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Level 1 & level 2 Solo

Home Β» Paddling School Β» River Canoeing Skills Courses Β» Level 1 & Level 2 Solo

Solo River Canoeing Courses

Learning how to paddle a solo whitewater canoe will change your paddling style and competence forever – even in a tandem canoe.Β  Catch eddies you would have never even seen before, surf waves with ease, and be the master of your own fate as you glide across river currents.

Most of our Level 1 and Level 2 solo canoeing courses are held on the Lower Shuswap River, east of Enderby, BC, with the Friday evening sessions held on Okanagan Lake in Vernon, BC. For other locations, courses will take place on the Saturday and Sunday only.

LOCATIONS

  1. Shuswap River BC
  2. Lower Mainland BC
  3. Slocan City BC
  4. Clearwater BC
  5. Horsefly BC
solo canoeist

Solo Level 1

Solo canoeing skills will give you the flexibility to paddle with uneven numbers of paddlers, and open the door to the serenity of solo canoeing adventures.

Tuition: $430 + GST
Learn More
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canoeing course level 2

Solo Level 2

Unlock the thrill of navigating swift currents and cascading rapids safely and confidently. Take your river canoeing skills to the next level.

Tuition: $430 + GST
Learn More
Book Now
solo rolling clinic

Solo Rolling Clinic

Whether you’re looking to nail your roll or refine your carving, this clinic is the perfect way to make serious progress in a fun, supportive environment.

Tuition: $75 + GST
Learn More
Book Now

Level 1 Solo

charles whitewater rapids
solo level 1 course

Who takes this course?

Whether you’re an experienced tandem canoeist that is interested to try out a short whitewater playboat, or you’re a seasoned tripper looking to improve finesse and efficiency in a longer tripping-style solo canoe, we welcome you in one of our weekend solo whitewater courses.Β 

Solo canoeing skills will give you the flexibility to paddle with uneven numbers of paddlers, and open the door to the independence of solo canoeing adventures.

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

2 Days (Sat/Sun)
plus a Friday evening session on the lake

Cost

$430 + GST /person

Prerequisite

Level II Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course or equivalent.

Rentals

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

Level 1 SOLO Course Overview

So you are comfortable with tandem river canoeing and know your way around a river. Let us help you discover the joy and maneuverability of a solo canoe. We’ll help you uncover a whole new river – features and eddies that you had previously overlooked are now accessible to the nimble solo boater. Adapt paddle strokes for solo paddling, get comfortable with a higher level of agility, and discover the game-changing 2Γ—4 method of paddling a solo canoe.

  • Strokes: cross-forward (off-side forward), off-side sweep, forward, sweep, stern draw, stern pry, righting pry, bow cut, low brace.
  • Manoeuvers: (in class 1 and 2): arcing turns, front ferry, back ferry, eddy turns (C-turns, S-turns), spins, executing a chosen line through a rapid, running side slips, front surfing, landing in current and set-up for rolling.
  • Safety skills: self and companion rescue in class 2, parallel rescues, t-rescues, painter tows, swimming with a canoe, unpinning methods, throwbag rescues and re-throws.
  • Theory: risk and consequence, 2Γ—4 method of paddling, different ways to run rapids, communication between partners and among a paddling group, considerations of lead and sweep positions, β€˜reading the river’, building familiarity with the international river classification system, canoe history.
Β Equivalent to a Paddle Canada Introduction Moving Water Solo Canoe skills course
Equivalent to an RCABC Basic Solo Moving Water Paddler course

By the end of this course you will:

  • know how to carve a turn in a solo canoe without correction strokes
  • be able to navigate class 2 water confidently in a solo canoe
  • know how to use river features to make solo paddling easy and fun (surf’s up!)

Level 1 Prerequisites

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.

A Level II Tandem River Canoeing Skills Course (or equivalent) is required. It is not advised to skip taking a Level II tandem river course, but exceptions can be made with instructor consent.

Prior to taking the Level I solo course, EACH participant:

  • has attended a Level II 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 of a tandem canoe
  • can carve a tandem 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 throw bag 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
Book Your Level 1 Here

Level 2 Solo

Solo canoe brace
Level 2 solo canoe

Who takes this course?

This level 2 solo canoeing course is designed for paddlers who:

  • enjoy the challenge of creating efficiency and precision in their paddling.
  • are looking for safe ways to β€˜play’ in whitewater.
  • enjoy taking on a leadership role in a paddling group.
  • want to increase their competency as a rescue boat.
  • just want more practice and to build more confidence in larger waves and more powerful eddies.
  • are looking to make paddling the harder stuff seem easier!

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

2 Days on river

Cost

$430 + GST /person

Prerequisite

Level I Solo or equivalent

Rentals

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

Level 2 Course Overview

Ever wonder how some people can make that move in one or two paddle strokes, and you need to work your butt off to make it happen?Β  This level 2 solo canoeing course will unlock the river’s secrets and your boat’s technology to soar effortlessly across currents and into that hard-to-catch eddy pool.Β  With a focus on efficient and effective technique, you will eliminate needless β€˜friction’ strokes – turning river canoeing into a dance between yourself, your boat, and the river.

In addition to polishing up paddle strokes and carving technique, we’ll also take the time to study currents and features more carefully so that we’re really working with the river.Β  We’ll be running more complex rapids, but also exploring the many different ways to run them, so that even an easy rapid can become an advanced, but safe, challenge.Β  We’ll also work on more dynamic rescue skills and setting safety for the other paddlers in your group.Β  Ask us about getting video feedback as an added bonus to this course.

  • Strokes: blending strokes, high brace, righting pry, timing, modifying stroke cadence, paddle position, and paddle pitch.
  • Manoeuvers (in class 2 and 3): aggressive tilt, offside tilt, jet ferry, surfing (front, side, back), arcing turns, front ferry, back ferry, eddy turns (C-turns, S-turns), executing a chosen line through a rapid, paddling a swamped canoe, basic rolling.
  • Safety skills: setting safety for a rapid, self and companion rescue in class 2-3, assessing risk.
  • Theory: leadership considerations, assessing a new paddling group, β€˜reading the river’, communication, building literacy with the international river classification system.

Equivalent to a Paddle Canada Intermediate Moving Water Solo Canoe skills course.

Equivalent to an RCABC Advanced Solo Moving Water Paddler course.

By the end of this course you will:

  • know how to turn a canoe using only forward strokes
  • be able to confidently navigate class 2-3 water
  • be able to scout a river section and recognize when your group ought to portage (vs. run) a rapid.
  • know how to spot micro-features in the river and use them to your advantage.

Level 2 Prerequisites

Prior to taking the Level 2 Solo River Canoeing Course, each participant must:

  • have taken the Level 1 Solo River Canoeing course, PLUS have several subsequent days of solo river canoeing experience in class a and 2 sections of rivers (or equivalent with instructor consent),
  • have a good level of fitness,
  • know how to carve an eddy turn using the 2X4 methodΒ  in fast current and across dynamic eddy-lines,
  • is proficient backferrying in class 1,
  • has practice rescuing others as well as practiced many self-rescues and swam through easy rapids – or taken a Level 1 (and/or level 2) River Rescue course for canoeists,
  • is 16 years of age or older,
  • has above average swimming skills (in rivers).
Book Your Level 2 Here

Canoe Rolling and Safety Clinic

canoeing clinic for solo rolling skills
course participants

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Are you ready to master the art of canoe rolling and practice your carving? This is your chance to perfect your skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our Canoe Rolling Skills Clinic will help you build confidence on the water.

  • Practice in a controlled, warm pool setting, perfect for building your comfort and skills without the pressure of open water.
  • Work on both the fundamentals of canoe rolling and carving techniques
  • Step-by-step techniques for rolling your canoe
  • Carving skills practice for better control and navigation

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$75 + GST /person

Prerequisite

None

Rentals

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

Book Your Rolling Skills Clinic HERE
canoeing is fun
Emily surfing in a solo boat
how to flip a canoe, dry land training

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 them.
Bob, BC

Unlock the thrill of navigating swift currents and cascading rapids safely and confidently. Our expert instructors will equip you with fundamental techniques, and ensure you have a solid foundation for your white water canoeing pursuits.

Discover the heart-pounding adventure and unique camaraderie that white water canoeing offers, all while building essential skills that will empower you to explore new horizons in the world of water sports.

Got questions? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us here to chat.

Book Your Level 1 Here
Book Your Level 2 Here

Contact Us

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

info@elementsadventures.com

Contact Us

Certifications and Affiliations

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

Paddling School

  • Weekend River Canoe Clinics
  • Lake Canoe Clinics
  • Rescue Courses for Paddlers
  • Instructors, Guides, Big Canoe Leaders

Most Popular Trips and Clinics

  • Upper Stikine River Canoe Expedition
  • River Rescue Course for Canoeists
  • Four Rivers in Four Days
  • Autumn Wild Mushroom Tours

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canoeing trips in vernonΒ Wir sprechen Deutsch!

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Canoes, rivers, mountains tall. Outdoor adventures big and small.
#ElementsAdventures

πŸ›Ά**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August πŸ›Ά**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August 8-23, 2023 **πŸ›Ά
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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TODAY ONLY - January 12 -ELEMENTS ADVENTURES ONE D TODAY ONLY - January 12 -ELEMENTS ADVENTURES ONE DAY SALE
Save up to 20% on credit you can use for any course or trip!
www.elementsadventures.com

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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!

See our website for details:

www.elementsadventures.com/one-day-sale-january-12-2023/

 #elementsadventurecompany #canoecamping #elementsadventures #whitewatercanoeing #rivercanoeing #bccanoe #tourismvernon #tourismbc
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!

 #elementsadventurecompany #canoecamping #elementsadventures #canoeingadventures #canoetrip #rivercanoeing #whitewatercanoeing
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! 

πŸ“£  Turnagain River - August 12-28, 2023 πŸ›Ά

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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πŸ›ΆπŸ„πŸŽ…πŸŽ Did you know we offer u-print gif πŸ›ΆπŸ„πŸŽ…πŸŽ 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. 

 #elementsadventurecompany #elementsadventures #canoeingadventures #whitewatercanoeing #bccanoe #paddlecanada
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