Two-day Flatwater/Basic Canoeing Course – Levels A/1 to D/4

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 Basic Level 4 by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association.
Prerequisites: None

Skills Taught:

Safety

• Retrieving a swamped canoe
• Canoe over canoe resue
• Re-entering canoe
• Swimming
• Treading Water

• Launching and removing canoe
• Entering and exiting canoe
• Paddling positions and trimming
• 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

• Equipment selection, knowledge and care
• Government regulations
• Safe canoeing procedures
• Outdoor and windy weather precautions
• Environmental awareness
• Canoeing history

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        8, 9 May

Saturday, Sunday    12, 13 June
Saturday, Sunday    26, 27 June

Saturday, Sunday         3, 4 July
Saturday, Sunday    11, 12 Semptember

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 more.

What to Bring:

• At least 2 litres of water per person per day for a hot day. Less will do on a cooler day, but it's always better to have too much than not enough! For the sake of the environment, we encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle. Clean drinking water is available at the park.
• 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

60 William St Paris ON Canada N3L 1L5 | 519-442-5471
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