Coastal Canoeing Skills Intermediate

Aim
This Coastal Canoeing course provides the skill and theory necessary to paddle with other of similar ability in sheltered coastal canoeing locations. Strokes and maneuvers are to be performed at a higher degree of proficiency than in the introductory program in conditions with greater exposure to wind, waves and possible swell. The participant will be exposed to more exposed locations so as to be better able to identify the differences between sheltered and exposed coastline paddling. The skills and knowledge gained at this level form a base for confident and safe travel in more dynamic coastal environments. Rescue techniques at this level revisit assisted rescues taught in the Intermediate Lake Tandem course but are performed in a coastal environment.

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

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

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

Prerequisites
Intermediate Lake Tandem, and
Introduction to Coastal Canoeing or
Permission of the Course Director based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge.

Course Length
Minimum 2 days

Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 9 Participants

Location
Sheltered waters with easy landing options.
No open crossings
An example would be a harbor open at one side.
Some refracted swell and/or small breaking waves can be present.

Conditions
Light wind (0-11 knots)
Sea state calm to light chop.

Note:
Some exposure to small swell and small breakers is appropriate as it is a progression to Advanced Coastal Canoeing and provides a greater understanding to participants of the different environmental considerations between sheltered and exposed coastlines.

Program Overview
Safety & Rescue

Theory:

Review Intermediate Lake Tandem
Water/Wind/Waves/Weather (How to interpret marine and land forecasts in relation to local topography)
Tides (determining times of high and low water and have an understanding of the factors that influence tidal range)
Navigation by piloting
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:

Canoe over Canoe (timed) performed in a coastal environment (victim and rescuer)
In-line tows and switching boats doing the towing

Paddling Skills
General:

Review Intermediate Lake Tandem
Compound strokes along shorelines
Compensating for environmental effects on the canoe

Strokes:

Review Intermediate Lake Tandem in the context of a coastal canoe day trip including:
Bow pry
Cross Bow Draw
Reverse J
Compound Reverse

Maneuvers:

Review Intermediate Lake Tandem maneuvers in the context of a coastal canoe day trip including:
Forward paddling
Tight Pivot Turns
Side Slipping with limited bow or stern turning
Stopping skills
Tighter turning
Reverse paddling
Bracing

Knowledge

Review Intermediate Lake Tandem
Review Introduction to Coastal Canoeing
Knowledge of common symbols used on nautical charts including rock awash, rock with drying heights, etc. manmade aids to navigation and rules of the road for marine traffic.
Navigating a shoreline using expanded piloting techniques such as time as a catching feature and transits
Interpreting the possible effects of both land and marine forecasts on the local coastal environment including common land-wind interactions and likely areas of clapotis, cross seas tide against swell, boomers and swell.
Understanding the factors that influence tidal range
Locating safe environments on a nautical chart for Intermediate Coastal Canoeing

Day Trip Planning and Recap: