Teaching Notes and Resources for Big Canoe Courses

Manoeuvres

Pivot Turns

The stern initiates active pries and then calls for one side to do 2 strokes forward while the second side rests. Then the second side 2 reverse strokes while the first side rests. Continue this until the desired heading.

Straight Lines

The stern controls direction with the Cut and Jam (also known as stationary draw and stationary pry).

Turns (Jam to Pry)

When carving turns it it important to remember:

stern initiates the turn with the appropriate stroke,
with momentum, stern Jam (gentle arc),
with momentum, stern pries (tighter arc), and
with momentum, stern pries with onside paddlers resting (even tighter arc).

Reverse Paddling

All participants reverse paddle

Stern will pry and draw to keep straight

Style level, Stern person will make commands to bow paddler to pry or draw to keep straight

Switching sides (stationary)

One per seat switch, all seats at one time (on command: shifts over in one smooth movement, timing is important and practice) flips will happen if everyone is not coordinated.

Two per seat switch, one seat at time or all at one time (on command, one stands and shifts over one remains seating and shifts over – timing is important, meet in the middle and then continue).

Switching sides (underpower)

One per seat: all seats at one time (on command: shifts over in one smooth movement, timing is important and practice) flips will happen if everyone is not coordinated.

Two per seat switch, one seat at time or all at one time (on command, one stands and shifts over one remains seating and shifts over – timing is important, meet in the middle and then continue).

Switching sides after a certain “numbered” strokes (determine who counts and how it is done)

Docking

Leader slows the group as they approach the dock. Then the leader will:

initiate the carve towards the dock with a pry or pries,
call for crew to “rest and get ready for the reverse stroke for dockside paddlers”, and
calls one “reverse stroke for dockside paddlers”.

Style Level Manoeuvres

Division of Crew Members

The stern paddler must be engaged in paddle strokes before anyone else.

Divide the canoe into parts, stern, bow, middle (occasionally you may have a left middle and right middle) front left, front right, back left, and back right. With these designated parts of the canoe the stern person calls upon them as sections to accomplish manoeuvres succinctly. For most manoeuvres the bow paddler is included in the front section (whichever side they are paddling on) this eliminates one more person to call on.

Stationary Pivot

Example: Left pivot: stern initiates the turn while the front right and back left pry and front left and back right draw.

Synchronizing the paddle strokes will increase the efficiency.

Stationary Pivot with tilt

Same as above but tilting the canoe.

Carved Turns with Outside tilt

Stern person on outside. Tilt outside and have outside paddlers doing the Far Out Stroke including the stern. Inside paddlers rest. Stern person using the inline sculling draw to make a tighter turn.

Bow paddler on “outside” doing a Bow Jam or if on the inside doing a Crossbow Jam.

Activate pries with inline sculling when speed decreases
Second seat back from bow and seat in front of stern assist with turning strokes for a faster turn.

Reverse Paddling when Turning

All participants reverse paddle

Stern Paddler/Leader call commands for

Bow Paddler to initiate turn (cuts or jams)
outside tilt while going backwards
Split crew to assist with turns

Stern assists as needed

Skills and Knowledge

Leader course participants will review the following.

Boarding Communication

Listen for the commands/direction
No standing (unless directed)
Walk down the centre of the canoe to your seat
Hip against the side of the canoe when seated in the canoe
If we have any issues listen to the Leader

Recommended commands

Paddle Ready
Forward Paddle
Rest or Stop Paddling
Check or Stop the Canoe
Back Paddle
Brace (Deep Brace or Static Low Brace)

Paddler Positions and Roles (not historical)

The stern paddler/leader must be engaged in paddle strokes before anyone else.

Bow – timing, crisis manager and can assist with quick turns.
Middle is momentum.
Stern is in charge of strategy and piloting.

Paddler Placement

Best placement for a varying number of paddlers in a canoe

Trimming the canoe with peoples’ weight

Best placement for people:

Someone with timing in front
People most likely to paddle behind the bow paddler for morale and continuity of strokes
Stern person that is comfortable steering and is able to command the crew

Ratio Summary (Leader:Participants)

The ratio depends on the size of the canoe, given the number of paddlers and non-paddlers/guests it can carry.

Big Canoe Clinics 1:25* (1 Leader or Instructor:25 Participants in one canoe)

*This is based on a 41’ canoe. Smaller canoes, for example the 25’ canoes, will have a 9-10 maximum capacity number. It is important to note that it is one (1) Leader or Instructor to the number of participants in one (1) big canoe. Follow maximum paddlers and capacity for each canoe and environment.

Paddlers and Non-Paddlers/Guests

Paddlers are defined as those that use a paddle. Non-paddlers or guests are defined as those that usually sit in between the paddlers and do not use a paddle in the canoe.

Maximum Paddlers versus Maximum Capacity

Big canoes can carry between 5 to 20+ people depending on the length of the canoe. These canoes carry paddlers and those that sit in between the paddlers known as non-paddlers or guests.

Maximum Paddlers refers to the maximum number of people “paddling” in a canoe.

Maximum Capacity refers to the maximum number of people “seated” in a canoe (paddlers and non-paddlers/guests allowed).

Limitations for Youth

When dealing with paddlers under the age of 14 it is recommended to have at least one other adult (not necessarily a Big Canoe Leader or Instructor) in the canoe.

Numbers of Big Canoes in a Group

One canoe

When to go and when not to go
Consider the conditions (weather, air and water temperature, etc.)
Consider the group (age, skill, knowledge, experience, etc.)

Multiple canoes

Do you have space in others to get everyone out of the water?
What are the water conditions? What is the experience of the other leaders?

Working as a Team

Paddler placement and roles (see below for more details)
Synchronized paddling
Cadence
Break options (one or more seats)
Personal gear placement
Group gear placement

Know Your Participants

Group Dynamics (children, adolescence, early adults, adults, seniors, special needs, anxiety, fears, culture, background, personality, gender, etc)
Adapting to different types of groups
How to motivate and inspire your crew when needed

Balance and Trim

Loaded versus Unload (stability/lower in water: people and gear vs just people)
Trimmed level or slightly stern heavy

Inside and Outside Tilts

Inside and outside tilts reference the tilt of the canoe in relation to the direction of the turn. For example an inside tilt is when the canoe is carving to the right with the canoe tilted to the right. The outside tilt would be when the canoe is carving to the right but tilted to the left.

What Makes a Canoe a Big Canoe?

Any canoe designed to be paddled by 5 or more people.

Cross Canada Big Canoe comparison:

the differences in what makes the big canoes different from the other canoes (physical features, manoeuvrability, response time, and stability)
Differences in paddles for stern, crew, bent shaft, regional

Composite layup materials: Fiberglass, Kevlar, etc

Length, rocker, beam, hull shape, flotation

History of the Big Canoe

Due to the vastness of Canada, canoes and its history vary. Depending on the group, local canoe history may hold more value than national history, so choose the topic that will meet the needs and interest of the group you are with at the moment.

Registering Clinics and the Limitations

Leaders, known as the stern persons, or captains or skippers within the Big Canoe community, can register their daily events as Paddle Canada “clinics”. There is no certification given out as there is no evaluation of skills.

Leaders are certified to take guests on 1 to 5 hour paddles on easy sheltered waterways close to shore. Emphasis is placed on commanding a group of novice paddlers, safe paddling practices and fun rescue options.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Individuals with Big Canoe skill certification from a recognized organization (Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak or the Recreational Canoe Association of British Columbia) will have to take part and be registered as a participant on at least the first day of the skills course to see if they meet the required skill level. Instructor Certifications are not transferable.

Risk Management

Break System

Individual to half of group rests
One seat at a time rests

Paddle and Whistle Signals

Paddle, Keeping it simple

Paddle vertical straight up in the air: all is clear follow me
Paddle held stationary 45 degrees to one side: head the direction the paddling is leaning
Paddle held horizontal over the head and pumped up and down: get off the water in the direction of the blade is pointed

Whistle, Keeping it simple

3 blows: emergency help is needed
1 blow: attention, look this way
Optional 2 blows raft up

Safety and Rescue

The Paddle Canada requires that each Big Canoe possess enough positive floatation to have a minimum of 5 inches of freeboard when swamped.

Required Equipment

All current Transport Canada Regulations Safe Boating Guide – Safety Tips and Requirements for Pleasure Crafts and Guided Excursions, reference on Paddle Canada website plus

1 bail bucket (12 L or more)
2 small bail buckets (tucked into the bigger bail bucket)
1 painter line (can double as a flip line) approximately 6 metres (20 feet)
2 spare paddles (stern and regular)
Comfort Barrel/Bag: spare sweaters and garbage bags for clients in case of a dump/wind
First Aid Kit for the size of group
Trip Plan
For windy conditions on a lake or coastal and moving water environments additional flotation bags as wave height and current can make self-rescue improvable.

Recommended Equipment

Map
Knife
Food and water depending on length of paddle
Communication devices: cell phone, radio, satellite phone (areas out of cell phone coverage)

Float Plan

Route, timing (leaving and returning), number of canoes
Leader’s name and phone number
Group identification (group name, participant names and contact information)
Reference PaddleSmart Trip Plan https://www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/#tripplanning

Safe Paddling Practices and Etiquette

As paddlers grow within a paddling community the more there is to learn about being safe and proper etiquette on and off the water.

It is important to consider all the group members, especially the weakest one, and all the hazards in “going for it”. Open crossing should never be done with novice groups. In time paddlers will know how long it will take to travel a certain distance. However, any crossing that may take 30 minutes or more should be seriously thought out.

When traveling with 1 to 2 canoes the maximum distance from shore should be 20 metres. With 3 or more big canoes the group can travel a maximum of 200 metres from shore.

Open crossings with 1 to 2 big canoes the maximum distance can be 200 metres. With 3 or more big canoes the maximum distance to travel should be 2 kilometers.

Flips usually happen during inclement weather and can make a self-rescue difficult.

To avoid self-rescues with participants in open water it is best to always paddle close to shore. Swimming more than 20 metres is not advised.
In case of a flip, it is important that swimmers stay with the canoe. The Leader will perform a self-rescue with their participants.
Gear should be waterproofed and secure in the canoe. In the event of a flip this will assist with flotation by keeping the canoe higher in the water. Canoe rescues are taught within this program.

Below are a sample, but not limited to, safe paddling practices and proper etiquette that paddlers should practice.

Always wear a lifejacket/PFD (personal flotation device)
Be prepared for paddling (change of weather, clothing, water, food, etc)
When moving canoes on the shore be careful and move slowly
Be considerate and respectful of others
When paddling in a group consider having a lead (one that remains in front on the group) and sweep (one that takes up the rear of the group) canoe
Patience when getting on and off the water in a group setting
Wait for all canoes to get onto the water before setting off

Optional ideas: “wake up canoe” chant or “introduction to the voyage”

Pass on paddle signals to those behind you
Stay with the group and close enough to hear the canoe in front of you
Know and respect the environment around you
Watch for and avoid obstacles
Lightning Protocol

Get off the water if there is a threat of lightning.
Get off the water when you see lightning or hear thunder.
Wait 30 minutes after the last “flash or crash” before returning to the water.

Respect private property
Always paddle within your skill level
Know when to and when not to go paddling

Communication

Cell phone, radio, satellite phone (in a waterproof container on body) if leading groups
Carry a Spot or similar emergency rescue device
Always have a floatplan left with someone on shore.
Have a risk assessment activity (short scenario to make Leaders aware of the risks). Optional: Recap of Timiskaming Accident.

Group Awareness

Know your clients: fears, anxiety, group pressures, culture, age, waivers, medical forms, etc.
Prepare your clients: gear list (activity expectations, extra clothing, food beverage, etc.).
Hypothermia: comfort barrel/bag for back up warm and dry gear.
Hyperthermia: be prepared (options: extra water, sunscreen, etc.).
Watch your clients during the activity (for example, shivering, taking off sweaters, tired, stop paddling, excess drinking, etc.).

Capsize Plan

Knowing your crew
Staying with the canoe vs swimming to shore
Shore Plan
What happens on shore after everyone is accounted for? (warmth, communication, rescue)

Rescues

All Leader course participants must participate in a minimum of two (2) rescues. The number of rescues will be determined by the instructor based on the environmental conditions and the participants skill. After a flip the Leader shall:

Part 1:

Ensure all participants are “OK” in the water.
Paddles are in the swimmers’ hands
Roll the canoe upright (flip line is recommended)
Command: “Hands off” to “dip the gunwale” allowing flotation to engage and water to pour out

Part 2

Paddles in the canoe and one or two swimmers to the other side of the canoe
Enters the canoe first and distributes the bailers and starts bailing the water with their paddle
Directs the crew to enter the canoe (coldest or youngest or oldest first) one at a time
When everyone has re-entered the canoe, most of the crew will paddle to shore while the rest continue to bail

In a flotilla, the priory is getting the participants out of the water first (unless they are happy to continue with assisting with the self-rescue) into another canoe(s). The Leader continues with a self-rescue, righting the canoe, re-entry, and bailing with the help of another big canoe. Extra canoe(s) can be used as wind and wave blocks or stability for the rescue canoe. Once the canoe is empty, the rescued participants should go back into the canoe to paddle to shore.

Program Locations Relative to Big Canoes

Locations should always be chosen based on the weakest group member. Paddling close to shore ensures quick and easy access to shelter when wind conditions change suddenly.

Sheltered Waters and Coastal Bays and Rivers

Sheltered waters and Coastal bays are areas that are surrounded by hills, trees, islands, or urban settings which are not difficult enough to reach and to seek shelter when a sudden change in wind or weather conditions happens.
Paddler and Leader courses can be taught on slow flatwater rivers where a lake option is not available; however paddlers must be able stay in one spot with relative ease. If new paddlers find it difficult to paddle upstream or control their location, then the “flatwater river” location would not be suitable.

Moving Water/River Locations

Basic moving water level refers to flatwater rivers where the current is very slow, with no to limited hazards. Paddlers will have the ability to paddle upstream with ease.
Intro moving water refers to the standard Class I river. Current may be faster and with some effort can be paddled upstream by the paddlers. Limited hazards.

Water Temperature

Most Canadian waters are cooler than 15ºC so it’s important that paddlers are prepared for these cold waters. Paddlers should have appropriate clothing for not only the outside temperature and potential weather changes, but also for the unexpected immersion. Appropriate change of clothing should be taken in waterproofed bags.
Water <10°C Big Canoe must hold to the maximum seating or ensure there are adequate big canoes or safety vessel to help remove all swimmers from the water (no non-padders).
Water >10°C Big Canoe can hold to the maximum capacity (paddlers and non-paddlers).