We are seeking your input today into the development of a new national program called PaddleSmart, a paddle sport awareness program, which will be developed and added along side of other successful programs under the AdventureSmart banner.
We are excited to announce that Paddle Canada has been awarded a contract from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) to produce a PaddleSmart 30-50 page manual and presentation by March 31, 2013. Launching of trainer courses and development of outreach and additional instructor materials will follow in the years to come.
This opportunity aligns itself very well with Paddle Canada’s 3 Year Float Plan for Success with it’s focus on youth, since the main target audiences of these programs are schools.
What is AdventureSmart?
The AdventureSmart programs (Hug a Tree & Survive, Snow Safety, Survive Outside, Survive Outside Snowmobile) are broad public awareness & prevention campaigns that target outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. They are for the most part delivered by volunteers nationally for schools and local community groups. They have a proven track record of changing behaviour and decreasing the number of land based search and rescues over the last 10 years. This in turns saves on federal spending and decreases the hours that SAR professionals and volunteers are exposed to risk.
The delivery model for all AdventureSmart programs is the Three T’s:
- Trip Planning (Float Plans, checking forecasts, etc.)
- Training (where to seek additional training – i.e. why not a Paddle Canada course?)
- Taking The Essentials
The PaddleSmart Program Development Committee
A PaddleSmart PDC has been created and being chaired by Blair Doyle, President of Paddle Canada.
How You Can Help:
Since Paddle Canada is YOU! (with over 1600 instructor members strong and growing), we are seeking your input on this project. If interested in sharing your expertise, please submit responses on the following:
Basic Intro to Paddling Safety lessons, activities or games for:
- on land
- at waterfront
- for all ages (including families)
- Kids (under 12 and also above 12 yrs)
When submitting responses please tell us:
- your name
- instructor discipline (canoeing, kayaking etc)
- your experience in teaching adults, teens or kids
Please email your responses to the committee at [email protected]
Thank you in advance for helping us in this exciting program development.
The PaddleSmart PDC
