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Pre-Course for Tandem River Canoeing

NEW in 2021!

Tuition $130 per person + GST

Who takes this course?

The Pre-Course for tandem river canoeing is designed for experienced lake paddlers wanting to attend a Level 1 Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course. Those completely new to canoeing are recommended to take a Lake Water Canoeing course. $30 of your course tuition may be put towards the Level 1 Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course. Rentals are not included.

Course Overview

This Pre-Course is held on a lake near Vernon, BC, and is intended to build a foundation of skills for river-paddling strokes, boat-control, turning manoeuvres, and rescue practice. On this course you will develop basic knowledge of canoes, gear, and outfitting required for the river environment. This course is mandatory before taking a Level I Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course (or equivalent experience).

Practicing canoe over canoe rescues

At the end of this canoeing course you will also be able to:

be ready to translate the skills and manoeuvres to moving water
have good boat control paddling both bow and stern
feel confident getting in and out of the canoe in deep water
rescuing other canoes on flat water

Prerequisites

Lake Canoeing experience, ability to swim with a PFD (life jacket) as well as comfort in and around water. Minimum age is 16, or with instructor consent.

Rental Equipment Fees

Tandem Canoe ($25 per person)
PFD ($10)
Paddle ($5)
Wetsuit (Farmer john/jane style) ($10)

2021 Moving Water Pre-Course Dates

April 11
May 23
Sept 4
upon request

Wir sprechen Deutsch!

Forms and Documents

EAC General Waiver - ADULT

EAC General Waiver - MINOR

EAC Cancellation Policy

What others say

A perfect day!

The course was beautiful and matched our abilities perfectly. We were provided with enough preparation, skill and guidance to fully enjoy the day. Idyllic!

Emily Hladych, Lumby BC

Sweet lines!

Hey Charles!! It was awesome getting to know you over the course of the week and shredding some sweet lines on the Ottawa and Mad. If you got a sweet trip planned holler at me!”

Florian McLaren, Toronto ON

Amazing end of school year trip

Charles took my Grade 5/6/7 Class on an amazing canoe trip at the end of our school year. Every student in my class thought it was the highlight of their year. The overnight trip was a dream. It was relaxing, well paced and yet, still full of adventure! Charles was thoughtful, warm and highly organized. I felt we were in good hands the entire trip.

During our time with Charles, we worked together to learn new paddling skills. We learned to cooperate, to stay as a group and manage our canoes. We searched for delicate forest flowers and wild mushrooms. We listened to each other, sharing stories in a circle. We listened in silence, to the wind and the water. We witnessed with awe, ancient cave drawings and of course, we practiced the art, science and joy of paddling.

Thank you for this wonderful way to explore ourselves and unify our class!

Rubeena Sandhu, Grade 6 Teacher, Cedarbridge School

There wasn’t a question that Charles couldn’t answer!

My husband and I have always paddled lakes, being a bit intimidated by rivers. We’d heard great things about Charles and decided to sign up for his introduction to river paddling course. Charles exceeded our expectations. The day started out with some topographic map orientation, an explanation on best features of a river canoe, how to tie a useful knot, and a discussion on geography/hydrology of our area. Then, Charles gently introduced us to different techniques on boat maneuvering in currents and eddies, proper paddling positions for propulsion and rest, and even how to enter the boat after capsizing it. The pace was great and there wasn’t a question that Charles couldn’t answer. The day ended with a meaningful reading that summed up why as humans we benefit from these outdoor experiences. You will not regret one minute or one penny spent on this workshop!! Loved it….thanks Charles!

Kerry and Tom Carlson, Vernon BC

An immensely enjoyable adventure!

The Stikine River canoe trip was an immensely enjoyable adventure in the pristine Spatsizi wilderness! We learned so much from this experience, from little tips and tricks shared to deepened perspectives on the world and our place in it; our lives have been enriched as a result.

We were impressed by the extent of the planning and preparation that you had clearly put in to organizing all of the logistics required to make this trip the success that it was. The meals that you provided were all delicious, well thought out and nutritious. All of the Elements Adventures canoeing and camp equipment was reliable and of high quality.

As well as being a great expedition leader, you were an excellent travel partner; we felt safe, encouraged and valued and also had tremendous fun. Your positivity helped foster a sense of togetherness and friendship within the group. It was wonderful to paddle every day with you and our fellow canoeists – like minded people with their own unique perspectives, knowledge and willingness to pitch in and share. We will never forget our time canoeing, hiking and camping along the Stikine River!

Thank you Charles!

Aidan Negus, Vernon, BC

Great instructor and confidence builder!

Thanks for the great weekend river-canoeing clinic – I feel I have come a long way. You are a great instructor and confidence builder.

Dan Watson, Vernon BC

Our strongest recommendation goes to Charles himself

In July, 2015 my partner Johanna and I travelled 280 km on the Upper Stikine River as part of a group of paddlers led by Charles. Following this rewarding experience Johanna and I heartily recommend Charles, the owner and founder of Elements Adventures.

Charles diligently prepared for this lengthy trip. Food, camping preparation, river safety, paddling equipment, canoes and travel arrangements were excellent because of his thoughtful and careful preparation.

However, our strongest recommendation goes to Charles himself. He is not only very knowledgeable on the river and an excellent teacher, but his interpersonal skills, perception and empathy created a warm and cohesive paddling group from diverse strangers.

We had a great time!

Malcolm Jones

Fantastic!

I cannot express enough how fantastic your [Wild Mushroom] tour was. Such an important service you are doing for everyone but especially for the fungi.

M. DeLaurier, Kelowna BC

I feel very fortunate to learn from you

I cannot thank you enough for the instruction on Sunday. I feel more confident each time I am on the river and the group was great. You are a very patient instructor with the ability to notice how your students are progressing with helpful insights and encouragements along the way. I feel very fortunate to learn from you.”

R. Morris, Vernon, BC

The kids couldn’t stop talking about the trip!

The kids had a blast and couldn’t stop talking about the trip on Friday. I thought everything was well planned and organized. You really made my life so easy!

We will never forget the adventures we had with you and Karl! The kids are in the process of writing you both letters, so please look in the mail for those soon.

Thank you so much for everything!

Caitlin Malone, Kelowna Waldorf School teacher, Grade 5/6 class canoe trip

This trip was nothing but FUN!

The trip was fantastic. The children loved every bit of it and were exhausted by the time they got back.

Charles, we all thank you very much for this fantastic experience and opportunity. You are a great host, you show a lot of kindness and knowledge and the children were very comfortable around you.

And I leave you with a quote from one of the students: “This trip is nothing but FUN!”

Thank you again,

K. Seymour - Cedarbridge School teacher, Grade 4/5 class canoe trip

The best trip of my lifetime!

I want to thank you again for an amazing time on the Stikine. It was really the best trip of my lifetime! I felt challenged every day but always completely confident that I was never put in a situation that was over my head. I’ll never forget it!

H. Sawatzky, Kelowna, BC, 2017 Upper Stikine River Expedition.

I still get a huge smile

Thank you for such an amazing trip. I still get a huge smile when I tell stories to my friends and family and everybody has commented that I “have a peacefulness about me” that wasn’t there before.

C. MacLeod, Kimberley, BC, 2017 Upper Stikine River Expedition.

What an excellent role model

You are such a great teacher, mentor and guide for these kids…. what an excellent role model for them all. That was fun, and thanks again.

Reid, Earthquest Outdoor School, Vernon, BC

I learnt so much!

We really loved the paddling course; thank you for your thoughtful, considerate and informed teaching. I learnt so much from attending the course.

J. Corbett, Vernon, BC

The group dynamic was phenomenal!

Thank-you so much for inviting me on to the river this past weekend! I appreciate what a special opportunity it was to have Leonard lead our group and to have you and Kieran assist Leonard and provide your expertise and leadership. The group dynamic was phenomenal. I respect how special this weekend was, despite my novice status. I always felt comfortable and well supported by the group and I am excited about taking my river skills to another level with you in 2019! Thanks again for inviting me and creating these amazing life experiences!

G. Sharpe, Vernon, BC

I was blown away!

I just wanted to thank you again for the great day we had yesterday with you sharing your knowledge about the mushroom kingdom. I thought that I had “some “ knowledge about mushrooms but was totally blown away by the diversity we have. We saw yesterday probably more different kind of mushrooms than in our whole life.

C. Schuett, Kelowna, BC

Opportunity for growth, learning and pushing limits.

Thank you Charles!

These 4 days were an amazing experience and opportunity for growth, learning and pushing limits. You are exceptionally good at what you do and we feel very fortunate to have been guided by you and Keiran.

L. & H. Brunns, Mara, BC

A wonderful bonding experience for our employees.

I felt the need to reach out and thank you again for the great weekend. We all chatted about the level of instruction that was offered by you and your team, and agreed that it was second to none.

You and your crew were very supportive as we dumped, spun, squealed, and sometimes cursed our way down the river 🙂 Everyone had a great time. It was a wonderful bonding experience for our employees, and it won’t soon be forgotten.

A. Thompson, Vernon, BC

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Upcoming Events

7 days six nights, July 26, 2021 – August 1, 2021 – Kootenay River Couples Adventure Retreat
N/A, August 6, 2021 – August 21, 2021 – Upper Stikine River Canoeing Expedition
Two full day course, September 11, 2021 – September 12, 2021 – Level I & Level II Tandem River Canoe Courses