Gentleman paddling a canoe solo.
Photo credit: Gabes Images

Introduction to Solo Lake Canoeing

Discipline: Canoeing Program: Lake Canoe Stream: Skills Development

The Introduction to Solo Lake Canoeing introduces beginner paddler to paddling in calm sheltered waters.

Students are introduced to the basic paddling strokes and land and water rescues techniques. At the end of the course participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures.

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Course Overview

Typical Course Length

6 hours of instruction

Course Topics

Safety and Rescue
  • Carrying a canoe
  • Dealing with wind, waves and weather
  • Hypothermia & hyperthermia
  • Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
  • Transport Canada regulations
  • Safe canoe procedures (for example, lead, sweep and on-water leadership)
  • Canoe over canoe rescue
General paddling skills
  • Entering and exiting a canoe
Strokes
  • Forward and Reverse strokes
  • Check (stop)
  • Draw and Pry
  • C-stroke and J-stroke
  • Stern pry
  • Forward and reverse sweeps
  • Low brace and sculling low brace
Manoeuvres
  • Circles (small to large)
  • Forward paddling
  • Pivots
  • Onside and offside turns
  • Docking
  • Stopping
  • Sideslip
  • Reverse paddling
Concepts
  • Solo paddling position and trim
  • How to hold a paddle
  • Momentum and initiation
Knowledge
  • Basic canoe and paddle parts
  • Paddle and canoe care
  • Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and truckers hitch)
  • Equipment for a half day tour
  • Paddlesmart
  • Leave no trace principles
Course Prerequisites
  • None