Intro Tandem Instructor Course
Tandem Manoeuvres
Paddling Skill Level Expectations Prior to Start of Intro Tandem Instructor Course.

The following clip provides an overview of a variety of manoeuvres as a quick preview

Background

Intro Tandem 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.

Manoeuvres

Forward line 25m line within 2 boat width corridor, ending with a controlled stop with minimal yaw within ½ 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. This allows for corners along with controlled line but it takes more time to confirm as a skill. The intro level requires 50m (2x25m) with pivot at half way point in a 5m corridor and less than 45° yaw. Making the corridor narrower, limited yaw, and adding a controlled stop seems a reasonable compromise for a quick check.

Side Slip (displacement) 5m in both directions with forward/backward movement within 33cm

Figure of 8 (connected circles) made of two circles each approximately 1 canoe distance from centre. Two circuits of the Figure 8 course must completed. The circles should be large and round as apposed to long and narrow. In the assessment a corridor of 2m will be used. Candidates must show consistent momentum, initiation of carves, proper boat tilt, and proper holding of bow strokes throughout the manoeuvre. Carving may be done with an on-side or off-side tilt depending on the boat shape.

Inside and Outside landings Inside and Outside landings (docking) within a 1m marked area along the dock.

Reverse paddling distance of 25m within a 5m corridor, with less than 45 degree yaw. Candidates are usually asked to paddle out and back along the same course with a controlled stop at both ends to provide a quick assessment of forward/reverse paddling and controlled stops.

Running side slip in both directions is required at the Intermediate level but the manual only provides broad criteria: "...move the canoe laterally while maintaining parallel...". The candidate assessment should be 1-2m lateral displacement, while maintaining reasonable forward motion throughout the manoeuvre.

Pivots are included at the introductory level, completing 360° pivot in one direction and then the other way with little forward/backward motion. Although pivots are not included at the Intermediate level skills assessment they are included as part of the candidate assessment.

Inside and Outside Turns approaching a dock or shoreline at roughly 90°, turn parallel to the dock and continue paddling. The turn should demonstrate appropriate initiation, tilt, hold and consistent speed through out the turn. Carving may be done with an on-side or off-side tilt depending on the boat shape. Candidates should be aware this is part of the Intermediate level skills assessment.

Paddling in Wind and Waves is not a clearly defined criteria within the Paddle Canada Intermediate level. There are several discussions of wind/waves at the intermediate level so the knowledge and skill of paddling in wind and waves is required. The Intermediate course conditions allow "...to variable wind and waves", along with the following statement under the canoe tour: "...a small increase of wind and waves suitable for this course." The candidates should be able to paddle and control the canoe in moderately windy conditions.


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If you have any questions or comments please send me Email: burc...@cc.umanitoba.ca


Last modified: Wed Aug 29, 2018