Open Canoe Expedition Training Week
14th - 18th October 2024 - Lake District - £585pp
One of the most appealing and enjoyable things about canoeing is packing up everything you need for a few days and heading out, fully self sufficient and fully immersing yourself in nature. This could be for a micro adventure on your local backwater or a multi-day wilderness trip here in the UK or even further afield.
If this is something that appeals to you but you don't know where to start then we have designed this course to give you all the skills and confidence you need to start having your own adventures.
Run entirely from a private lakeside basecamp we provide real world learning and the ability for you to put all the skills into practice throughout the week.
In this unique collaboration between Heart & Soul Adventures and Red River Guiding, a wealth of skill and knowledge will be shared with participants to enable you to operate with confidence and skill in your chosen canoe expedition environment.
Module One
Equipment & Packing
Canoes generally have a large carrying capacity and it is entirely feasible to take everything including the kitchen sink. The amount and type of equipment we take will depend on a number of factors so we'll look at lightweight options as well as those that allow us a little more luxury.
During this module we'll also cover how to waterproof our equipment and safely and securely pack it in our boats according to the environment we are journeying through.
Module Two
Open Water Journeying Skills Part One
Travelling on Lakes and Lochs is one of the true joys of canoeing, exploring islands, coves and beaches as well as enjoying the feeling of wide open space.
During this module we'll look at a variety of strategies that allow us to travel efficiently according to conditions, sometimes harnessing the wind and sometimes avoiding it.
We'll also look at navigation techniques both from a planning and on the water point of view.
Module Three
Campcraft, Food & Cooking
Tent, Tarp or Hammock? Rollmat or Thermarest? Ration packs or fresh food? Gas stove or campfire?
All of these are great questions and there is no right or wrong answer but we'll explore all of these options and see which ones suit us, our skills, our equipment and the location and duration of our trip.
Module Four
Staying Safe & Dealing with Mishaps
Sometimes things go wrong, if we can predict what they might be then we can plan to avoid them. However the unexpected may happen and we need to be prepared to deal with a situation as it unfolds and prepare to extract ourselves.
This module will cover information gathering & recognising changing conditions, dealing with capsizes as well as First Aid & Incident management.
Module Five
Open Water Journeying Skills Part Two
Expanding on Module Two as well as taking everything else from the week we'll plan and undertake a journey according to the conditions. During this we'll expand more on different strategies looking at more complex solutions as well as efficient paddling techniques, practicing navigation and decision making.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask about anything that you want and for us to advise on further steps, consolidation and maybe even advise on your first expedition!
FAQs
Tell me more about who runs the course?
The course is being run by Adam Robson from Heart and Soul Adventures & Richard Moses from Red River Guiding. Both tutors have a wealth of experience in the canoe expedition field and hold comprehensive Paddle UK qualifications in the moderate and advanced water environments. You will benefit from a combined expedition experience of over 10,000 miles paddled, accredited guide scheme provision and a wealth of real-life experience honed over three decades of expedition travel across four continents.
What sort of accommodation is provided?
We will be camping for the duration of the course, camping is available for free the night before the course for anyone travelling longer distances.
Where is the course taking place?
The course is run out of our private training venue on the shores of Coniston Water in the Lake District. This secluded campsite affords an excellent basecamp with direct access to the lake, private woodland and even an island!
What equipment is included?
You are free to being whatever existing equipment you have or alternatively, you are very welcome to borrow a canoe and paddling equipment from us. You will need to provide your own tent and personal camping equipment – if you are unsure about what this comprises of, let us know and we will be happy to offer help and guidance ahead of the course.
What food is included?
Food from monday lunchtime to friday lunchtime is provided and we will work as an expedition team to prepare and cook meals together throughout the course.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, just let us know in advance and we can ensure all needs are met.
Do I gain a qualification from attending the course?
Yes, successful participants can gain British Canoeing Awarding Body Guide Modules which can be used to progress towards qualification as Accredited Canoe Guide. A certificate of participation will also be issued.
Find out more about
Richard and
Red River Guiding
on his website
