Paddle Canada National Lake Canoe Program

Lake Canoe Waterfront Tandem Skills
Lake Canoe Safety and Rescue Clinic
Lake Canoe Basic Tandem Skills
Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem Skills
Lake Canoe Introduction Solo Skills
Lake Canoe Intermediate Tandem Skills
Lake Canoe Intermediate Solo Skills
Lake Canoe Advanced Tandem Skills
Lake Canoe Advanced Solo Skills

Instructor Stream

Lake Canoe Waterfront Tandem Instructor
Lake Canoe Basic Tandem Instructor
Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem Instructor
Lake Canoe Introduction Solo Instructor
Lake Canoe Intermediate Tandem Instructor
Lake Canoe Intermediate Solo Instructor
Lake Canoe Advanced Tandem Instructor
Lake Canoe Advanced Solo Instructor

Instructor Trainer Stream

Lake Canoe Waterfront Tandem Instructor Trainer
Lake Canoe Basic Tandem Instructor Trainer
Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem/Solo Instructor Trainer
Lake Canoe Intermediate Tandem/Solo Instructor Trainer
Lake Canoe Advanced Tandem/Solo Instructor Trainer

Program Overview

Skill levels are achieved by taking courses. There is an expectation that candidates will take time practising and honing those learned skills before undertaking the next course. The minimum skill set at a lower level is insufficient for entrance to a course at a higher level.

Instructor Stream Overview

The Lake Water instructor courses are designed to provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Lake Canoe skill courses. Prior to beginning an instructor course, participants must have completed all the prerequisites. Candidates must perform all skills at a high level of proficiency suitable for demonstration at the level they want to instruct. All Paddle Canada Instructors are required to have the appropriate and current first aid certification when instructing.

Candidates wanting Tandem and Solo certification are only required to take one instructor course (either Tandem or Solo first) per level.

Tandem instructors can request to be granted the complement level solo instructor certification if they hold the higher-level solo skill certification and have a recommendation from the appropriate instructor trainer. Requests can be flipped, for example if one receives their solo instructors first.

Instructor Certification Through Mentorship

When there are limited opportunities for instructor courses to meet the minimum student ratio, candidates can achieve their instructor certification through mentorship.

Waterfront Canoe Instructor is not available through this type of mentorship.

Instructor Trainer Stream 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 Lake Canoe Instructor Courses.

Tandem and Solo Instructor Trainer mentorships are separate. Instructor Trainers can gain the complement level Instructor Trainer certification, if they have the higher complement Instructor level, the prerequisites, and a recommendation from an Instructor Trainer.

Learn more about becoming an Instructor Trainer, the specific syllabus, and maintaining your Instructor Trainer certification.

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.

Recent Program Changes

See a complete list of recent changes to the program.

Lake Program Mission

To promote and teach the necessary knowledge, skills, and safe use of paddling canoes on all Canadian waterways. Through our support for a safe, enjoyable, and accessible paddling community, we develop a love and respect for the environment and nature as well as an understanding of canoeing’s place in our Canadian heritage.

General Instruction Style Expectations of this Program

We expect participants to progress with increasing competence as they move through the program and instructors are expected to adjust their teaching to suit these evolving competencies. Our goal is for the paddler to become more independent and able to support others while responding safely to a changing and complex paddling environment. This can be summarized as a progressive and safe response to: Me – We – Sea where the paddler first concentrates on their own skills (Me). As these develop, they are then able to capably assist and support their fellow paddlers (We). With further training and experience, this extends to making decisions with a full consideration of the paddling environment (Sea).

Since paddling takes place in the physical world, Paddle Canada places emphasis on the physical environment in our progression. As such, our environmental guidelines emphasize weather, terrain, sea state as well as group factors in managing risk and making sound decisions. Accordingly, our water classification system takes into account the physical, social and psychological environment.

Program Goals

The 4 goals of the Lake Canoe program are canoe control, carving, understanding the flatwater environment, and risk management.

While there is a great deal to learn at each level, the activities should concentrate on personal progression and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course encouraged to continue their learning and be aware of their individual limitations.

Program Development Process

The process for the development of this program included the review of our program and discussions with our Lake Canoe members.

Future Program Development

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

Acknowledgements

The Paddle Canada Lake Program is the product of committed canoe enthusiasts from across Canada and the Lake Canoe Sub-committee. To those individuals, Paddle Canada extends a sincere thank you.