Moving Water Canoe Skills Introduction Solo

Aim
This Moving Water Introduction to Solo course introduces the canoeist to many of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and manoeuvres of canoeing whitewater. The nature of class I rapids (current, ripples, small waves, etc.) provide a friendly and safe environment to teach and learn the fundamentals of canoeing Moving Water before venturing into whitewater situations.

The successful Moving Water Introduction to Solo candidate is considered a beginner river canoeist, capable of performing basic shore and water-based river rescues, including self-rescue. The candidate will be introduced to basic river manoeuvres such as eddy turns and ferries while paddling solo, in Class I current, ripple, and small wave rapids.

Upon Successful Completion
The Moving Water Canoe Skills Introduction Solo is certified to:

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

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

Prerequisites
Lake Intermediate Solo or permission of Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge.


Course Length
2 or more days

Class Ratio
1 Instructor : 6 Participants

Location
River or rapids (class I) as well as flatwater (lake, pond, etc.). This course may be partly conducted in a classroom and/or on flatwater (lake, pond, etc.).


Conditions
Class I rapids (current, ripples, small waves) with little wind.


Program Overview
SAFETY & RESCUE
Theory:
Anatomy of a River (basic and dependent on locale)
International River Classification
River Hazards (including Hypothermia)
Rescue Procedures (paddle/feet/canoe/partner/rescuer)
Weather Considerations
Proper Clothing (for basic river paddling)

Practical:
River Signals
Swimmer's Position
Self Rescue
Shore Rescue (throw bag)
Canoe Rescues (canoe over canoe, towing, etc.)
Emptying a Canoe at Shore

PADDLING SKILLS
General
Body Position, Balance, and J-Lean
Portaging and Lining
River Reading, Scouting, and Route Options
River Paddling Concepts (MITH or equivalent)

Strokes

Forward
Draws and Prys
Low Brace (for stability, if available, use of outfitting, etc)
Righting Pry (for stability, if available, use of outfitting, etc)
High Brace (for river running: running sideslip and eddy turns)
River J (forward stroke with non-powerface pry at hip)
Bow Draw & Crossbow Draw
Offside Forward (introduction)
Review and Refine Introduction to Canoeing Strokes (as required)

Manoeuvres
Flatwater Warm-up and Review Session
Launching and Landings in Flatwater (eddy pool)
Forward Paddling
Accelerating from a Stopped Position
Eddy Turns and Peel Outs
Running Side Slip
Forward Ferry
Navigating River Bends
"S" turn
Varying Your Speed (slower/faster than current)
*for skill development, survival, defensive, or recovery

KNOWLEDGE
River Paddling Equipment (basic)
River Canoe Features, Materials, and Construction
Outfitting a Canoe (purpose of)
River Run (2-4 hours, if feasible)
River Day Trip Planning
Group Formation & Communication
Understanding Limitations
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
River Day Trip Map Interpretation
WW Canoeing Resources
Development of solo whitewater canoeing
Regional history of recreational whitewater canoeing

Instructors
The following instructors are accredited to offer this course:
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Intermediate Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Advanced Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Intermediate Solo
Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer Advanced Solo


The following instructors may assist/apprentice (Mentorship) on this course:
Not Applicable

Assessment
Activities focus on individual safety and comfortable paddling in current. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, the activities should concentrate on personal progress and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course encouraged to continue their learning and aware of their individual limitations.