Big Canoe Ocean/Coastal Skipper Course
The Introduction to Coastal Canoeing course is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skill for safe and efficient coastal big canoeing.
Students will develop solid big canoe handling skills as well as canoe rescues in the context of coastal canoeing.
The introduction of tidal prediction, marine forecasting and navigation with nautical charts also occurs at this level.
Duration:
- Duration: June 4th – 6th, 2025
- Time: 9am – 4pm each day
- Location: Mouth of Squamish River + Porteau Cove
Prerequisites: Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Skills (aka Lake Water Big Canoe Skipper course)
- Review of Introduction to Big Canoe Leader skills
- Environment hazards including water, wind, waves and weather
- Tides
- Hypothermia & hyperthermia (being prepared)
- Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
- Transport Canada regulations and requirements
- Safe canoe procedures
- Signals and communication
- Rafting up to rescue in wind and waves
- Enter and exit a canoe: dock or easy shoreline
- Paddling in cadence
- Rafting up
- Refine intermediate, Big Canoe Leader
- Bow draw
- Basic bracing
- Stern draw and pry
- Refine intermediate, Big Canoe Leader skills
- Navigating shoreline using piloting techniques: checkpoints, handrails and natural catching features
- Forward straight-line paddling
- Pivot turns in tight locations
- Large to small arc turns (under power)
- Paddling in cadence
- Left and right turns under power
- Basic understanding of nautical charts
- Accessing/interpreting land and marine forecasting
- Introduction to high and low water times
- Equipment for half-day tour
- Paddling within your ability
- Paddlesmart
- Leave no trace principles
- Historical or local coastal paddling events
- Where to go from here (paddle courses and resources)
