Intro Solo Lake Water Course - Canoe Symposium - Maple Ridge

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