-Dragonfly Paddling

Course Description

Two day Flatwater Canoeing Course – Levels A to D

This two-day course is designed for the novice canoeist who would like to learn how to paddle their canoe safely and with confidence. It is also for the ‘self taught’ or more experienced canoeist who would like to improve on their skills. For those who are interested in working in the canoeing business, this course is the first step to becoming a certified instructor or guide. Participants will learn both tandem and solo canoeing. Emphasis throughout the course is on safe canoeing practices while mastering the fundamentals. We have lots of fun, too!
Successful participants will receive certification for Flatwater Level D by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association. Prerequisites: None

Skills Taught:

Safety

Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe resue
Re-entering canoe

Paddling Skills – Tandem and Solo

Entering and exiting canoe
Paddling positions
Changing positions in the canoe
Pivoting
Moving Sideways
Forward straight line
Turns and circles
Stopping
Landings
Reverse straight line
Lifting, carrying and transporting the canoe

Theory

Equipment selection, knowledge and care
Government regulations
Safe canoeing procedures
Outdoor and windy weather precautions

Schedule: The course runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, which is halfway between Cambridge and Brantford, Ontario.
Saturday, Sunday 10,11 May
Saturday, Sunday 17,18 May

Saturday, Sunday 7,8 June
Saturday, Sunday 21, 22 June

Saturday, Sunday 19, 20 July
Saturday, Sunday 26, 27 July

Saturday, Sunday 23, 24 August

Saturday, Sunday 13, 14 Semptember

Saturday, Sunday 4, 5 October

Course length: 16 hours

Cost: $195 (no taxes). This includes instruction, canoe, paddle, life jacket (PFD) and safety equipment. A 10% discount is available for groups of 4 or 5.

What to Bring:

2 litres of water per person per day for a hot day. Less will do on a cooler day, but it always better to have too much than not enough!
Lunch
Snacks. Trail mix, salted nuts, dried fruit, fruit and granola bars are all good.
Water shoes, sturdy sandals or running shoes. Bring an extra pair to be kept dry to change into if necessary
Warm clothing. You can get cold even on a hot day if you are wet.
Complete change of clothes. Keep a dry set in your vehicle.
Rain gear. The course runs regardless of weather (within reason)
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Bathing suit and towel
Foam pad to roll up and place under your ankles when solo paddling to take some of the weight off. A blue closed cell foam pads work well (available at Canadian Tire for about $10 – good for camping too).

All dates have been updated for the **2008 season**
Dragonfly Paddling offers the following courses:
Course	Level(s)

2 Hour Safe Canoeing Course	---	more info
1 Day Flatwater Canoeing Course	Level A->B	more info
1.5 Day Flatwater Canoeing Course	Level A->C	more info
2 Day Flatwater Canoeing Course	Level A->D	more info
1 Day Flatwater Canoeing Course	Level D	more info
2 Day Lakewater Canoeing Course	Level 1	more info

"Dragonfly Paddling is a small, friendly company devoted to teaching canoeing. We love to canoe and we love to teach."