Aim
The Coastal Canoeing Skills Introduction course introduces the beginner to paddling with a partner in enclosed and sheltered waters with easy landing options immediately present with wind conditions less than 8 knots with sea state calm to rippled.

The skills and knowledge gained at this level form the foundation necessary for confident and safe travel in more dynamic coastal environments later in the program. Rescue techniques at this level revisit assisted rescues taught in the Introduction to Lake Tandem course but are performed in a coastal environment.

Upon Successful Completion
The Coastal Canoeing Skills Introduction is certified to:

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

Assist and/or Apprentice (Mentorship) on the following courses:
Not Applicable

Prerequisites
Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem

Course Length


Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 9 Participants

Location
Enclosed and sheltered with easy landing options immediately present.
No open crossings.
An example would be a coastal estuary without appreciable tidal current.

Conditions
Wind calm (< 8 knots)
Sea state calm to rippled.

Program Overview
Safety & Rescue

Theory:

• Review Introduction to Lake Tandem
• Water/Wind/Waves/Weather (How to access marine and land forecasts)
• Tides (determining times of high and low water)
• Hypothermia and Cold Water Shock (additional considerations in a coastal environment and the 1:10:1 rule)
• Personal Preparation (wet suits, dry suits, clothing, water, snacks, meds, etc.)
• Safe Canoe Procedures while underway

Practical:

• Warm Up to Reduce Paddling Injuries
• Empty a Swamped Canoe
• Canoe over Canoe performed in a coastal environment (victim and rescuer)

Paddling Skills
General:

• Review Introduction to Lake Tandem
• Launch and Remove Canoe from shore
• Paddling Concepts (basic strokes, hand placement, power face of blade, etc.)
• Body Position (torso rotation, using larger muscle group, etc.)
• Balance and Trim

Strokes:

• Review Introduction to Lake Tandem in the context of a coastal canoe day trip including:
• Forward and Reverse Sweeps
• Bow Draw
• Good beginnings of braces
• J Stroke
• Stern Draw
• Stern Pry

Maneuvers:

• Review Introduction to Lake Tandem maneuvers in the context of a coastal canoe day trip including:
• Forward Straight Line Paddling
• Pivot Turns in tight locations
• Large to Small Arc Turns (Canoe in Motion)
• Paddling in Cadence
• Left Turns Under Power
• Right Turns Under Power

Knowledge

• Review Introduction to Lake Tandem
• Personal clothing and equipment for Day Paddling in Coastal environments (wet suits, waterproofing, etc.)
• Appropriate lifts and carries to transport a Canoe from vehicle to shore and back
• Understanding colors and some common symbols used on nautical charts
• Navigating Shoreline using piloting techniques such as checkpoints, handrails and natural catching features
• Accessing and interpreting both land and marine forecasting
• Determining times of high and low water
• Locating safe environments on a nautical chart/topographic map for Introductory Coastal Canoeing

Day Trip Planning and Recap:

• Paddling in a Group (lead and sweep)
• Course Limitations
• Additional Courses
• Canoeing Resources
• Local Paddling Clubs or Groups
• Paddling Etiquette (on and off the water)
• Leave No Trace (in relationship to coastal day paddling)
• Coastal Canoeing and Indigenous Peoples
• Coastal Canoe Tour of minimum 3 hours in duration