Open Canoe Skills Improver (Canoe Award)
Paddling an open canoe on simple moving water and in light winds is a joy, it can take you on a journey into the natural environment be it on your local waterway or for an overnight adventure.
Depending on conditions I would plan to spend one day on a lake and another on a slow moving (Grade One) river.
This course will improve your understanding of your relationship with the boat and with the boat's relationship with the water. starting with basics such as forward paddling and turning, things you already have a grasp of, deepening your knowledge and finessing your techniques. We will then explore a variety of skills appropriate to making progess, controlling the boat and staying safe in light winds and on simple moving water.
Throughout the course there will be lots of practicing, feedback and opportunities to improve. If you have any specific areas you'd like to cover then please do tell me in advance and I will endeavour to cover it during the course.
During the course the following will be covered:
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Maximising our interaction with the canoe, driving and stability.
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Understanding efficiency in turning.
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Using trim to help mae things easier.
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Paddling in wind and how to hold a course.
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Entering, exiting and crossing a simple flow on the river
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Understanding and choosing a line down simple rapids.
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Choosing how to outfit a canoe according to our plans and the environment.
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Avoiding hazards, keeping each other safe and some simple ways of assisting others.
This course can be run in many locations across the country - get in touch for a bespoke quote for your club, group of mates or centre.
FAQs
Where do we meet?
To make the best use of water and weather conditions, the exact venue will be decided day to day, this is normally a dropped pin shared in a whatsapp group chat.
How long are the days?
This is a two-day course. We’ll normally meet at 9am and aim to be off the river before 4pm
What do you provide?
Two days of expert guiding and coaching tailored to the group and with emphasis on enjoyment. This course doesn’t include equipment but I may be able to help with certain items, feel free to ask and I’ll see what I can do.
What do I need to bring?
Open canoe with bouyancy & swimlines
Paddle & Spare
Bouyancy Aid & Helmet
Suitable Clothing
Packed Lunches
Personal Medication
Is this suitable for me?
This is aimed at paddlers with a little moving water experience who would like to progress into this environment under an expert eye. If you're not sure please do get in touch and we can chat, maybe there is another course that is more suitable to your needs
Where can I stay?
Depending on where this course takes place I have got a few suggestions on where to stay. Get in touch at the time of booking and I'll give you som reccomendations.