Don’t let the words ‘Level 1’’ mislead you. Even seasoned whitewater paddlers with many river-miles behind them, but no formal training, will benefit greatly from this course.
In this course, you will learn the same technical skills required for gentle water as for difficult, turbulent rapids. This foundation is built by honing precision and technique in a simple class 1 or 2 section of a river.
Courses are 2 full days on Saturday and Sunday (8:30am- 5pm) with a Friday evening session in Lumby from 6-8pm. We paddle sections of the Lower and/or Middle Shuswap River and other locations. See course details here
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2 full days on Saturday and Sunday with a Friday evening session.
$400 + GST /person
(Rentals available separately)
Level 2 Lakewater Canoeing Skills Course or equivalent.
Check here for equipment rentals for Shuswap River, Horsefly and Clearwater locations.
If you are wondering if this course is right for you, please get in touch. We recommend that paddlers have a Lakewater II course or equivalent experience under their belts before attending our river course.
This Level 1 River Course is not for those new to canoeing – it is a packed, 2+ day course that builds upon solid lake-canoeing skills and knowledge and introduces you to technical paddling skills and knowledge needed to safely paddle up to class 1 on easy rivers. This course is suitable for paddlers who already have very proficient lake canoeing skills in both the bow and stern positions and may already have some experience paddling on very easy rivers.
If in doubt, give us a call to see which course is right for you! (250.308.8924)
Those who are unfamiliar with both bow and stern paddling, are very new to canoeing or just wish to brush up on a few things before heading on to a river can take a Lakewater II course.
This Level 1 course PLUS several subsequent days of river canoeing experience is required as a prerequisite for taking the Level 2 (Intermediate river course), or with instructor consent.
This course will open up a lot of tripping possibilities for you!
Course theory covers:
On the water, we will focus on:
Strokes: stern draw, stern pry, forward, backward, hip draw, cross-bow draw, low brace, high brace, river J, bow cut
Manoeuvers (in class 1 or easy class 2 river sections): entering and exiting a canoe, front ferry, eddy turns (C-turns and S-turns), back ferry, side-slip, spin, portaging, lining, landing in current, intro to backferrying and surfing.
Safety Skills: shoreline rescues with throwbag, T- or Parallel rescues, self-rescue, capsized canoe rescue, swimming across eddy-lines..
Theory: types of canoes (design and construction), outfitting paddlers and canoes, international river classification system, interpreting river discharge rates, environmental considerations, canoe heritage.
At the end of this canoeing course, students will be able to use the fundamental river-paddling strokes and manoeuvers to safely navigate class 1 river sections, recognize and avoid hazards, and know how to choose a section of river that matches the ability of their family or paddling group.
Learn more about course locations, rentals, transportation and more in our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Customer Reviews
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.
