Early Bird Registration! – Register by midnight on November 15th and save $50!

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Project: Wilderness First Aid Adventure

Dates: March 24th – 28th, 2025
Location: Stepping Stones Bible Camp, Deroche, BC

Take your Duke of Edinburgh Award journey to the next level with our immersive Gold Project experience! This five-day, four-night adventure is designed to broaden your skills, challenge your limits, and leave you with a sense of accomplishment while earning valuable certifications.

Hosted at Stepping Stones Bible Camp in Deroche, participants will be taking part in a 40-hour Wilderness First Aid course over the week. This intensive course includes Canadian Red Cross Wilderness First Aid with CPR C and AED certification, valid for three years, as well as a Standard First Aid certificate, recognized as an Intermediate First Aid equivalent—great for your résumé!

What’s Included:

• Accommodations: Bunk-style lodging for the full stay.
• Supervision: Your instructor will double as your on-site supervisor, staying with the group throughout the program.
• Training: Classes will take place outdoors in the elements, offering a real-world wilderness experience. Participants should dress for the weather.

What to Bring:
Participants will need to provide their own food for the week, with access to a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation. Since this location is not within walking distance to any stores, it’s important to arrive fully prepared.

Schedule:
March 24th – 27th: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
March 28th: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

This unique Gold Project offers you the chance to gain life-saving skills while connecting with peers outside of your usual circle, all in the beautiful natural setting of Deroche. Come ready to learn, connect, and earn certifications that will set you up for future success.

Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot now and embark on this fulfilling, skill-building journey with us.

The Introduction to Solo Lake Canoeing introduces beginner paddler to paddling in calm sheltered waters.

Students are introduced to the basic paddling strokes and land and water rescues techniques. At the end of the course participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures.

***Registrations will close 1 day prior to the event! For registrations within day of desired course, please contact our office at info@exploreridge.com or call (604)477-4663.

Duration: 9am – 4pm

Location: Click here for location! (Close to Pitt Lake)

Prerequisites: none

Intent of the course: Students are introduced to the basic paddling strokes and land and water rescues techniques. At the end of the course participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures.

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue

*Price based on 2 participants as we do not accept solo registrations for the tandem offering. Spots remaining, as listed below, are per tandem canoe!

Location: Click here for location! (Close to Pitt Lake)

Duration: 9am – 4pm

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue

• Carrying a canoe
• Basic environment hazards like water, wind, waves, weather
• When to get off the water
• Being prepared for hypothermia and hyperthermia
• Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
• Transport Canada regulations and requirements
• Safe canoe procedures (lead/sweep and on water leadership)
• Canoe over canoe rescues
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag practice

General Paddling Skills

• Getting in and out of a canoe at a dock or easy shoreline
• Paddling in cadence
• Rafting up

Strokes

• Forward
• Reverse
• Check (stop)
• Draw
• Pry
• J-Stroke or rudder
• Forward and Reverse sweep (stern only)
• Low brace
• Drop Skeg

Maneuvers

• Forward paddling
• Wide turns (rectangular course)
• Pivots
• Left and right turns
• Docking (basic)
• Reverse paddling

Concepts

• Momentum and initiation
• Trimming a canoe

Knowledge

• Basic canoe and paddle parts
• Paddle and canoe care
• Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and truckers hitch)
• Equipment for a half day tour
• Paddling within your ability
• PaddleSmart
• Leave No Trace principles

INTRO SOLO LAKE WATER COURSE

Join us for the Intro Lake Water Solo Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, on November 1st – 3rd. This course is perfect for beginner paddlers looking to gain confidence and skills in calm, sheltered waters.

Course Overview:

The Introduction to Solo Lake Canoeing introduces beginner paddlers to paddling in calm, sheltered waters. Students are introduced to basic paddling strokes and land and water rescue techniques. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Saturday + Sunday)
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 6
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: None
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• Carrying a canoe
• Understanding basic environment hazards like water, wind, waves, and weather
• Knowing when to get off the water
• Being prepared for hypothermia and hyperthermia
• Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
• Transport Canada regulations and requirements
• Safe canoe procedures (lead/sweep and on-water leadership)
• Canoe over canoe rescues
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag practice

General Paddling Skills:

• Getting in and out of a canoe at a dock or easy shoreline
• Paddling in cadence
• Rafting up

Strokes:

• Forward
• Reverse
• Check (stop)
• Draw
• Pry
• J-Stroke or rudder
• Forward and Reverse sweep (stern only)
• Low brace
• Drop Skeg

Maneuvers:

• Forward paddling
• Wide turns (rectangular course)
• Pivots
• Left and right turns
• Docking (basic)
• Reverse paddling

Concepts:

• Momentum and initiation
• Trimming a canoe

Knowledge:

• Basic canoe and paddle parts
• Paddle and canoe care
• Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and trucker’s hitch)
• Equipment for a half-day tour
• Paddling within your ability
• PaddleSmart
• Leave No Trace principles

INTRO TANDEM LAKE WATER COURSE

Join us for the Intro Lake Water Tandem Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, on November 1st – 3rd. This course is perfect for beginner tandem paddlers looking to gain confidence and skills in calm, sheltered waters.

Course Overview:

The Introduction to Lake Canoeing course introduces beginner tandem paddlers to paddling with a partner in calm, sheltered waters. Participants will be introduced to basic paddling strokes and land and water rescue techniques. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short paddling adventures.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 10
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: None
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• Carrying a canoe
• Understanding basic environment hazards like water, wind, waves, and weather
• Knowing when to get off the water
• Being prepared for hypothermia and hyperthermia
• Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
• Transport Canada regulations and requirements
• Safe canoe procedures (lead/sweep and on-water leadership)
• Canoe over canoe rescues
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag practice

General Paddling Skills:

• Getting in and out of a canoe at a dock or easy shoreline
• Paddling in cadence
• Rafting up

Strokes:

• Forward
• Reverse
• Check (stop)
• Draw
• Pry
• J-Stroke or rudder
• Forward and Reverse sweep (stern only)
• Low brace
• Drop Skeg

Maneuvers:

• Forward paddling
• Wide turns (rectangular course)
• Pivots
• Left and right turns
• Docking (basic)
• Reverse paddling

Concepts:

• Momentum and initiation
• Trimming a canoe

Knowledge:

• Basic canoe and paddle parts
• Paddle and canoe care
• Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and trucker’s hitch)
• Equipment for a half-day tour
• Paddling within your ability
• PaddleSmart
• Leave No Trace principles

INTERMEDIATE SOLO LAKE WATER COURSE

Join us for the Intermediate Solo Lake Water Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, from November 1st to 3rd. This course is designed for those looking to build on their introductory solo paddling skills and confidently navigate more dynamic lake conditions.

Course Overview:

The Intermediate Solo Lake Canoeing course builds on the skills learned in the introduction level, enabling solo paddlers to enhance their techniques and handle more challenging conditions. Participants will refine their paddling skills, gain confidence in open water, and develop a deeper awareness of environmental hazards.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 6
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: Introduction to Solo Lake Canoeing certification or permission of the Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge.
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• Carrying a canoe
• Weather information/interpretation
• Heat and cold issues
• Accident prevention
• Principles of effective rescue
• First aid kits
• Deep water exits
• Swimming canoe to shore
• Emptying swamped canoe
• Canoe over canoe rescue
• Assisting a swimmer into a rescue canoe
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag rescues
• Entering and exiting a canoe

Strokes:

• Draw and pry
• Forward and reverse sweeps
• Bow and crossbow jam
• Sculling draw
• Righting pry
• J-stroke
• Cuts
• Reverse J and C
• Silent

Maneuvers:

• Figure 8’s
• Rectangle course
• Reverse straight-line
• Sideslip along a dock
• Precision docking
• Running sideslip (onside)
• Controlled stops

Concepts:

• Solo position/trim
• Power face and non-power face
• Inside and outside turns
• Stroke phases: catch, power, and recovery
• MITH: Momentum, Initiation, Tilt, and Hold

Knowledge:

• Canoe and paddle designs and materials
• Knots: taut line, clove hitch, highwayman’s hitch
• Day trip planning (location, navigation, communication, and float plan)
• Basic repair kit
• Emergency survival kit
• Paddling abilities/limitations
• Canoe history

INTERMEDIATE TANDEM LAKE WATER COURSE – *based on double occupancy

Join us for the Intermediate Tandem Lake Water Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, from November 1st to 3rd. This course is designed for tandem paddlers looking to build on their introductory skills and confidently navigate more dynamic lake conditions with a partner.

Course Overview:

The Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing course expands on the basics learned in the introduction level, allowing participants to develop their techniques and handle more challenging conditions with a partner. Paddlers will refine their tandem skills, gain confidence in open water, and improve their ability to work together effectively.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 10
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: Introduction to Tandem Lake Canoeing certification or permission of the Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge.
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• Carrying a canoe
• Weather information/interpretation
• Heat and cold issues
• Accident prevention
• Principles of effective rescue
• First aid kits
• Deep water exits
• Swimming canoe to shore
• Emptying swamped canoe
• Canoe over canoe rescue
• Assisting a swimmer into a rescue canoe
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag rescues
• Entering and exiting a canoe

Strokes:

• Draw and pry
• Forward and reverse sweeps
• Bow and crossbow jam
• Sculling draw
• Righting pry
• J-stroke
• Cuts
• Reverse J and C
• Silent

Maneuvers:

• Figure 8’s
• Rectangle course
• Reverse straight-line
• Sideslip along a dock
• Precision docking
• Running sideslip (onside)
• Controlled stops

Concepts:

• Tandem coordination and communication
• Solo position/trim
• Power face and non-power face
• Inside and outside turns
• Stroke phases: catch, power, and recovery
• MITH: Momentum, Initiation, Tilt, and Hold

Knowledge:

• Canoe and paddle designs and materials
• Knots: taut line, clove hitch, highwayman’s hitch
• Day trip planning (location, navigation, communication, and float plan)
• Basic repair kit
• Emergency survival kit
• Paddling abilities/limitations
• Canoe history

ADVANCED TANDEM LAKE WATER COURSE

Join us for the Advanced Tandem Lake Water Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, from November 1st to 3rd. This course is designed for experienced tandem paddlers ready to master advanced skills and techniques in dynamic and varied paddling environments.

🌟 Early Bird Special! 🌟 Register before September 2nd and receive 10% off! That’s a savings of $64.99! Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Course Overview:

The Advanced Tandem Lake Canoeing course takes your paddling to the next level by introducing advanced skills and rescues in challenging conditions. Emphasis is placed on precision, efficiency, and control of the canoe. Participants will develop the highest level of skills, confidence, and judgment needed for open water and changing environments.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 10
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: Intermediate Lake Tandem certification or permission of the Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge.
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• What happens if you are wind bound
• Personal survival gear
• Expanded first aid kits
• Unassisted canoe over canoe rescue (1 and 2 canoes / 2 and 4 swimmers)
• Emergency tarp set up and fire lighting
• Constructing a catamaran

General Paddling Skills:

• Launching a canoe in windy conditions
• Paddling in wind and waves
• Paddling on the same side
• Sit and switch

Strokes:

• Sculling pry
• Bow and crossbow jam
• Canadian stroke
• Compound reverse
• High brace
• Traditional/punch stroke
• Forward with power
• Bow J

Maneuvers:

• Triangular course in wind and waves
• Sideslipping
• Straight-line sit and switch
• Forward and reverse paddling a square route

Concepts:

• Stroke blending
• Tacking in wind

Knowledge:

• Specialty canoes and paddles
• Knots
• Basic navigation (map & compass, GPS, visibility restriction – day paddles)
• Individual and group responsibilities

ADVANCED SOLO LAKE WATER COURSE

Elevate your solo paddling skills with our Advanced Solo Lake Water Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, from November 1st to 3rd. This advanced course focuses on mastering skills and rescues in dynamic and varied paddling environments, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and control.

Course Overview:

The Advanced Solo Lake Canoeing course introduces participants to advanced skills and rescues for handling varied and challenging conditions. Participants will refine their techniques, demonstrate high-level confidence, and make informed decisions in open water environments.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 6
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: Intermediate Lake Solo Canoeing certification or prior experience with permission of the Instructor
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue:

• Dealing with wind (when to go and when not to go)
• Personal survival gear
• Expanded first aid kits
• Self-rescues
• Emergency tarp set up and fire lighting

Paddling Strokes:

• Sculling pry
• Compound reverse stroke
• Box stroke
• One-handed bow jam/pry
• Traditional/punch stroke
• Review and refinement of intermediate strokes

General Paddling Skills:

• Enter and exit a canoe in windy conditions
• Paddling in wind and waves

Concepts:

• Stroke blending
• Tacking in wind

Maneuvers:

• Triangular course
• Complex side slip: e.g., Square (on/off side)
• Forward and reverse paddling (on/off sides)
• Running sideslip

Knowledge:

• Specialty canoes and paddles
• Knots
• Basic navigation (map & compass, GPS, visibility restrictions – day paddles)
• Individual and group responsibilities
• Canoe history

INTRO TO STYLE CANOEING COURSE

Dive into the art of traditional Canadian solo paddling with our Intro to Style Canoeing Course at the Canoe Symposium at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, from November 1st to 3rd. This course, developed in collaboration with Dave Wooldridge, Becky Mason and Charles Burchill, follows the Paddle Canada Style Canoeing Program and celebrates the graceful techniques popularized by canoeing legends such as Omer Stringer, Bill Mason, and Becky Mason. Experience the smooth, controlled movements of style canoeing and master the fundamental techniques that define this elegant paddling discipline.

Course Overview:

The Intro to Style Canoeing Course introduces participants to the refined techniques of traditional solo paddling. Students will explore the connection between body, water, and canoe, developing skills to maneuver a traditional tandem canoe with precision.

Course Details:

• Dates: April 12th + 13th, 2025
• Training Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Loon Lake, Maple Ridge
• Max Participants: 6
• Course Fee: $649.95 + GST (includes on-site meals and shared dorm-style accommodations)
• Meals & Accommodations: Provided from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (no dinner on Sunday)
• Prerequisites: Completion of Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Solo course or equivalent prior experience, subject to Course Director’s discretion
• Certification: All successful participants will earn a Paddle Canada certificate

Additional Information:

• Arrival Time: Friday, 3:00 PM
• Departure Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM (Bedrooms), 2:00 PM (Gym)
• Bring Your Own Canoe: Ridge will provide all canoes and gear, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. A mandatory canoe wash station will be set up for thorough cleaning before launch.
• Evening Clinics: Optional Canoe Maintenance Clinics available for sign-up on-site
• Snacks and Beverages: Personal snacks and beverages are permitted on-site
• Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated for an additional $200

Course Content:

1. Safety and Rescue:

• Swim 15m towing canoe and empty in shallow water
• Attempt solo re-entry of canoe from deep water
• Perform canoe over canoe or parallel rescue, supported re-entry from deep water
• Practice self-rescue techniques: Capistrano flip, shake out, swim/tow shallow water empty
• Use throw bag and associated rescue techniques for others

2. General Paddling Skills:

• Balance/heel/tilt
• Launch and removal from shore/dock

3. Paddling Strokes:

• J Stroke and the Canadian Stroke
• Rolling J (Silent stroke) and the Reverse J
• C stroke
• Draw and Push away
• Sculling (draw/push) in both directions
• Forward Stroke
• Box stroke (pivots)
• Reverse stroke and compound back stroke
• Running pry, jam (turns)
• Running draw (turns)
• Sweep (forward/reverse) for both turns and pivots

4. Manoeuvres:

• Pivots
• Forward and Reverse straight line
• Forward straight line glide of 5-10 seconds
• Forward and reverse controlled stops
• Side displacement
• Inside and outside circles
• Controlled turns in both directions
• Forward weight turns in both directions
• Introduction to reverse weight turns
• Basic synchronized paddling skills with another canoe

5. Knowledge:

• Understanding of ‘Style’ Canoeing – off-shoots, related disciplines, and subsets
• Boat types/shapes as they apply to style paddling
• Influence of Omer Stringer & others (Bill Mason, Becky Mason) on Canadian Style canoeing
• Canoe dynamics and mechanics

Intro Tandem Lake Canoeing Instructor Course

Paddle Canada Certified

Early Bird Discount: Save $55 by registering before March 3, 2025!

Course Dates:
Monday, April 14 – Thursday, April 17, 2025

Location:
Alouette River, BC

The Intro Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing Instructor Course is the entry point to the Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Instructor Program. This course places significant emphasis on instruction fundamentals and classroom management to prepare participants to teach and lead canoeing courses confidently and effectively.

Successful candidates will be certified to:

• Conduct Introduction to Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing, Canoeing Basics, and Waterfront Skills courses
• Assist on Intermediate Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing skills courses
• Apprentice on Intermediate Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing Instructor courses (with Advanced Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing skills certification)

Participants may also transfer their certification to solo instruction by attaining higher-level solo skills certification and a recommendation from an Instructor Trainer.

Prerequisites

• Minimum Age: 16 years
• Certification: Paddle Canada Intermediate Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing skills or equivalent skills and knowledge (with instructor permission)
• Experience: Beyond the Introduction to Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing skills course

Duration:
4 days of on-water and classroom instruction:

• April 14 – 17, 2025: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

Price: $499.95 + GST per person

Note: Registration closes one business day before the course begins. For registrations within one week of the course start date, please contact us at info@exploreridge.com or call (604) 477-4663.

Course Content

Instructional Skills

• Fundamentals of teaching and classroom management
• Best practices for delivering clear, engaging, and effective canoe instruction

Leadership

• Leading and managing groups of canoeists
• Risk assessment and creating safe paddling environments

Paddling Skills

• Refining tandem and solo lake canoeing techniques
• Teaching basic to intermediate paddling strokes and maneuvers

Course Knowledge

• Paddle Canada Introduction to Tandem/Solo Lake Canoeing curriculum
• Planning and conducting Paddle Canada-approved courses

Completion Criteria
Participants must demonstrate:

• Ability to deliver instruction confidently and clearly
• Proficiency in both tandem and solo canoeing techniques
• Active participation in all course components

Successful candidates will earn their Paddle Canada Intro Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing Instructor certification and be eligible to begin teaching Paddle Canada courses.

Take the next step in your paddling journey and become a certified Intro Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing Instructor!

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: REGISTER BY March 15th AND SAVE $30!
Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Big Canoe Lake Water Intermediate Leader Course (Big Canoe Skipper Course)
Paddle Canada Certified

Course Dates:
Saturday, April 26 – Sunday, April 27, 2025
Location: Pitt Meadows, BC

This Big Canoe Skipper Course is designed to help participants develop intermediate skills for leading and paddling in a big canoe. Perfect for those with a basic understanding of paddling strokes, the course focuses on teaching the stern position and preparing participants to lead novice paddlers on easy (flat/lake) water.

Participants will cover essential leadership and rescue techniques, as well as strategies for managing groups of paddlers in a safe and effective manner. By the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to safely guide big canoe trips, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

Prerequisites

• Minimum age of 16 years or demonstration of a high level of fitness and maturity
• Recommended to hold at least Standard First Aid, with up to Wilderness First Responder certification depending on planned paddling destinations/journeys
  (It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate first aid skills for their paddling environments)
  Check out our Ridge First Aid course offerings here!

Course Details

• Duration: 2 days of on-water instruction
  • April 26 & 27: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Pitt Meadows area, BC

Note: Registration closes one business day before the course begins. For last-minute registrations, contact us at info@exploreridge.com or call (604) 477-4663.

Course Content

Safety and Rescue

• How to carry a big canoe
• Recognizing environmental hazards (water, wind, waves, weather)
• When to exit the water due to hazards
• Understanding and managing hypothermia & hyperthermia
• Transport Canada regulations for safe canoeing
• Developing a float plan and managing a group
• Signals (whistle/paddle) for communicating across multiple canoes
• Basic canoe rescues
• Using communication devices

Paddling Skills

• Entering and exiting a canoe from dock or shoreline
• Paddling strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, draw, pry)
• Crew commands and leading paddlers
• Docking and shoreline maneuvers
• Straight-line paddling and turns (wide and tight)
• Pivots and reverse paddling
• Changing paddler placement for trim and balance

Leadership and Group Management

• How to lead novice paddlers and manage group dynamics
• Risk management strategies on the water
• Following Leave No Trace principles
• Understanding your limits: Paddlesmart

Knowledge

• Understanding the roles and positions of your crew
• The fundamentals of holding a paddle
• Commands for your crew

Intent: This course introduces big canoe paddling to those with basic knowledge of paddling strokes, focusing on developing the skills necessary to lead and manage novices in a big canoe on easy water (flat/lake water).

Materials:
Participants will receive a workbook, skipper talk, and manual as part of the course materials.

Completion Criteria:
Participants must successfully demonstrate all skills and actively participate in 100% of the course to earn Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader certification.

This course will equip you with the skills and confidence to lead big canoe adventures safely, effectively, and with the ability to navigate various paddling environments. Ready to take your paddling and leadership to the next level?