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Level 2 Tandem
Moving Water

Home » Paddling School » River Canoeing Skills Courses » Level II Tandem

Level 2 River skills Course

If you already know your canoeing basics, let’s learn how to make the difficult seem easy.  In this Level 2 River Canoeing Skills Course, we’ll explore more about the river’s habits, hazards, and features, and how we can use them to our advantage. Begin to blend paddle strokes, gain a deeper feel for the river and timing of maneuvers and strokes, perfect that elusive back ferry, find a good surf wave, and practice more complex rescue skills.

By the end of this course, you will:

  • know how to turn a canoe without making paddle strokes – or Jedi mind control!
  • be able to navigate class 2 water confidently with your paddle partner.
  • be able to scout a river section and recognize when your group ought to portage (vs. run) a rapid.
  • know how to spot river features and how to use them to your advantage.
  • understand how rivers shape the landscape.

LOCATIONS 

    1. Shuswap River BC
    2. Lower Mainland BC
    3. Slocan City BC
    4. Clearwater BC
    5. Horsefly BC
Book Here

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

Courses are 2 full days on Saturday and Sunday (8:30am- 5pm).

Cost

$400 + GST /person (not including rentals)

Prerequisites

Level 1 Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course or equivalent.

Rentals

Check here for equipment rentals for Shuswap River, Horsefly and Clearwater locations.

Who takes this course?

This Intermediate level course is for those who want to: 

  • progress into paddling confidently in class 2 or higher sections of rivers.
  • unlock the power of the river and their canoe in order to make canoeing easier.
  • practice maneuvers and hone skills in more difficult rapids and faster current.
  • take on more of a leadership role within their paddling group.
  • build confidence in larger waves and stronger eddies.
  • learn more complex rescue skills.

Prerequisites

Level I Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course (or equivalent). As this is a packed weekend course, it is important that attendees are prepared with the required skills so everyone can get the most out of the weekend.  It is not advised to skip taking a Level 1 River course.

PRIOR TO TAKING THE LEVEL II SKILLS COURSE EACH PARTICIPANT:

  • has attended a Level 1 tandem river canoeing course (or equivalent), AND has spent several subsequent days of paddling in class 1 or 2 sections of rivers.
  • knows how to execute an eddy turn – including C-turns and S-turns on easy rivers in both bow and stern positions.
  • can carve a canoe using the MITH acronym (momentum, initiation, tilt, hold)
  • knows how to tilt a canoe and when to do it
  • has practiced self-rescue procedures and practiced throwing a throwbag from shore – or attended a Level 1 River Rescue course for canoeists.
  • is 16 years of age or older.
  • has average or better swimming skills.
Note: This Level 2 course PLUS several subsequent days of river canoeing experience in class 2+ rivers is required as a prerequisite for taking the Level 3 (Advanced whitewater course), or with instructor consent.
Contact us to see if this course is a fit

Course Overview

  • Strokes: righting pry, reverse J, reverse sweep, underwater recovery, bow draw, blending of strokes.
  • Manoeuvers (in class 2 or easy class 3): arcing turns, front ferry, back ferry, eddy turns (C-turns, S-turns), executing a chosen line through a rapid, running side slips, front surfing, intro to side surfing and jet-ferrying.
  • Safety skills: self and companion rescue in class 2, parallel rescues, painter tows, swimming with a canoe, unpinning methods, throwbag rescues and re-throws.
  • Theory: risk and consequence, different ways to run rapids, communication between partners and among a paddling group, considerations of lead and sweep positions, ‘reading the river’, building familiarity with the international river classification system, canoe history.
Book Here

More Information about river courses

Learn more about course locations, rentals, transportation and more in our Frequently Asked Questions page. 

See our FAQs HERE
tandem level 2 canoeing course vernon

Customer Reviews

What Others Say

After a terrific course last year I did the basic solo river course this year. Same terrific experience, same well run operation. This company has very strong instructors supported by a stable of experienced co instructors. You will not go wrong with team
Bob from BC
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Taking a river skills canoeing course offers several valuable benefits. Firstly, it ensures safety by teaching essential techniques for navigating rivers, understanding currents, and managing potential hazards. Additionally, these courses enhance confidence, providing participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle varying river conditions. Our river skills courses also focus on environmental awareness, teaching paddlers about river ecosystems and the importance of conservation. They also foster a sense of community, allowing participants to connect with fellow paddlers and experienced instructors, leading to a supportive network. Lastly, such courses enable individuals to appreciate nature on a deeper level, promoting environmental stewardship and a profound respect for our natural waterways.

Overall, a river skills canoeing course equips individuals with the expertise and mindset needed for a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally conscious river paddling experience.

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Contact Us

Elements Adventure Company
826 Whitevale Rd
Lumby, BC V0E 2G7

info@elementsadventures.com

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Certifications and Affiliations

  • Paddle Canada
  • Leave No Trace
  • Recreational Canoeing Association of BC
  • Western Canoe and Kayak

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Canoes, rivers, mountains tall. Outdoor adventures big and small.
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🛶**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August 🛶**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August 8-23, 2023 **🛶
Among the top 10 wilderness river trips in North America - this trip is a must-do for nature lovers wanting to explore the rugged beauty of the Spatsizi Wilderness Plateau and  the wilderness of Northern British Columbia. This 300 km paddling trip is suitable for intermediate canoeists. Registration opens immediately and closes March 12, 2023. 
See our website for details https://www.elementsadventures.com/canoe-trips/upper-stikine-river/

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Save up to 20% on credit you can use for any course or trip!
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We're having a sale! ONE DAY ONLY - mark your cale We're having a sale! ONE DAY ONLY - mark your calendars and save up to 20% next Thursday January 12!

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Happy new year! 2023 is here, and so is our calend Happy new year! 2023 is here, and so is our calendar! 

www.elementsadventures.com/events

Browse our website for specific courses and trips, or check out our calendar to view our offerings month by month. 
If you have a trip in mind, don't wait too long to book - they fill up quickly!

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We're excited to announce a brand new trip in the We're excited to announce a brand new trip in the far Northern Rockies this summer! 

📣  Turnagain River - August 12-28, 2023 🛶

Participants will not only paddle the playful Turnagain, but also the Kechika and Liard Rivers - over 300 km from the heart of Jade Country in the Rockies, to the open valleys by the Alaska highway.

Learn more on our website, or get in touch with us  if you think this is the adventure you want to be on next summer!

https://www.elementsadventures.com/canoe-trips/turnagain-river-expedition/

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🛶🍄🎅🎁 Did you know we offer u-print gif 🛶🍄🎅🎁 Did you know we offer u-print gift certificates? 

Get in touch with Kat to purchase a gift certificate for an amount of your choosing. Find us at www.elementsadventures.com/contact/

Gift certificates are good towards any Elements Adventure Company course, tour, or trip in 2023. 

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