Paddle Canada National Style Canoeing Program

Program Overview

The goal of the Style Canoeing Program is to teach participants precise paddling skills that display graceful and fluid motions of the canoe during manoeuvres and routines showing a high level of precision boat control in a quiet water environment.

Instructor Levels Overview

The instructor certification courses focus on teaching methodology, correction/detection skills, and class dynamics. Although time is set aside to assess the paddling skills at the appropriate level, teaching those skills will not be the primary focus of the course. Candidates entering an instructor course should be able to demonstrate the majority of skills at a level appropriate for instruction.

Instructors that hold certification in any other paddling discipline (for example, Solo Lake Instructor) and have completed the Advanced Solo Lake or Intermediate Style canoeing skills course can apply to the Paddle Canada Program Development Committee to be granted the Introductory Style Instructor status. You do not have to take another introductory instructor course however you must demonstrate appropriate skills and understanding of the Style program to the satisfaction of the Program Development Committee.

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.

Instructor Note

This manual outlines the skills and criteria for each level in the Style Solo paddling program. It may be used by instructors to create personal courses and programs, or by participants to understand the skills and criteria required at each level. With the exception of the section on how to become an instructor this manual should not be considered an instructor trainer manual.

This manual does not provide a prescribed set of steps within each level, leaving the progression to each instructor to meet the goals and skills outlined. Progression is impacted by many elements for this reason there is no predetermined list of lessons within each level, instructors are encouraged to think in terms of the skill being taught as building blocks toward each level, and throughout the program. The Style resource manual does provide sample course syllabus and lesson plans.

Participant success influences when to advance to the next skill, or to return to a previous skill for practice or clarification. To a degree, progressions are meant to be flexible, adaptable and responsive to the needs of participants, logistics and environmental factors.

Program Development Process

Please send any comments, corrections, or suggestions to the Paddle Canada Canoe Program Committee. Your thoughts and ideas will be forwarded to Charles.

Future Program Development

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

Acknowledgements

Current program was developed by Charles Burchill. Charles would like to thank all of those individuals who read, commented on, and encouraged the development of this initial program; your input was invaluable. Jerimiah Heinrichs, Kathy Burchill, Eric Gyselman, Sharon Touchette, Brian Johnston, Chris Milne, Priscilla Haskin, Becky Mason, Dave Wooldridge, Dot Bonnenfant, Reid McLachlan, Peter Dowd, Evan Young, Robyn Mullin.

Thank you, most of all, to all the paddlers out there – without you, there is no point.