Ridge Wilderness
Ridge Wilderness Adventures offers Canoe
Adventures, Canoe Lessons & First Aid Training.
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Wilderness Adventures & Training
Ridge Wilderness Adventures offers a variety of canoe based adventures and lessons both nationally and internationally. All of our programs are designed to build independence and confidence in the wilderness and on the water!
As a Certified Educational Institution, Ridge offers tax benefits for individuals opting to train with our team. Click here to explore the tax benefits available to you!
Floating Classrooms
Overnight Programs
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys
Upcoming Events
March
Event Details
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
Event Details
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.
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Time
March 24, 2025 8:30 am - March 28, 2025 3:00 pm(GMT-08:00)
Location
Deroche, BC
April
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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.
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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
more
Time
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
26aprAll Day27Big Canoe Lake Water Skipper Course - Pitt Meadows9am - 4pm - 2-days
Event Details
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:
Event Details
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?
more
Time
April 26, 2025 - April 27, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-08:00)
"
We use Ridge Wilderness for our team’s professional development and skill-based training. The entire Ridge Wilderness team is amazing and the time spent with them is our favourite part of the year. Dave is very knowledgeable, personable, and passionate, you learn a lot during the training, and the best part is, Dave makes it fun and engaging. I highly recommend Ridge Wilderness, as they provide safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for all ages.
– Victoria Farahbakhchian
Contact Us
Ready to register, but have a question? Call us!
604-477-4663
Please note: Our handcrafted canoes are meticulously built by our sister company, Ridge Pinnacle Product Sales Ltd, and are exclusively sold through Ridge Wilderness. This collaboration ensures that each canoe meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship that you have come to expect from Ridge Wilderness.