Moving Water Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem

Aim
This Moving Water Introduction to Tandem course introduces the canoeist to many of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and manoeuvres of canoeing whitewater. The nature of class I rapids 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 Tandem candidate is considered a beginner river canoeist, capable of performing basic shore and water-based river rescues, including self-rescue. The candidate has been introduced to basic river manoeuvres such as eddy turns and ferries while paddling tandem, in Class I current, ripple, and small wave rapids.


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

Teach the following courses:
Not Applicable

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

Prerequisites
Lake Intermediate Tandem 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 : 8 Participants

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


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



Program Overview
THEORY

• Anatomy of a River (basic and dependent on locale)
• International River Classification
• River Hazards (including Hypothermia, foot entrapment, strainers)
• 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 and towing)

PADDLING SKILLS

General Skills

• Body Position, Balance, and J-Lean
• Communication (between bow and stern paddlers)
• Complementary Strokes (bow and stern)
• Portaging
• Lining and Tracking
• River Reading, Scouting, and Route Options
• River Paddling Concepts (MITH or equivalent)

Strokes

• Forward and Reverse
• Draws and Prys (in water recovery)
• 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)
• Reverse Corrections Strokes (draw, sweep, J)
• Bow Draw / Crossbow Draw
• Review and Refine Introduction to Canoeing Strokes (as required)

Manoeuvres

• Flatwater Warm-up and Review Session (include pivots and figure 8)
• Launching and Landings in Flatwater (eddy pool)
• Forward Paddling
• Eddy Turns and Peel Outs
• Running Side Slip
• Forward and Back Ferries
• Navigating River Bends
• "S" Turn

Attainments* (basic, class I)

• Varying Your Speed (slower/faster than current)
• On The Water Scouting (standing in the canoe)

*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
• Whitewater Canoeing Resources
• Bill Mason's influence on whitewater canoeing
• Regional history of recreational whitewater canoeing

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.