Assessment Guidelines for Skill Courses

Assessment during Paddle Canada courses occur throughout the course. Participants are assessed through observation, practical evaluation and/or oral or written evaluation.

During skills courses, the candidate will be graded through demonstration of the following:

• Paddling skills relevant to the level,
• An awareness and good judgment with regard to safety,
• Self-control in the completion of immersion and rescue activities, and
• Knowledge relevant to the level.

Skills Assessment Guidelines

Assessment of paddling skills will require demonstrated competence in the conditions and water classification described for each level.

Re-entry/recovery skills must be performed with confidence and control in a timely manner suitable to the skill level in the course.

Environmental conditions and water classification descriptions are guidelines for instructors to establish appropriate classrooms in conjunction with their participants’ abilities and the program’s risk tolerances. Effort should be made to make sure participants have appropriate learning environments where they can develop their skills safely. It is understood that conditions can change and that it is the instructor’s responsibility to adapt the program and/or location to best achieve the appropriate learning environment.

Skills and knowledge must develop and improve throughout the levels, keeping pace with the increasing water classification of each higher level.

Skills and knowledge are cumulative. When a paddler is being assessed at one level without previously achieving a lower level, the assessment should include the lower-level skills. It may be necessary to add time to the course to assess the lower-level skills.

It is expected the participant will continue to develop their paddling skills between the different levels. Success at the next skill level requires additional practice of lower-level skills in the period prior to participating in the higher level.

Reassessment or retesting can be conducted by the course Instructor or another Paddle Canada Instructor at the appropriate level, according to the guidelines for the Use of a Conditional Pass and Candidate Retesting Policies, outlined below.

Certification Pass/Fail Guidelines

For each program item, candidates will be graded Pass, Weak, or Fail. Participants must receive timely and constructive feedback during the course. When possible, they should be given an opportunity to correct or improve the skill weakness before the course conclusion.

A pass is required in all skill and theory topics to attain certification. One weak skill or theory topic may be accepted at the discretion of the Instructor, or Instructor Trainer.

A “Fail” in any one category will result in a fail in the overall certification.

Use of a Conditional Pass

A conditional pass may be awarded when the participant has one weak skill or theory topic, at the discretion of the Instructor, or Instructor Trainer. When the participant has two weak skills or theory topics they must be given a conditional pass. Conditional passes must be completed within one year from the last day of the course. Failure to complete the conditions within the time allowed will automatically result in a “Fail” for the candidate.

Proper Use

Conditional passes will be awarded by the Instructor or Instructor Trainer in a number of circumstances including, but not limited to, a participant or candidate who:

• Is assessed as weak in one or two skills.
• Meets the assessment standards but does not possess the prerequisites for the course (for example, age or external certification).
• Does not complete the program due to environmental conditions above or below the limits set by the award.
• Does not complete the program due to a medical or personal crisis unrelated to the assessment.

Conditional passes must clearly state the conditions for successful completion. A copy will be sent to the participant or candidate from the course report submitted online.

Following Up on a Conditional Pass

The candidate is responsible for ensuring that they meet the conditional requirements within the deadline, including any associated fees to the mentoring instructor/instructor trainer.