Home » The Paddle Canada National Canoeing Program » Lake Canoe Stream » Canoeing Basics
Photo credit: Priscilla Haskin
The Canoeing Basics course provides a preliminary foundation, knowledge and skills necessary for calm and close to shore lake paddling.
The course content focuses on basic skill development and safe paddling skills in a shorter period of time, typically an evening or half-day course.
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2-4 hours of instruction.
Transport Canada regulations
Designated paddling area
Cold water concerns (hypothermia)
Heat (sun) related concerns (hyperthermia)
Environmental hazards
Expanding one’s skills
Buddy system
Help and huddle positions
Paddle Canada's lifejacket policy: always wear it!
Warm-up to reduce paddling injuries
Lifejacket selection
Canoe stability
Whistle signals
Canoe rescue options
Using throw bags
Enter & exit canoe (shore or dock)
Balance and stability
Switching sides
Paddling in cadence
How to hold a paddle
Forward and Reverse
Check (stop)
Draw (above water recovery)
Pry
J-stroke or rudder
Forward sweep stern only
Low brace
Drop Skeg
Balance: 3-point contact
Paddling positions
Forward paddling
Pivots
Turns under power (rectangular course)
Stopping
Basic canoe and paddle parts
Canoe selection and care
Personal outfitting
Canoe lifts and carries
Canoe outfitting
Safe paddling practices
Course limitations
Paddlesmart
Canoeing resources & local paddling clubs
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The content on this page is provided for information only and could be incorrect or outdated.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.