Intermediate Canoe Poling expands knowledge and skills from flatwater to moving water. The skill of river reading is to include the ability to utilize the full length of the pole in best depth conditions (shallower water) and to utilize slow water in ascending and descending a river.
Activities in this level focus on safety and comfortable poling in moving water up to class II. Naturally, this will require skill refinement, additional skill development and awareness of the environment of moving water.
While there is a great deal to learn at this level, activity should concentrate on progress, skill demonstration and an awareness of the need for future learning.
Refining and polishing strokes from the Introduction to Canoe Poling program
Pole placement: canoe and the current
Concepts
Advantages of using a pole
Use of the full length of the pole
Body rotation
Snubbing
Manoeuvres
Performed in class 1-2 waters
Canoe landing
Stopping and holding in current
Upstream travel smoothness
Downstream travel smoothness
Front and back ferry minimally
Enter and exit eddies
Snubbing
Knowledge
Canoe poles
Recommended poling locations
Choosing a safe poling environment
Expanded canoe lifts and carries
Knots: expanded (quick release knots)
Painters: selection, care, securing
Course advantages and limitations
Day trip planning
Poling resources
Additional courses
Basic repair kit
Emergency/survival/ditch kit (life jacket or hip pack)
Course Prerequisites
Certification
Introduction to Canoe Poling or prior experience with permission of the Instructor.
The Small Print
The content on this page is provided for information only and could be incorrect or outdated. The course program manual is the official syllabus.
If you have any specific syllabus questions, please get in touch with the
Canoe Program Committee who is responsible for the development and maintaince of this course.
Our mission is to promote, educate, and support the recreational paddling community, paddling instructors, and partners.
