Conducting ORCKA Program Teaching Basic Canoeing Skillsakuniadventures.com/.../2018/04/2013_Teaching_Basic_Canoeing_Skills… · The “elements” of the Basic Canoeing Program that

Conducting ORCKA Program

Teaching Basic Canoeing

Skills

Copyright © 2008 by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means

without written permission of the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking

Association.

Published by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association

ISBN 978-0-9811849-2-0

Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association

3 Concorde Gate Suite 209 Toronto ON M3C 3N7

phone: 416-426-7016 fax: 416-426-7363

e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.orcka.ca

About This Manual This manual first appeared in 1989 as part of “Teaching ORCA’s Basic Program: A resource Manual”. That manual contained much of what is seen in two of ORCKA’s current Conducting ORCKA Program manuals—“Teaching Basic Canoeing Skills” (the manual you have in your hands) and “Learning and Teaching”. Other materials have been gathered through the years and added to the original. The original manual was written to assist instructors with their presentation of the ORCKA Basic Canoeing Program (previously called Flatwater). This manual has that purpose still. There is information that will help you with each of the “elements” of the Basic Canoeing Program. You may use some of the material in this manual to help you prepare lessons at your Basic Canoeing Instructor course or when you graduate and are teaching “for real”. The “elements” of the Basic Canoeing Program that are presented in this manual are taken from page BC5 and beyond of the ORCKA Canoeing Program 2009 Manual. The material is arranged in sections—safety, skills, theory—just as it is in the manual. The material is not divided into Basic Canoeing tandem and solo or Level 1, 2 3 or 4. That division of material is left to you. For example, the description of “canoe over canoe rescue” is primarily for Level 2, but it can be easily adapted to suit whatever level you are teaching. If you would like to offer comments (constructive or otherwise) about any of the material presented in this manual, send that information to the ORCKA office and it will be passed along to whoever is doing the next manual revision. Good luck with your teaching!

Table of Contents

Safety Swimming ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Retrieving a Swamped Canoe ........................................................................................................................ 2 Canoe Over Canoe Rescue ........................................................................................................................... 3 Re-entering Canoe .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Skills Launching and Removing Canoe ................................................................................................................ 6 Entering and Exiting Canoe ......................................................................................................................... 7 Paddling Positions and Trimming ............................................................................................................... 8 Balancing ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Changing Positions ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Pivots .............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Sideward Displacement ............................................................................................................................... 11 Forward Straight Line .................................................................................................................................. 12 Inside and Outside Turns ............................................................................................................................. 13 Inside and Outside Circles .......................................................................................................................... 14 Stopping ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Inside and Outside Landings ...................................................................................................................... 16 Reverse Straight Line ................................................................................................................................... 16 Lifts and Carries ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Transporting Canoe on Vehicle ................................................................................................................. 18 Canoe Tour ................................................................................................................................................... 18

Theory Selection of Equipment ............................................................................................................................... 19 Equipment Knowledge ............................................................................................................................... 20 Equipment Care ........................................................................................................................................... 20 Government Regulations ............................................................................................................................ 21 Safe Canoeing Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 21 Outdoor Precautions ................................................................................................................................... 22 Environmental Awareness .......................................................................................................................... 22 Windy Weather Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 23 Canoeing History ......................................................................................................................................... 23

Some Notes for Solo Paddling .......................................................................................................................... 24

Prescription for Good Paddling ........................................................................................................................ 27

Canoeing Games .................................................................................................................................................. 29

ORCKA Basic Canoeing Courses Safety and Administration Requirements ........................................... 39

Evaluation of Basic Canoeing Level Course Participants ............................................................................. 40

Conducting ORCKA Program: Teaching Basic Canoeing Skills 1

ORCKA Basic Canoeing Program

SAFETY

Swimming and Treading Water The candidate will swim 25 metres in shallow water, but the swimmer should not touch the bottom.

The candidate shall tread water for 5 minutes. These are optional test item to be done at the discretion of the Course Director in the Canoeing Level 2 Tandem Course.

*Note that all safety exercises will be completed with participants wearing an approved PFD.

This exercise allows the instructor to assess how well the students can swim and tread water.

This skill is also useful in demonstrating that the candidate is able to swim to the canoe without panicking, if he capsizes.

If you can identify poor or non-swimmers before the exercise, you can then keep a closer eye on them or ask for assistance in watching over your group.

If possible have only a few swimmers in the water at any one time or have qualified assistants to help you watch over the swimmers.

Make sure this is done in an area that is free of hazards, easily supervised and equipped with readily available reaching and/or throwing assists.

If you have an adult group or if you are running your course in very cold water or very unpleasant water, you may choose not to do

“swimming and treading water”. If so, you should be aware of the swimming ability of each course participant. This can be done through the reading registration forms or talking with each individual.

Make sure each participant is wearing a properly fitted and secured PFD.

2 Reviewed and Revised 2011

Retrieving a Swamped Canoe The canoeists will safely tip the canoe in shallow water, to become familiar with the floating properties of a swamped canoe. They will then bring the canoe into shallower water and empty it of water (they may need assistance in this). This is a Basic Canoeing Level 1 course item.

Perform this exercise wearing properly fitted and secured PFDs.

Only one canoe at a time should be swamped to make supervision easier and to prevent someone from hitting his head on another canoe. Do not attempt this far from shore. Do this in shallow water at first.

Try for a controlled swamping, without falling out. If you do fall out, hold on. Remember the paddles.

See which is easier—swamping the canoe by hanging on to the gunwales and sitting on the seats, or hanging on to the gunwales and kneeling on the bottom.

Get the swimmers into the habit of asking the other paddler “Are you OK?” after they swamp (or tip) their canoe.

Emphasise the importance of not losing sight of your partner.

Discourage swimming into the air pocket under a capsized canoe, although you might have to let kids try it under supervision to see what it is like.

Have one person towing and the other pushing the canoe to shore. If they wish, they can both tow the canoe, but they will likely find they get into one another’s way.

Shallow water empty – With the canoe upside down, roll it slightly to break the seal, lift it in the air and turn it right side up, then put it down on the water. It may be necessary to break the seal by having both canoeists lift at one end, or by having one lift one end and the other push the other end down. Trying to lift a canoe with water in it is hard, and can damage both the canoe and the canoeist. Depending on the strength of the canoeists, it may be necessary to have the assistance of other students. Make sure the area has a bottom safe for walking.

Emptying a swamped canoe at the dock – Bring the canoe perpendicular to the dock, roll it upside down and lift up the end near the dock to break the seal. Then remove the canoe from the water upside down, lifting it hand-over-hand until it is out of the water and the two paddlers are holding it amidships. Put the canoe down on the dock, upside down, and move to the ends to turn it over. The assistance of other students may be necessary for smaller canoeists.

Whenever you are lifting the canoe, attempt to keep your back straight and upright.

You may have the participants keep the canoe upright in the water and paddle it to shore using the paddles and/or try to paddle the canoe to shore using hands. These are fun exercises although not described in the above requirement of “retrieving a swamped canoe”.

Some canoes will not float keel up after swamping or tipping. The canoe must be recovered in this upright position. When emptying it at the shore or dock, it will have to be rolled to empty all of the water before any lifting is done.

Hold on to your canoe.


Canoe Over Canoe Rescue The two canoeists, in the rescue canoe, will approach two conscious victims and their swamped or overturned canoe. After ensuring that the victims are safe, a canoe over canoe rescue must be completed. The victims are then assisted back into their own canoe. The solo canoeist in the Basic Canoeing Level 4 Solo Course will complete a canoe over canoe rescue of another solo canoeist. Each person must be both a victim and a rescuer. PFDs will be worn throughout these exercises.

Do this on warm days or at the end of a lesson.


Have only one rescue at a time so you can see everybody and properly supervise.

Make sure everyone rescues and is rescued—switch so each paddler gets to recover the swamped canoe.

The first concern is for the canoeists in the water—not their canoe or gear.

Call to the victims to stay with the canoe and determine that all victims are accounted for.

Rescuers must maintain visual contact with victims or at least verbal contact.

Reassure the victims and approach them quickly until canoes are close. Be sure the victims are not panicking and a threat to the rescuers. Only then should the rescuers make contact with the victims’ canoe and/or victims.

Direct the calm victims to move to either end of the rescue canoe (without losing contact with the canoes, if possible) and to hold on to the rescue canoe. The rescuers may want the victims to “monkey hang” on the rescue canoe.

Roll the overturned canoe into an upright position and remove the paddles and gear, if not already done by the victims. Roll the canoe upside down again before continuing with the rescue. Note that there are some canoes that will naturally float right side up and cannot, except with a great effort, be held keel up in the water. For these canoes, the rescue is slightly different.

Pull the rescue canoe forward or back until the bow or stern of the overturned canoe can be easily reached.

With the stern paddler steadying the rescue

canoe, the bow paddler (facing the stern) performs the rescue or with the bow paddler steadying, the stern paddler performs the rescue. You should try both options and see which one is more practical. You may find, with smaller rescuers, both bow and stern paddlers must face one another and work together to rescue the canoe.

One victim is directed to the front of the rescue canoe and the other victim is assisting in breaking the air seal. The person

in the stern will perform the canoe over canoe rescue.


Roll the canoe slightly to break the air seal and lift the end of the overturned canoe onto the gunwale of the rescue canoe. Continue pulling the canoe until it is mid-way across the rescue canoe.

Continue to draw the canoe across the gunwales of the rescue canoe until empty and balanced. (It is possible at this point to bring the victims into the rescue canoe. It is extremely stable if you steady the upside down canoe on top of the rescue canoe like an outrigger. Only consider this if the victim(s) need to get out of the cold water or must be brought into the rescue canoe for some other reason.)

Roll the victim’s canoe right side up and slide it back into the water.

Steady the victim’s canoe while the victims re-board their canoe. They can do this, one at a time, from the outside of the victim’s canoe. The rescuers should secure the victim’s canoe so that when the victim “leaps” into his canoe, the outside gunwale can be lowered to make the “leap” easier. Once one is in the canoe and sitting on the floor, the second may enter. In some instances, the second person may need assistance from the first person into the canoe.

It is sometimes necessary to bring a victim into the canoe by first getting the two canoes parallel and getting the victim to put one foot over the gunwale of each canoe and with assistance enter from between the canoes. This is not a good idea in rougher water.

If the rescuer(s) have difficulty in breaking the air seal and/or lifting the end of the canoe onto their gunwale, a victim may assist by pushing down on the end of the canoe farther from the rescue canoe. He can also help push the canoe up and onto the gunwales of the rescue canoe.

If the swamped canoe will not easily turn keel up, you will have to lift the canoe full of water in the upright position. As described earlier, lift one end of the canoe onto your gunwale. Lift slowly; this gives the water a chance to run out the other end of the canoe and makes the task easier. When the canoe is a foot or two onto your gunwale, turn it keel up and proceed as described in the other rescue.

It is possible to perform canoe over canoe rescues without victims. Simply have an overturned canoe and practise “rescuing” it. This way, you can perfect the technique and everyone stays warm and dry. At some point, you will have to do it with victims, but it will be so much faster.

Drawing the canoe across the gunwales requires some strength and technique.


Re-entering Canoe (a) From the bow position, with a partner steadying the canoe from the stern, the canoeist will

carefully slip out of the canoe, while hanging onto the gunwales, and climb back in. (b) Both canoeists will carefully slip out of the canoe, while hanging onto the gunwales, and climb

back in. (c) A solo canoeist will carefully slip out of the canoe, while holding onto the gunwale, and climb

back in. These exercises should be performed in deep water. In (c), canoeists in another canoe may have to offer assistance; this may be the case in (a) and (b), depending upon size and strength of the canoeists in the water.


Practise this one canoe at a time for safe supervision or get some assistance with supervision.

“Jumping” out – Stand in the canoe with feet on the centreline and grasp the gunwales. Carefully vault over the side and transfer both hands to the gunwale on that side. Kick with your legs (as in a stride jump) when entering the water to keep from sinking too far and capsizing the canoe. Do not dive from the canoe. Ask your partner “Are you OK?”

Re-boarding from the side – Put your hands over the gunwale and into the near side of the canoe at amidships. Kick with your feet until your body is over the canoe; keep your head low. When your head is near the far side of the canoe, roll into sitting position. Swing your legs aboard. The paddler should stay low in the canoe and on the opposite side and perform a paddle brace (if this skill is known) while the other paddler re-boards.

Re-boarding from the end – Go to the end of the canoe and kick to

get your arms on top of the deck. Kick again to get your hands down on the deck, elbows up. Get your torso across the deck, balancing over the canoe. Swing one leg then the other into the canoe. This requires some strength and is tiring to do; some learners will have difficulty.

Re-boarding from near the end – Re-boarding from amidships has a great rolling/tipping effect on the canoe and re-boarding from the end is difficult for many. Re-boarding about 1.5 metres from either end of the canoe (just in front of the bow or stern seat) nearly eliminates these problems.

When both canoeists are re-entering, they should do so from opposite sides at the same time.

The solo re-entry is difficult for many. There are several methods that work, but not every method works for every candidate. Those who are successful should coach those having difficulty.

This is one way—one enters while the other steadies the canoe.


SKILLS

Launching and Removing Canoe The candidate will assist in safely and carefully launching and removing the canoe at a shoreline and/or a dock. This is a solo test item also, but if the candidate cannot handle the canoe alone, another may assist.

Ideally, the canoe should touch nothing but the rack and the water (i.e. no scraping or dragging). But, the canoe has to be set on the ground or dock, in practice.

The participant will perform this skill with a partner. In some cases, depending on size and strength, there may be 3 or 4 people working to accomplish this task

Beginning with the canoe upside down on the rack, the participants will go to opposite ends of the canoe and turn it over, placing it down gently. The participants should move to the centre of the canoe opposite one another and lift the canoe, grasping it by the gunwales with the hands placed equidistant from the centre thwart so that the canoe is in balance when it is lifted. The participants should walk to the water’s edge (or dock’s edge) and launch the canoe by lowering it hand over hand into the water. The canoe should be completely supported by the water. This carry from the rack to the water’s edge works well when the distance is short; for longer carries, you may want a participant at each end carrying the canoe like a suitcase.

Reverse the above sequence for removing the canoe from the water.

Canoes can be heavy enough to damage the back; lift with the legs, not the back, and always ask for help if the canoe is too heavy to manage safely on your own.

Since this skill is more often than not taught immediately before a paddler’s first time on the water, there is a natural tendency to rush this process—with a group of paddlers, pandemonium and potential damage can be the result. Try to keep the pace slow, careful and deliberate, if necessary having one

canoe at a time being launched under direct supervision.

Demonstration beforehand.

You may want to practise launching and removing the canoe as an exercise by itself.

You may want to have all the canoes at the water’s edge so that the participants can go directly to entering of the canoe (after your demonstration). The removing of the canoe can be done when the time comes. In fact, you should organise the elements of this “launching and removing canoe” to suit your group and location and teaching style.

Launching from the dock (and many other things).


Entering and Exiting Canoe Each canoeist will safely enter and exit a canoe at a shoreline and/or a dock. The canoeist should have knowledge of procedures at both a shoreline and a dock.

From a dock – The stern paddler steadies the canoe. Bowman stands or kneels facing canoe’s bow and enters placing his outer foot over the keel and transferring his weight downward onto the foot in the canoe from the foot on the dock. He removes his foot from the dock, placing it beside the foot in the canoe and assumes a kneeling position with backside resting against the seat. Then the bow paddler holds on to the dock to steady the canoe while the stern paddler boards in a similar fashion. The bow person should not hold the canoe too tight to the dock because the stern will be farther away from the

dock and the stern person’s entry will be more difficult.

From the shore – One paddler adjusts the canoe so that its end just barely touches on the bottom at the water’s edge and then the canoe is braced between this person’s knees. The other paddler steps around the person on the shore and, keeping his weight low by putting hands or paddle on the gunwales, walks down the centre of the canoe to take the bow paddling position. The last paddler to board should push the canoe just off the shore before entering. It may be necessary for this last person in to move toward amidships at first to raise the end

of the canoe off the bottom before “pushing” away.

Reverse the procedures for landing. The bow person will exit first at the shore because the canoe is bow closest to the shore. The stern person should exit first at the dock so that the canoe is still reasonably trimmed with just the bow person in.

Students have a tendency to rush this. Emphasise slow deliberate movements.

Make sure students know what to do when they are afloat, e.g. move away or hold on to the dock.

Keep weight low and evenly distributed left and right.

Remember that your example is “all important” in how this is done after your lesson.

Launching and entering the canoe from a beach—notice that the stern person is steadying the canoe while the bow person enters.


Any load should be evenly distributed from side to side with as low a centre of gravity as possible. The load should be steady and unlikely to shift.

Generally the canoe should be level or slightly stern heavy, unless it is being paddled into the wind, in which case it may be slightly bow heavy.

Any required adjustments should be done by one canoeist, while the other stabilises the canoe.

This can be taught in conjunction with entering the canoe.

You may also think of “paddling positions” as sitting or kneeling or some other paddler position in the canoe. This would be a good opportunity to discuss/demonstrate these possibilities. You may also dictate that everyone is kneeling and leave it at that.

You could keep a daypack (or similar buoyant, but weighty item) handy to put into the canoe to help trim it, if necessary. This is particularly important if the bow person is much heavier than the stern person. With the bow down, the stern person will have a great deal of difficulty controlling the canoe.

Balancing (a) Each canoeist will, in turn, from a kneeling or sitting position, stand for 15 seconds and then

return to the original position while the partner stabilises the canoe. (b) With both paddlers kneeling, gently rock the canoe for 15 seconds. (c) At all times while in the canoe, the canoeists will demonstrate balance by avoiding sudden

unannounced movements and keeping their centres of gravity low and in the centre of the canoe.

The paddler should keep his weight centred whether standing, sitting or kneeling.

A wider stance when kneeling and sitting is advantageous.

Stay loose at the hips.

Make sure that this skill is done away from other canoes or obstacles in case the paddler falls out.

The paddler should know to hang on to the canoe in case of unintended exit and participants should be wearing their PFDs.

It is sometimes a good idea to have the instructor in the stern applying a paddle brace in the case of the adventurous or unsure paddler trying this.

Paddling Positions and Trimming (a) The canoeist will enter the canoe and assume the paddling position deemed most suitable for the

given conditions. (b) The canoeist will know how his/her own weight as well as that of packs can be shifted to

maximise safety and efficient paddling, given different wind and water conditions.


The bow paddler puts his paddle down in the canoe while the stern paddler keeps his paddle in the water for stability. The bow paddler grabs the gunwales, rises and steps backward over the bow seat. Facing the bow, the bow paddler kneels down between the centre thwart and the bow seat. Keeping his weight low and grabbing a gunwale in each hand, the stern paddler moves forward over the bow paddler and takes position in the bow (preferably kneeling). The

bow paddler carefully moves backward as before and takes his position in the stern. The bow paddler may move behind the thwart before the stern paddler moves forward—this may depend on the weight of the individuals.

This is a good acclimatisation for balancing and confidence.

Changing places is necessary in order that both paddlers have a chance to practise skills in both positions.

If there exists any possibility of upset while changing places, raft up with other canoes for stability.

Demonstrate the manoeuvre first. This is always a good practice.

Changing Positions The canoeists will change paddling positions, bow to stern and stern to bow, without going to the shore or dock. They may attempt this with one canoe alone or with a second canoe to offer assistance.

Keep your weight low and trust your partner.


The paddlers should understand that the canoe has a pivot point around which it tends to revolve, and that the paddlers can push or pull their end of the canoe around the pivot point to make the canoe spin. In the case of a tandem canoe, the pivot point is amidships. You might not want to dwell on this too long. But, get into doing the pivots.

Inside pivot – the best way to pivot the canoe in this direction is for each paddler to do a “draw” stroke. Outside Pivot – teach as you did the inside pivot, but have the paddlers use a “pry” or push-away” stroke.

Remember to use the draw, pry or push-away that is suited to the ability of the participants in your group and the level of the program you are teaching. For example, you aren’t going to expect your Basic canoeing Level 1 course participants to master a pry with an underwater recovery so don’t demonstrate it; demonstrate a push-away with an above-water recovery.

A good case can be made for learning pivots first - In order to make the canoe go in the direction you want it to go, you must first point it in the right direction. As well, the ability to pivot the canoe is a fundamental component of any method of making the canoe go straight. This manoeuvre is almost always successful and encourages participants to continue with the instruction.

The physical execution of pries (and draws) can be practised effectively in a “star” formation. Have the group raft up, facing the same direction with the centre thwarts of the canoes in line. Then have the stern paddlers grab the gunwales of the canoes on either side and pull them together while the bow paddlers lets go, so that the canoes form a star shaped pattern with room to paddle between the bow paddlers. Have all the bow paddlers practise draws and pries on the same paddling side, and the star will rotate like a pinwheel. Since the canoes are rafted up, it is easy for the instructor to deliver feedback and to demonstrate the skills.

Make sure to reverse the star (i.e. the bow paddlers hold on while the stern paddlers paddle).

For both pivots, and indeed for all tandem paddling, have the paddlers try to synchronise their strokes for easy manoeuvring

“Donut” races or challenging the paddlers to point their boats towards various landmarks can provide practice.

Pivots The canoeists will pivot the canoe one complete revolution in one direction, and then one complete revolution in the other direction. The centre of the canoe should not stray too far from its original position throughout the manoeuvre. The canoeists may not change paddling sides during the manoeuvre.

Try interlocking pivots for a bit of a challenge!


It’s nice to have a dock for many of the manoeuvres, but you can improvise.

Novices will find that using draws or push-aways/pries (pulls or pushes) is the easiest way to move the canoe sideward.

This is a good way to move toward or away from the dock when getting off or on the water.

With the paddlers paddling on opposite sides, the stern paddler should pull himself toward his paddling side (draw), and the bow paddler should push himself away from his paddling side (push-away/pry). To go the other way, each paddler does the opposite stroke. The important point is that each paddler pulls or pushes his end of the canoe in the desired direction.

Other methods of applying the force (cross draw, sculling) should be left for later lessons.

A drill in which the paddlers are asked to pivot or move sideways in various directions makes the paddlers choose appropriate strokes for the desired manoeuvre. Encourage the paddlers to stop and figure out what stroke to use before paddling; this is especially vital for successfully learning tandem, where one paddler’s mistake in choosing a stroke may cause the other to wonder whether he has chosen correctly.

Sideward Displacement The canoeists will move the canoe sideways in both directions a distance of 5 (10) metres. Minimal pivoting and diagonal motion is acceptable; minimal forth and back motion is also acceptable. Speed should be reasonably constant in both directions. The canoeists may not change paddling sides during the manoeuvre. The solo canoeist need only move 7 metres in each direction; the other criteria apply.


Forward Straight Line The canoeists will paddle forward in a relatively straight line for a distance of approximately 25 (100) metres. The canoeist being evaluated is the stern paddler in the tandem canoe. Each candidate must accomplish this from the stern position. Solo canoeists will also paddle a forward straight line.

At first, the stern paddler may find it easiest just to steer using draws or pries (sometimes called rudders by those who like to wallow in unnecessary terminology). The draw will likely be ineffective and the pry will often turn into a backstroke and stall the canoe.

It is preferable to use a stroke that combines steering with forward momentum. The stern paddler should use whichever stroke is needed to point the canoe in the desired direction while propelling it forward.

What forward corrective stroke you choose to teach will depend on the level of skill of the participants coming into the course and the Basic Canoeing Level you are trying to get them to accomplish. For example, it may be acceptable to have the stern paddler paddle forward and correct with a draw or a pry or something resembling either on a Basic Canoeing Level 1 course, but not on a Basic Canoeing Level 3 course.

Whatever forward corrective stroke you choose, the trick lies in not

overcompensating—using too much compensating force—so that the canoe

does not keep turning beyond the desired direction.

The paddlers should be looking ahead at where they want to go to correct the course of the canoe. If a paddler really needs to look at his hands and paddle to tell what they are doing, it is likely that the skill requires more practice before application.

At first, have the bow paddler help to keep a straight course using skills learned earlier.

This skill, like all basic paddling, is best learned in the absence of wind.

The best practice for this skill is to actually use it to go somewhere, preferably somewhere interesting to the learners (i.e. touring). A canoe tour is officially included in Basic Canoeing Level 3, but a short tour of a few hundred metres could be interesting and challenging for Basic Canoeing Level 1 or Level 2 participants.

Paddling in a straight line is the key to many elements of canoeing.


This manoeuvre prepares the paddlers for landing and manoeuvring in obstructed areas by requiring them to perform the change-up from straight-line paddling to a turn and back to straight-line paddling.

One of the essential elements of performing this manoeuvre efficiently is the ability to paddle the canoe in a straight line. If you see the candidates having difficulty with the turns, make sure they are able to paddle a straight line with control in preparation for the turning manoeuvre to follow.

If you want the canoe to turn to the right, the last forward stroke the stern person takes should not tell the canoe to turn left as often happens when the paddler focuses on the straight line and forgets to prepare for the turn. For example, if the stern is paddling on the left, the last forward stroke before the turn should have no correction on the end of it. The canoe turns ever so slightly to the right and the next stroke is the turning stroke.

After these turns are practised a few times, the turns could be practised coming at the instructor’s canoe or the dock (where the instructor is standing) so that each canoe does it in turn and can get immediate feedback. If you do this, you must be confident and/or quick. You might set up a rope barrier because it is softer than either your canoe or the dock.

Inside and Outside Turns (a) The canoeists will paddle forward, in a relatively straight line, and turn the canoe approximately

90o to the stern paddler's side (inside turn) and continue in a relatively straight line. (b) Repeat the above procedure, but turn away from the stern paddler's side (outside turn). Candidates will accomplish these manoeuvres in both bow and stern positions. These manoeuvres are also to be done by the solo canoeist.

Paddling a straight line and then turning to the left. The bow person is doing a pry, as is the stern person. This is an inside turn and they are

using the dock for reference. This could also become an inside landing.


This manoeuvre is essentially a pivot combined with forward momentum.

Stern Inside Circle – The stern paddler has options: do a forward stroke with a pry or a push away at the end or do a “J” stroke which turns the canoe and provides forward momentum.

For novices, there seems to be no harm in letting them use a “goon” stroke at first—the important thing is to gain an understanding of how to apply a mechanical force to the canoe for a desired effect; the details of how to best adapt your body to deliver these forces can come later. Connecting a forward stroke to a pry by closing the wrists inward and letting the paddle rotate through the lower hand (a.k.a. the “L” stroke) can be tried as a refinement after the basic mechanics of the manoeuvre are understood and under control. It is wise, however, to spend as little time as possible using the “goon” before moving on, since learning is always easier than unlearning. But if the time or patience for developing an effective “J” stroke are lacking, feel no remorse about leaving your learners with something that works.

Stern Outside Circle – The stern paddler has several options: a forward sweep stroke, simply do a draw stroke while the bow paddler paddles, do a stroke combination which turns the canoe and provides forward momentum (do a bow or forward stroke with a draw at the end, behind the body).

The tighter the desired circle, the more powerful the turning component (draw or pry) in relation to the forward component of the force exerted by the paddle. As the circle tightens, the stern paddler will have to use less forward component and more turning component in his stroke. The bow paddler will also have to assist in turning the canoe.

Inside and Outside Circles (a) The canoeists will perform an inside circle of no more than 15 metres in diameter. The bow

paddler paddles forward and occasionally may assist with the turning of the canoe, but most of the turning should be accomplished by the stern paddler. The arc of the circle should be consistent and the speed should be constant.

(b) The canoeists will perform an outside circle, using the criteria described above. Candidates will accomplish these manoeuvres in both bow and stern positions. These manoeuvres are also to be done by the solo canoeist.

It’s more fun to practise circles with others.


It is a good idea to have both paddlers try the strokes mentioned above at the same time (i.e. both paddlers do a modified draw or stroke combination at the same time). This makes for easier and more certain steerage in the right direction, and also shows that the bow paddler can assist in steering the canoe, since both paddlers are helping to turn the canoe and provide forward momentum.

At first, have the bow paddler paddle very slowly, so as to make it easier for the stern paddler to counteract the turning effect of the bow paddler’s forward strokes.

To better judge the success of your circle, it is good to have some object to circle around, such as a buoy or the instructor’s canoe.

The paddlers should be able to demonstrate both circles of various radii.

The logic of the effect of pushing and/or pulling your end of the canoe around the pivot point can be lost if the paddlers switch sides or both paddle on the same side, although having the paddlers execute a given pivot or turn while paddling on the same side is a good way to tell whether they understand the mechanics of a canoe or have just learned strokes by rote. To keep things simple during learning, make sure the paddlers paddle on opposite sides and stay on the same side.

Most paddlers will find it easier to learn paddling on their dominant side.

Stopping The canoeists, working together, will stop the canoe in a safe and appropriate manner. The solo canoeist must also be able to stop the canoe.

“Holding water” or “backpaddling” are appropriate methods. “Holding Water” will slow the canoe’s forward motion, but will not stop it; the paddlers will have to do one or two reverse strokes (backpaddle) to efficiently stop the canoe.

The canoe should stop without veering too far off course. This demonstrates some control and that is the objective of all these exercises.

When this skill has been practised, playing “chicken” with a dock can be a good test of the skill (providing the instructor is 100% sure the paddler can do it!). A very good alternative is to use a buoy or rope line. Your canoe or the person in charge of canoe repairs will thank you.


This manoeuvre must be demonstrated to the participants. No amount of discussion will replace a good demonstration (or several).

This skill can be broken down into components that can be practised separately; a straight line approach, followed by a pivot, followed by stopping the pivot (use the opposite pivot), then by stopping any remaining forward momentum.

If necessary, the paddlers may move the canoe sideward a short distance to reach the dock when the canoe’s forward momentum has stopped.

Practise stopping pivots and stopping forward motion first.

First practice of the manoeuvre should be carried out at a slow pace and preferably towards a rope barrier rather than a dock.

Many paddlers find it easier to perform a landing where the canoe approaches the dock at a slightly greater angle if they can turn the canoe effectively.

Reverse Straight Line The canoeists will paddle backward in a relatively straight line for a distance of approximately 25 metres. The canoeist being evaluated is the bow paddler in the tandem canoe. Each candidate must accomplish this from the bow position. Solo canoeists will also paddle a reverse straight line.

The role of the stern paddler is to make the canoe go backwards; this is usually accomplished with a reverse stroke. It is the job of the bow person to make sure the canoe is travelling in a relatively straight line in reverse. This manoeuvre requires that the bow paddler has the ability to make course corrections to either side. The easiest way to do that is with draws and pries as the canoe moves backwards. Those instructions will come from the stern person who has a better view of the canoe and its path through the water.

The bow paddler may find that a reverse “J” stroke and a reverse sweep stroke are more efficient. The reverse “J” will take some practice and is probably not worth the effort with Basic Canoeing Level 1. But, you may want to make a greater effort with Basic Canoeing Level 2 & 3 and in Basic Canoeing Level 4, there is no choice.

Inside and Outside Landings (a) The canoeists, working together, will safely land the canoe at a dock or rope barrier. The

canoeists will approach the barrier at an angle of approximately 50 to 75o. As the canoe nears the barrier, it should turn parallel to the barrier and stop within a reasonably short distance and no more than one metre away from the barrier. The stern paddler is paddling on the side of the canoe away from the dock or rope barrier (inside landing).

(b) The canoeists will perform an outside landing; the stern paddler will be paddling on the side of the canoe nearer the dock when the landing is completed. Each canoeist will perform the skills as a bow and stern paddler.

Solo canoeists will also perform these manoeuvres.


Lifts and Carries The candidates will demonstrate two methods of carrying the canoe tandem and will be familiar with and may attempt a solo tepee lift and carry. If size and strength prevent the lifting and carrying of the canoe as described, the candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the methods.

Tandem carry – With both canoeists amidships holding the canoe with one hand on the gunwale on either side of the centre thwart, or lifting at bow and stern by the deck or stern.

Tandem lift – Canoeists stand on the same side of the canoe beside the stern and bow seats. Both pick the canoe up by the gunwale and hold it up in their laps while leaning back. Each canoeist reaches across the canoe with the hand closest to the bow and grabs the gunwale. Then the other hand cradles the bottom of the canoe, reaching so that the elbow cradles the gunwale. On a count of three, they roll the canoe over, letting it pivot on their upper arms with the seats coming to rest on their shoulders. Reverse the sequence for putting the canoe down. Stress care in walking with a load above one’s head.

Tepee lift – Both paddlers move to the bow of the canoe and roll the canoe as above with the stern resting on the ground. Rather than rest the canoe on their shoulders, they hold the canoe’s bow up in the air with their arms extended upward. One paddler moves back to the centre thwart under the canoe and the other lowers the canoe so that the centre thwart rests on his shoulders. Put the canoe down following the reverse sequence.

Basic level participants are often too small to lift and carry a canoe comfortably and safely.

All practice of lifting a canoe for portaging should be carried out under direct supervision and with a spotter at each end of the canoe in case it is dropped.

This is a 2-person “suitcase carry”. Always provide “safety” when practising lifts.


Transporting Canoe on Vehicle The candidates should be familiar with appropriate means of lifting a canoe onto and off of a vehicle. They should also know knots which will secure the canoe to the vehicle. If appropriate, each candidate should attempt these procedures.

Lifting a canoe on and off a vehicle shouldn’t be any different than lifting the canoe on and off the higher levels of the canoe racks. This can be difficult for smaller individuals and although they may not be able to do it, they should witness the lifting procedure.

The canoe can be secured with ropes and/or straps, depending upon the system you have at hand. Ideally you would demonstrate both.

This whole demonstration can be done on a picnic table if that is available.

Canoe Tour The canoeists should accompany the Course Director on a short canoe tour. During this tour, the canoeists should practise as many of the canoeing skills learned during the Course as possible. Each canoeist should paddle in the stern for part of the tour.

This is a great opportunity to have the course participants use what they have learned in a real canoeing situation.

You should keep your group reasonably close together and close to shore.

If you have a capable assistant, he/she could be in the lead canoe or the sweep canoe and you in the other.


THEORY

Selection of Equipment The candidate will be made aware of how to select a suitable paddle and PFD.

The Paddle

Paddle length is important. Blade shape is of little consequence to the beginner.

Paddle weight makes a difference. At 20 strokes a minute, a weight difference of 60 grams will make a difference of 272 kilograms of lifting over a four-hour day.

To select a paddle of appropriate length – Hold the paddle above your head with hands on the throat and grip. If the paddle size is correct, the forearms should be parallel to one another and perpendicular to the ground (i.e. the elbow angles will be 90o). Others determine the proper length by extending their arms to the sides and having the paddle run from hand to hand. Others pick a paddle that comes up to their chin or nose. Demonstrate one of the above methods and use it. It is better to choose a paddle that is a bit too small than one that is too long.

Holding a paddle – One hand is placed on grip, the other on the shaft, at or near the throat. The way in which the paddle is held will vary in different situations, but in general the paddle should be held so as to allow the top hand adequate purchase on the grip to permit easy application of torque to change the paddle’s pitch, and with an easy grip with the lower hand to allow the paddle to rotate in the lower hand when needed. The closer together the hands are, the greater the potential range of the paddle, but the less leverage available; the farther apart, the more restricted the range and potentially more leverage. Demonstration and correction of how the paddle is held may be necessary before any paddling skills can be learned.

The PFD

PFD means Personal Flotation Device.

PFDs will not float an unconscious person with his head out of the water. PFDs are designed to keep a conscious person afloat. PFDs are designed for people who know how to swim and who are involved in active water sports like canoeing or sailing. PFDs are less buoyant than lifejackets, but they are also more comfortable to wear. PFDs are sold in sizes based upon a person’s weight. There are, however, different styles. Choose a PFD for its fit as well as its size. Make sure that you wear the PFD and that it is done up correctly. All PFDs should carry a label indicating that they are Canadian government approved. Proper maintenance of your PFD will increase it life. The instructor should/must set an example by wearing a PFD at all times when on the water.


In general, it is best to introduce terminology as needed in order to communicate about the performance of a skill. If you dwell on paddle and canoe parts, you may become boring—be careful.

Paddle parts

Listing of parts should include a statement of their functions.

Stress the type of paddles that your students will be using and any special information about these.

A little game in a whole group or pairs works nicely - e.g. put your left index finger on the grip and your right big toe on the tip, etc. Canoe parts

The comments are similar to those made above for paddles.

Note that virtually all paddlers use the word tumblehome the wrong way. Tumblehome refers to any curve on a boat that re-curves past vertical, not to any specific part of the canoe. The proper term for the area between the side and the bottom of the canoe is bilge.

Equipment Care The candidate will be made aware of the proper care of PFD, paddle and canoe. He/she will demonstrate care and respect for this equipment during the Course.

Don’t load the canoe except when supported completely by water.

Don’t drag a canoe on the ground or dock.

Don’t leave your paddle lying on the ground.

Don’t sit on a racked canoe.

Use the paddle only for paddling.

Don’t let water stand in an upright canoe.

Store canoes off of the ground. Fibreglass canoes are best stored in the shade.

Store paddles by hanging, not by leaning or they will warp.

The emphasis should be on proper use and preventative care.

Ongoing care of equipment is the point, not theoretical knowledge.

Equipment Knowledge The candidate will be made aware of the parts of a paddle and a canoe.


Government Regulations The candidate will be made aware of the government regulations as they apply to canoes, such as: (a) One Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board. (b) One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 metres in length. (c) One manual propelling device. (d) One bailer or one manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a

person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel. (e) A sound signalling device or a sound-signalling appliance. (f) Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the

pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

Be sure all the canoes and participants have what is required by law. You set a very poor example otherwise.

You should have a copy of the Safe Boating Guide and you may have enough copies for interested course participants.

Safe Canoeing Procedures The candidate will be made aware of the following "rules": (a) Keep your weight low in the canoe. (b) Canoe in the daylight. (c) Do not go out in stormy weather. (d) Avoid sudden or unannounced movements. (e) Cooperate with your partner. (f) Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. (g) Stay with your canoe if it swamps or overturns. (h) Watch for obstacles. (i) Avoid fast moving water or rapids. (j) Know the safe loading capacity (people and packs) for a canoe without overloading it or making

paddling difficult. (k) Have extra paddles in the canoe. (l) Get off the water when lightning is close or approaching.

These “Safe Canoeing Procedures” can be brought into your course at appropriate times. They don’t all have to be done at once. It is best if they are not dealt with until after some canoeing has been done. If you start off your course with a lot of talking about the law and safe canoeing procedures and equipment and…, you may turn off your participants.

ORCKA has a flier with “It’s the Law” and “Safe Canoeing Procedures” and ORCKA contact information on it; you can order some from the office.


Outdoor Precautions The candidate will be made aware of the potential danger, means of prevention and treatment of hypothermia and overexposure to sun. He/she should take necessary precautions during the Course.

The effect of the sun’s rays on the human body increase dramatically when on the water.

Stress use of hat, adequate clothing and sunscreen to reduce the effects of the sun’s rays.

Though not required knowledge, candidates should be aware that exertion in hot temperatures may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The canoeist should know the necessity of maintaining adequate hydration and electrolyte balance in hot weather.

Heat is eliminated from the body through conduction, convection, evaporation and radiation. Heat is lost quickest through the groin, armpits and head regions.

When the temperature exceeds 80oF (27oC) the only method for the heat to escape is through sweating.

Overweight individuals may have as much as 18% greater heat production than an underweight individual.

The chance of death from heat stroke increases at a ratio of approximately four to one as body weight increases.

Acclimatisation is the most effective method of avoiding heat stress. Prepare the body for exercise in heat gradually. Give the body time to adapt to exercising in the heat.

Even tanned individuals are subject to severe burns when they go for long periods in the direct sun. Therefore, canoeists should not go for prolonged periods of time without having their shoulders and back covered.

The extreme heat of the day is around 2:00 pm.

One of the best methods of reducing the effect of the sun is to wear a hat (not a sun visor). A hat is a good insulator for the head against hot sun.

A shirt will trap sweat between itself and your body and will therefore provide a cooling effect while paddling to help keep your body temperature down.

As the body sweats, its store of water and electrolytes diminishes. A significant loss of water can be dangerous to the individual; therefore, constant replenishment of water through a water/electrolyte mixture (juice) will decrease the onset of heat disorders.

Environmental Awareness The candidate will be aware of and understand the basic concepts of no trace camping and the rights of property owners.

There is so much information you can pass on to your course participants that you must be very selective. Try to make the information you pass on relevant to the canoeing situation you are in and the situation your course participants may be in after they leave your course. There is really no point in discussing the terrible environmental effects of the pulp and paper industry on our waterways unless you happen to be next door to one of the plants, for example.


Windy Weather Precautions The candidate will be aware of some precautions to be taken in the event of windy weather: (a) Quarter into the waves. (b) Adjust the trim. (c) Stay low in the canoe. (d) Stay close to shore. (e) Alter your route or go to shore, if necessary.

At this skill level, experience should be limited to assisting the instructor in paddling close to shore in only moderate windy conditions, with the candidate in bow position. If you venture out in windy conditions, you may well lose some of your group (have a rescue boat handy).

Canoeing History The candidate should be introduced to the rich canoeing heritage that Canadians share. This could be the evolution of the canoe, some local canoeing history, the biography of a canoeist, etc.

This topic so often is left out or dealt with as an afterthought and that’s unfortunate. It may excite your course participants as much as the actual canoeing, if done with enthusiasm and a little planning.

You and/or your organisation must have a few books that you could use as a reference. You could even do “show and tell” with one of them or a picture in one of them.

There are many canoeing personalities worthy of comments; choose one or two and say a few words.

Talk about the canoe paddles that hang on the camp dining hall wall and the trips they represent. This may not be very ancient history, but it is relevant to your campers. You may have a canoe hanging on the wall; it can be the beginning of some good tales.

Dress up as a voyageur.

Use your imagination, but pass along some of the excitement of our canoeing heritage.

What great tales they could tell, if only they could speak to us.


Some Notes for Solo Paddling

INTRODUCTION TO SOLO PADDLING The paddler should be kneeling near the centre of the canoe either kneeling up on the bow seat facing the stern, or kneeling on his heels just aft of the centre thwart. Many solo paddlers heel the canoe towards their paddling side for increased manoeuvrability. Novices should be encouraged to do this only if it does not create in them a tendency to shy away from the water for fear of falling in. Instability (real or perceived) creates a distraction from learning. The angle of heel can increase as experience and comfort with the solo position increase.

A short discovery paddle immediately after getting in is virtually unavoidable—the novice wants to find out what it’s like to paddle solo.

The paddler will likely experiment with switching sides and

backpaddling as a means of steering. With young persons and those for whom acclimatisation and experiential learning are the priority, it may be best not to introduce more sophisticated methods at this stage.

For those who will be learning more advanced techniques, it is a good idea to introduce the concept of pivot point right off the bat. Ask the paddler to try a single forward stroke in order to discover its turning effect. Then have the paddler do a single draw stroke which exerts its force straight through the pivot point, which will be located near the centre of the canoe when paddled solo. If the draw is exerted straight through the pivot point, no turning should occur and the canoe should move sideways.

Have the paddler try moving the canoe sideways using draws and pries (pulls and pushes).

Exercises such as standing up and rocking the boat help in the development of balance.

Kneeling can be hard on the legs, ankles and knees. Take frequent breaks.

It is difficult to teach solo skills to novices when the instructor has more than 5 students to deal with. One instructor and one student is the ideal.

Introductory solo paddling must occur in sheltered water near the shore.


SIDEWARD DISPLACEMENT

Use simple draws and pries exerted through the pivot point.

Use a stern draw or pry followed by a bow draw or pry. If these two forces are balanced on either side of the pivot point, the canoe will move sideways without pivoting. Join the bow and stern strokes with underwater recoveries (slicing). It is sometimes helpful to practise the underwater recoveries separately.

Sculling (incorrectly called “feathering”) allows the paddler to exert an almost continuous force on the paddle. To move towards your paddling side, slice the paddle diagonally backward and out away from the canoe, then diagonally forward and away from the canoe. Keep doing this and simply hold on to your paddle; the canoe and you will follow.

Sidewards races (very tiring) will serve to excite the group.

Practise this manoeuvre in relation to an object (dock or rope barrier).

OUTSIDE TURNS

For immediate results, an outside turn can be done by simply paddling forward. A tight turn using a sweep stroke can be introduced.

For better learning of paddling, preface the learning of turns with pivots. Practise draws and pries in three different placements—at the bow, amidships, and at the stern. Find out the different results of the strokes in these placements (inside pivot, outside pivot, no pivot). Emphasise placing the paddle blade forward or backward by choking up on the paddle and keeping the top hand out over the water and low.

Next combine the two strokes that produce an outside pivot (bow pry, stern draw) by joining them via a slicing action of the paddle through the water (underwater recovery). If necessary, practise slicing separately. The result is an outside pivot cone with a “box” stroke. To turn the canoe and move it forward at the same time, pry out at the bow and then do a stern draw with a forward stroke (i.e. a full forward sweep). To increase the tightness of the turn, either use more turning component or less forward component.

For a wide outside turn, combine a forward stroke with a pry at the stern to control and partially counteract the turning effect of the forward stroke.

The paddler must understand the pivot in order to use appropriate strokes and stroke combinations.

If the paddler has done tandem paddling previously, point out that the solo paddler performs as both stern and bow paddler and must use strokes in both locations.

INSIDE TURN

There is no quick and easy way of doing an inside solo turn. A reverse sweep (the intuitive choice) turns the boat, but kills momentum.

Learners will find that turning will happen best if the paddle blade is definitely fore or aft of the pivot point. Novices especially neglect to place the paddle far enough behind or in front of the pivot point to be of effect.

A slalom course or follow-the-leader game serves to apply the turns.


SOLO STRAIGHT LINE

The paddler has already practised the two necessary manoeuvres for bringing the canoe back to a straight course (inside and outside circles).

Practise changing from an inside turn to an outside turn and vice versa. A straight line is, in essence, a very smooth fishtailing or wiggling course.

The paddler should keep his eyes on the road.

As this level, take the time to ensure that the paddler is making effective use of the power face of the paddle blade, provided of course that the paddler has mastered the basic mechanics of the manoeuvre.

Provide a means for the paddler to gauge how straight the canoe is moving; paddling alongside a long dock or following a path determined by the line of sight between two distant objects.


Prescription for Good Paddling

by Michael D Ketemer The following is a list of traits that have been observed to correlate with good technique in flatwater paddling. They are listed in an order which aids the provision of suggestions for improvement in the execution of any given paddling skill. For example, if a paddler is having difficulties in performing a manoeuvre, the first thing to check is his position in the canoe; the second is the paddle length, and so on. The traits refer to general aspects of paddling technique, not to specific strokes or manoeuvres.

PADDLER POSITION

The position of the paddler in the canoe is the foundation on which a solid technique is built. If the paddler is not connected securely to the canoe, both physical and psychological insecurity result which can interfere with the consistent and direct flow of force from the water to the paddle to the paddler to the boat. A quiet upper body which remains solidly planted on the seat (if in high kneeling position) or on the paddler’s heels (if in low solo position) provides more stability and a solid base to reach out from. Virtually 90% of all awkward looking and ineffective attempts at a canoeing skill can be improved by making sure the paddler is positioned comfortably and securely.

PADDLE LENGTH

A paddler with too long a paddle will generally end up paddling with his hands gripping the paddle so far apart that it interferes with his ability to extend the paddle fore and aft as required (see below concerning extension). This is especially evident in the low kneeling position. A shorter paddle than is necessary will generally not be a handicap. Many flatwater paddlers who paddle in the low solo amidships position find that a relatively short shaft combined with a relatively large blade provides good resistance without compromising flexibility. Keep a couple of short paddles handy if you teach.

PADDLE IMMERSION

The paddle doesn’t work at its full effectiveness unless the blade is fully immersed. Often learners are so wrapped up in following the “path of the paddle” that they forget to put the paddle fully in the water.

PADDLE GRIP

It is better for a learner to grip the paddle so that it can roll freely through the lower hand, and later in the upper hand for more advanced stroke combinations. A rigour mortis death grip on the paddle makes it very difficult to rotate the paddle enough to perform even a “J” stroke. Gripping the paddle lightly does not interfere with the application of power when needed (the paddler instinctively grips more tightly when he can feel enough force on the blade to remove it from the hands) and promotes the flexibility required for angling the blade in the desired direction. A common way in which novices limit themselves is to grip the paddle with the fingers of the upper hand pointing toward the body, or to grip the paddle with both hands on the shaft. The latter tends to rob the paddler of the feel for the orientation of the blade that contact with the grip provides; this sense of directionality is important for the development of instinctive use of the paddle. In general, the upper hand is the “brain” hand, and the lower, the “brawn” hand.


PADDLE PLACEMENT

Inability to place a force far enough forward or aft of the pivot point commonly results in manoeuvres that don’t work. First, the paddler must realize the different effects of forces directed through the pivot point (resulting in linear movement) and forces exerted in any other direction (resulting in angular or turning movement). Next, the paddler must be able to move the paddle to a position well fore or aft of the pivot point or his body. The following practices increase the range of motion possible for the paddle:

Rotation of the upper body towards the paddling side.

Gripping the paddle further up the shaft with the lower hand (“choking up”). Although there is a point at which choking up seriously decreases the leverage that can be exerted through the paddle, holding the paddle with hands further apart than the distance from shoulder to waist gets in the way of effective extension fore and aft.

Keeping the upper hand across the chest, out over the water and down toward the water places the paddle at an angle that maximizes extension toward the bow and stern.

UNDERWATER RECOVERY

Many good Basic paddlers find that underwater recovery provides enhanced control and the opportunity to exert force on the paddle at any point during its motion, especially when used in advanced manoeuvres in solo position. Underwater recovery is a component of some rudimentary skills such as the “draw” stroke or the bow “draw” - stern “pry” combination used in an inside solo pivot. Learners having difficulty with these skills often benefit from practising various types of underwater recoveries separately.

TIMING

There is a common tendency for learners to hurry through things, often substituting quantity of movement and power for careful application of power. While it is quite understandable that kids especially just want to get going, the paddling instructor must often get the learner to slow down his execution of the manoeuvre or stroke in order to provide adequate time to think through the sequence of movements and correct performance of each component. Keeping things slow (at least initially) allows for precise placement of strokes.

TIMING VS POWER STROKES

In general, strokes directed at an angle of 90 degrees to the keel line of the canoe and ahead or behind the pivot point will exert the most turning force on the craft. Although strokes which are directed in a line parallel to the keel (i.e., “bow” strokes and backpaddling) do have a turning effect, their use also imparts forward or backward momentum to the canoe. Thus, a backpaddle used for an inside turn while moving forward will tend to kill the forward motion. That’s fine, provided you want to turn and stop, but for a novice trying to paddle a straight line with forward motion, backpaddling is a frustrating method of steering. Good technique employs forward or backward forces only when motion in those directions is desired.


Canoeing Games

Name of game FROZEN TAG

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description This game is played with two people in each canoe. One canoe is “it”. They chase the other canoes and try to hit another person in one of the other canoes with a ball. Once hit, the ball goes to the new “it” canoe and the frozen person cannot paddle until someone else is “it”.

Equipment Ball, preferably a soft one that will float and soak up lots of water

Precautions This game works best in an enclosed or defined area. The ball cannot be deflected with a paddle. There should be no contact with canoes or paddles. There can be problems with canoes colliding with less experienced paddlers.

Skills practiced Speed paddling and manoeuvring

Variations Rather than hitting the person with the ball, simply get the ball into the other canoe. The other canoe is then “it”. When the “frozen” person hits someone else with the ball, he/she may paddle again using the opposite end of the paddle.


Name of game PASS THE BALL

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description Four or more people in one canoe, standing up and all facing the same direction, and with their legs spread apart, try to pass a ball over and under.

Equipment Ball

Precautions This game needs to be well supervised with canoes spread out.

Skills practiced Balancing

Variations

Name of game TUG OF WAR

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description Two canoes, facing each other, one member of the crew holds the rope while the others paddle backwards. The canoes may contain any number of people.

Equipment Strong rope

Precautions Canoes may dump; choose water accordingly.

Skills practiced Reverse paddling and team work

Variations


Name of game BLIND PERSON’S BLUFF

Age 12 - 13

Skill level Beginner

Description Blindfolded paddlers are guided through an obstacle course. There may be one or two people in a canoe with one or both blindfolded. Either the non-blindfolded paddler or someone not in the canoe gives directions.

Equipment Blindfolds and markers for the obstacle course

Precautions If directions are given from outside the canoe, make sure they can be heard. Watch for canoes getting “lost”.

Skills practiced Canoe manoeuvring and trust

Variations

Name of game TUB RACE

Age Any


Description Divide the class into groups of two, three or four. The game begins with the paddlers on shore, with their canoes. To start the game or race, they must launch their canoes, then swamp it and paddle it around a figure of eight course and return to shore.

Equipment

Precautions Can result in bruises and scrapes. Know the swimming level of participants.

Skills practiced Retrieving a swamped canoe

Variations Instead of paddling around a figure of eight, they could simply head to shore. This could be a relay race if canoes contain only 2 people.


Name of game BURST THE BALLOON

Age 12 - 16

Skill level Beginner and up

Description Each canoe is given two or three balloons on a piece of string which is tied to the stern painter ring of the canoe. The canoeists chase each other and try to burst other canoes’ balloons with plastic forks. When your balloons are broken, you are out of the game. An area or boundary should be established. The winner is the last canoe with one or more balloons remaining.

Equipment Balloons, string and plastic forks

Precautions Canoes can dump during this game if participants are particularly persistent. Participants are not allowed to maim each other.

Skills practiced Speed paddling, manoeuvring canoe quickly and efficiently

Variations When one of your balloons is burst, one paddler must paddle with the other end of the paddle.

Name of game SIMON SAYS

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description Adapt “Simon says” to canoeing. For example, Simon says “stand up”. Simon says”paddle 3 forward strokes”. “Sit down”. Try to be the last canoe to disobey.

Equipment

Precautions

Skills practiced Any canoeing skills

Variations


Name of game DEAD FISH

Age 12 and up

Skill level Any

Description This game is played with two people in each canoe. A large sponge is picked up by a paddler, using the paddle. The sponge is then “thrown” at another paddler. The object of the game is to hit another person with the wet sponge. Start the game by throwing the sponge into the midst of the gathering of canoes. You can make up a scoring system or you can simply play the game until everyone tires of it.

Equipment Large sponge

Precautions There should be no contact of any sort. Be careful of swinging paddles, since people are “throwing” the sponge with the paddles.

Skills practiced Manoeuvring

Variations With more experienced canoeists, participants may stand in the canoes. The game may also be played paddling solo (kneeling or standing).

Name of game PORTAGE THE CANOE

Age 10 and older

Skill level Beginner and up

Description Two people get the equipment ready to portage. The objective is to get it ready as quickly as possible.

Equipment Canoes, paddles, PFDs, packs, etc.

Precautions If the participants are small, a spotter should be used

Skills practiced Portaging

Variations If participants are small, they may work in a group of 3 or 4.


Name of game GREASED WATERMELON HUNT

Age 8 and up

Skill level Any

Description Prior to the hunt, an instructor greases a watermelon with margarine or lard and secretly places it out in the water (in a defined area). The participants can work tandem or solo (depending on numbers). The participants can be organised into 2 teams or work solo against the others. The objective is to search the defined area, to locate the watermelon and to load the slippery watermelon into the canoe and transport it back to the start.

Equipment Watermelon and margarine or lard

Precautions There is always the possibility of participants falling from the canoes or of canoes overturning.

Skills practiced Balance and co-operation Recovering an object from the water

Variations Depending on age and skill level, you may permit boarding or flipping.

Name of game STOP - START

Age Any


Description Each time a signal is given, the canoes must stop and then, on a further signal, start again. A boundary or imaginary line may be the objective.

Equipment

Precautions It helps if the players can paddle in a straight line.

Skills practiced Fine-tuning of canoe manoeuvring

Variations

Variations might include changing direction each time a signal is given.


Name of game CROWS AND CRANES

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description Canoes line up side by side. Team one is crows and team two is cranes. When the instructor calls “crows”, team one displaces the canoe sideways using draws and push-aways and tries to catch the cranes. The instructor calls “cranes” to reverse the direction.

Equipment

Precautions Paddle on opposite sides; beware of finger jams. Wind can break up the formation and make a higher skill level necessary in order for the game to work.

Skills practiced Canoe manoeuvring

Variations

Name of game ENTER - EXIT CHALLENGE

Age 8 to 10

Skill level Beginning

Description A margarine tub or smaller container is filled with water and placed on the thwart of the canoe. The canoeists are challenged to enter and/or exit the canoe without upsetting the tub.

Equipment Empty margarine tub

Precautions Participants should wear PFDs

Skills practiced Entering and/or exiting a canoe in deep water

Variations


Name of game SINK THE SWISS ARMY

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description This may take up to half an hour to play and requires a minimum of two canoes. Teams of canoes can be formed and should have some form of identification (coloured shirt, flag, etc.). Each canoe is given bailers and the objective is to sink the other teams’ canoes by pouring water in from the bailers. As your canoe fills, you may attempt to bail it out.

Equipment Bailers, coloured shirts or flags

Precautions Do not allow the pushing down of the opponent’s gunwales. Everyone should be able to swim. It helps if this game is played in shallow water since the bailers may have to be retrieved from the bottom.

Skills practiced

Variations No one may bail after 15 minutes.

Name of game MUSICAL CANOES

Age Any

Skill level Flatwater B or better

Description Adaptation of musical chairs to canoeing. Use buoys as chairs. At a given signal, canoeists must grab a buoy.

Equipment Buoys

Precautions Spread the buoys out more than you would the chairs in musical chairs to avoid collisions.

Skills practiced Speed and precision

Variations


Name of game CIRCLE GAME

Age 8 to 16


Description Each tandem canoe is a team. The objective is to do as many pivots as possible within a set time. Specify whether draws or pries are to be used.

Equipment

Precautions Keep the canoes far enough apart that they will not collide.

Skills practiced Pivots

Variations May play the game doing circles instead of pivots

Name of game I DO, YOU DO

Age Any

Skill level Any

Description Divide the group in half or into smaller units. Group one devises a stunt and performs it. The other groups must imitate it. The next group devises a stunt and the others must imitate it. Teams may be eliminated for inability to perform after one or two misses or simply play for as long as the group is having fun.

Equipment

Precautions

Skills practiced

Variations


Name of game CANOE ORIENTEERING

Age 10 and up

Skill level Flatwater B or better

Description An orienteering course is set up and the canoe is used as the vehicle to get from one point to another. Design the course as a treasure or scavenger hunt so that when it has been completed a treasure is found or a puzzle solved. One idea is to have, at each point, on the course part of the ingredient of an ice cream sundae with the ice cream at the final point.

Equipment Compasses, “prizes”

Precautions Setting up the course can take some time so this game has to be planned for well ahead. It may be difficult to keep track of where the canoeists are if the course is large.

Skills practiced Canoeing and orienteering

Variations


ORCKA Basic Canoeing Courses Safety and Administration Requirements

ORCKA was established to promote the development of safe, competent and knowledgeable recreational canoeists. It is therefore essential that the highest standards of safety be adhered to during the conduct of all ORCKA approved courses and sponsored activities. Instructors and Organisational Members carry a special responsibility to set and maintain the ORCKA safety standard. Through such mentoring they encourage the willing acceptance in candidates to continue with these safety standards on their own. The following safety requirements must be adhered to. Wearing of PFDs A Canadian Approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) must be worn by ORCKA course participants and instructors when paddling or swimming or when performing paddling related tasks where there exists risk of a water-related mishap. Wearing Of Helmets All Instructors and Course participants will wear a helmet when canoeing or swimming moving water or whitewater or when “scouting’ adjacent to the river. Government Safety Regulations All Instructors and Course participants will adhere to the following government regulations.

One Canadian approved personal floatation device (PFD) or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board

One buoyant heaving line of no less than 15m in length

One manual propelling device

One bailer or manual water pump

A sound signalling device or sound signalling appliance

Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility

The following minimum course times will be adhered to:

Basic Canoeing (1, 2, 3 and 4 combined into one course) 24 hours

Basic Canoeing Level 1 tandem 5 hours



Basic Canoeing Tandem (Levels 1, 2 and 3 combined into one course) 12 hours

Basic Canoeing Level 4 Solo 12 hours

Basic Canoeing Tandem, Level 1, level 2 and Level 3 courses will have no more than 10 participants per instructor. A Basic Canoeing Level 4 Solo course will have no more than 5 participants per instructor.


Evaluation of Basic Canoeing Level Course Participants

ORCKA Basic Canoeing Level is an introduction to canoeing and assumes that the candidates who are awarded certificates have mastered these fundamentals.

The Basic Canoeing Level must also be an enjoyable experience for the candidates otherwise they may not continue to pursue canoeing as a recreation.

Evaluating these candidates is perhaps more difficult than at any other level since the performance criteria in the manual are somewhat vague (e.g., paddle a relatively straight line). The Instructor is encouraged to refer to Canadian Style Paddling Level 1 for a reference; Basic Canoeing Level paddlers should not be required to perform to this high standard. They should demonstrate, for example, that they can paddle a relatively straight line and are in control of the canoe, but need not be in a corridor as tight as described in Canadian Style Paddling Level 1.

Use the ORCKA test sheets to keep track of who has accomplished the various elements of the level.

Documents

Conducting ORCKA Program Teaching Basic Canoeing Skillsakuniadventures.com/.../2018/04/2013_Teaching_Basic_Canoeing_Skills… · The “elements” of the Basic Canoeing Program that