Introduction to open canoeing
Open canoeing is one of the best and most versatile ways of getting out on the water, done well it is an art form in itself (check out Bill Mason, Path of the Paddle), if you are an outdoor enthusiast then open boating is probably for you, surely all those Canadians can’t be wrong!
This course suits anyone who likes being in the outdoors and wants a new way to experience it, no previous experience is necessary though you should be happy being out on the water.
Course outline – During this course we look at introducing the basic skills and knowledge required to get started with open canoeing, we cover boat design and fit out, equipment and safety features, paddling techniques, safety / rescue and places to paddle.
The aim of the course is to have an enjoyable time canoeing and to start to develop fundamental paddling skills and techniques to effectively manoeuvre the boat.
We will spend our time in relatively sheltered areas, this allows us to develop skills in a friendly environment, we will combine coaching and instruction with progressive trips to allow an overall experience of canoeing and development of skills. Areas used will be weather dependent.
Duration – 3 days
Location – South coast areas – Denmark, Walpole and surrounds
Max number of participants – 4
Ratio – 1 instructor to 4 participants
Equipment requirements – You should bring an open canoe, PFD, paddle and appropriate outdoor clothing as well as your personal requirements (lunch, medication etc.) for the days. (there are options to hire boats / equipment locally)
Cost – $1200 per person
Dates – 27th to 29 of March (or 16th to 18th October)
Open Canoeing on moving water
Taking your open canoe onto moving water can provide a lot of fun and open up many new places to paddle and explore, there are however a whole range of extra skills required in order to do it safely and effectively, this course introduces and works on those skills required to paddle your open boat safely on flat moving and lower grade (grade 1 and 2) whitewater.
This course is good for anyone who currently has the ability to paddle and manoeuvre their canoe effectively on flat water and is keen to progress to moving water, participants should be familiar with flat water skills and safety / rescue procedures.
Course outline – This course will run mainly on flat moving water and lower grade whitewater sections, we will introduce and work on the skills required to successfully move around and control a canoe in the moving water environment, also covered will be river reading, moving water safety and rescue, appropriate rivers and additional hazards for open boats.
We will aim to progress participants to running rivers in a controlled and effective manner, improving paddling ability and accuracy.
Duration – 3 days
Location – South coast areas – Denmark, Walpole and surrounds
Max number of participants – 4
Ratio – 1 instructor to 4 participants
Equipment requirements – You should bring an open canoe, paddle, PFD, helmet and appropriate outdoor clothing / equipment as well as your personal requirements (lunch, medication etc.) for the days. (boats and equipment are available for hire locally)
Cost – $1200 per person
Dates – 11th to 13th of July (or 12th to 14th of September)
