The Essentials of Canoeing course is designed as an introduction to paddling canoes on flatwater and gently moving protected waters. Participants learn to paddle a canoe, recognize and avoid hazards, perform rescues, and respond to emergencies. This course is appropriate for all types of tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both.
If you’re a student who would like a resource to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide a free online paddling safety course, here. A certificate of completion is included!
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Flatwater or gently moving rivers with current up to 1 knot (1.15 mph), wind up to 10 knots (11.5 mph), and waves up to 1 foot (0.3 meters).
Tandem: 6 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor or qualified assistant, the ratio can be 12 : 2.
Solo: 5 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor or qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.
This course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of River Canoeing (or higher) or Level 2: Essentials of Canoe Touring (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
The following is a general summary of course content for the Essentials of Canoeing course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.