was intentional, it is the motion of the canoe that is important.
All of the video clips provided here show soloing a larger tandem canoe. The canoe is paddled at a constant heel allowing better access to the water and a more vertical paddle placement. If conditions are rough the canoe should be paddled with less heel, providing more stability. Smaller 'solo' canoes should be paddled level except when turning, or in a side slip where the heel is offside.
Forward line over 25m with a corridor of 2 boat widths (2m), ending with a controlled stop showing minimal yaw in less than one canoe length. This is one of the deviations made from the Intermediate level skills. The Intermediate level specifies a 100m forward triangular course within 4m corridor. The triangular allows for corners along with paddling a controlled line. The intro skill level requires 50m (2x25m) with pivot at half way point in a 5m corridor. Making the corridor narrower, limiting yaw, and adding a controlled stop seems a reasonable compromise for providing a quick skills check.
Side Slip (displacement) over 5m in both directions with limited forward backward motion. The manual allows "... limited contact with the dock and the front of the canoe, yaw, and rolling movement." Any bumping of the dock (or other object) is a poor demonstration so the criteria used will limit the forward/backward motion to within 30cm and no dock contact (this is consistent with the tandem criteria).
Figure of 8 (connected circles) with each circle approximately 1 canoe distance from centre. The Intermediate skill requirement indicates use of an appropriate tilt and transition. The manual is not clear if appropriate tilt means a carving turn. Turns may be carved with an on-side or off-side tilt depending on the boat shape, typically when soloing a tandem boat, tilt will be to the onside.
Inside and Outside landings within a 3m marked area. The turn must be completed within 1m of the dock or landing.
Inside:
Outside:
Reverse paddling over 25m, within a 5m corridor, and less than 45° yaw. Candidates are asked to paddle out and back along the same course with a controlled stop at both ends.
Running side slip of 1-2m. The Paddle Canada manual indicates this is under power with limited loss of momentum. The demonstration requested is a running side slip with limited loss of momentum - continuous power throughout the side slip is not required (although possible for onside or offside).
Onside:
Offside:
Pivots are not required in the Paddle Canada manual except as part of a forward line or backing up. The box stroke is used at the intermediate level which suggests pivots are required at some point (beyond the line). Pivots are included as a requirement here since instructors are often required to pivot during a course to move between students and transition between demonstrations.
Weight Turns allow the canoe to turn without paddling using weight and momentum to control the rate of the turn. The candidate must initiate the turn and then adjust the tilt with the lower body, while keeping upper body relatively still and above canoe (centred), to control the turn. Once the canoe has reached the desired direction the paddler may commence paddling. Turns may be done with an on-side or off-side tilt depending on the boat shape, typically when soloing a tandem boat tilt will be to the onside. Weight turns are not usually included in the pre-assessment of intro solo instructor candidates. Candidates should be aware of the requirement at the Intermediate level.
Paddling in Wind and Waves is a requirement with the following: "The candidate shall demonstrate different paddling positions and how to trim a canoe for conditions. For example: wind and water conditions (Headwind: bow heavy; Tailwind: stern heavy; large waves; weight centred)."
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