Paddle Canada National Big Canoe Program

Introduction to Big Canoe Paddler Skills
Intermediate Big Canoe Paddler Skills
Intermediate Big Canoe Leader
Advanced Big Canoe Leader
Style Big Canoe Leader
Moving Water Big Canoe Beginner Leader (Endorsement)
Moving Water Recreational Leader Leader (Endorsement)
Intermediate Big Canoe Coastal Leader (Endorsement)
Advanced Big Canoe Coastal Leader (Endorsement)

Instructor Stream

Intermediate Big Canoe Instructor
Advanced Big Canoe Instructor
Style Big Canoe Instructor
Intermediate Big Canoe Coastal Instructor (Endorsement)
Advanced Big Canoe Coastal Instructor (Endorsement)
Big Canoe Moving Water Instructor (Endorsement)

Instructor Trainer Stream

Intermediate Big Canoe Instructor Trainer
Advanced Big Canoe Instructor Trainer
Style Big Canoe Instructor Trainer
Big Canoe Coastal Instructor Trainer (Endorsement)
Big Canoe Moving Water Instructor Trainer (Endorsement)

Program Overview

The program is designed for lake water conditions with endorsements to moving water and coastal environments. Leaders provide opportunities for short day trips where no certifications are given. Leaders can register their events as clinics by connecting with the Paddle Canada office. Instructors certify Paddler and Leader courses. Endorsements are available to both Leaders and Instructors.

Participants must take time to practice the skills they have learned, as the minimum skill set at the next higher level takes into account that one has mastered those in the lower level.

The program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skill to novices and experienced paddlers for safe and efficient Big Canoe paddling. The program recognizes the two distinct groups: Paddlers (crew) and Leaders (stern person).

For the purposes of this course a Big Canoe is any canoe that is usually 25 feet in length and designed to be paddled by 6 or more people, however it could be paddled with less.

Paddlers in a Big Canoe need no prerequisite skills. It is designed for those people paddling the Big Canoe under the supervision of its Leader that wish to develop their skill as a “crew member” heading out on a group event/trip/brigade/voyage.

The Leader levels are designed for the people sterning the Big Canoe with a group of novices. With these levels, we recognize the need for a solid grasp of strokes and group management. The Big Canoe Leader levels build on the skills and manoeuvres that were previously acquired through the Lake program or the Big Canoe Paddler levels. The course reviews those elements in the context of the Big Canoe.

There are inherent additional risks associated with paddling a Big Canoe and as such Leaders need to recertify every 4 years. The increased number of paddlers and size of canoe are chief among these risks. The program develops the participant’s understanding of Big Canoe paddling and its risks in all its levels. The Leader levels include the development and assessment of leadership skills and rescue skills.

This program is designed specifically for lake water conditions including flat and slow moving rivers with no hazards, and coastal environments. Also the scope of skills and knowledge presented in these programs are designed for day trips (see each level for more specific descriptions).

Moving Water and Coastal Canoeing endorsements are required to paddle on those bodies of water. It is highly recommended that the canoe is outfitted with an airbag for these environments. Instructors must hold an instructor certification within these disciplines in order to offer the endorsements. Camping Skills courses can be taught from the big canoe with Leaders and Instructors that hold the Camping Instructor certifications.

The prerequisites for the Leader levels are either Intro Paddler or Intro to Lake or Moving Water skills. The Big Canoe Leader program levels do not attempt to “re-teach” the skills or theory of the Lake/Moving Water program. The program only reviews those elements in the context of the Big Canoe. The prerequisites for the Moving Water endorsement is the Moving Water skills course.

Instructor Levels Overview

There are 3 instructor levels: Intermediate, Advanced and Style. All instructors must have strong solo skills in either lake or moving water.

Instructor Trainer Levels Overview

Paddle Canada’s Instructor Trainer Development process is standardized across the organization. This mentorship process provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Big Canoe Instructor Courses.

There are 3 Instructor Trainer (IT) levels: Intermediate, Advanced, and Style. Prior to becoming a Big Canoe Instructor Trainer participants must hold the above level instructor certification where applicable at which they want to instruct and have the appropriate number of skills or instructor courses. A minimum 2 mentorships are required for Instructor Trainer certification. Instructor Trainers must have a mastery of all skills, manoeuvres and theory topics.

Information about becoming an Instructor Trainer, the specific syllabus, and maintaining your Instructor Trainer certification, can be found in the Instructor Trainer Development Manual.

Key Policies for New Instructors

New instructors should take note of these key polices before running your first course or clinic. All instructors must make themselves familiar with our complete list of policies as well.

Assessment Guidelines for Skill Courses Learn how to apply the pass, weak, or fail evaluation system on skills courses including the use of conditional passes.
Course Administration Policies Learn about the various policies and requirements related to course registration and reporting.
Code of Conduct for Instructors and Volunteers Learn about the code of conduct, developed to foster a safe, inclusive, and healthy paddling environments for all course participants and instructors.
First Aid Certification Requirements and Standards Learn about the first aid certification requirements that all Paddle Canada Instructors must meet and keep up-to-date.

Intoxicants Policy Learn about your responsibilities related to Paddle Canada's Intoxicants Policy.
Paddle Canada Accident Policies Learn about your responsibilities in the event of an accident on a Paddle Canada course.
Policies and Definitions Pertaining to Course Roles Learn about the various course roles on in skills, instructor and instructor trainer courses.

Program Recent Changes

See a complete list of recent changes to the program.

Program Development Process

The process for the development of this program included the review of our program and discussions with our Big Canoe Leaders and Instructors.

Future Program Development

This is a living program; always getting refined and updated. The Big Canoe Program Committee welcomes any suggestions by the Paddle Canada Big Canoe members. Please contact us with your ideas or comments.

Acknowledgements

The Paddle Canada Big Canoe Program is the product of significant commitment by Dave Wooldridge, Lead Program Designer and the Big Canoe Program Committee.