Moving Water Intermediate Canoe Skills - Tandem - August 29 - September 1, 2025

MOVING WATER INTERMEDIATE TANDEM - $350  August 29 - September 1, 2025

Returning participants discount fee of $300

Paddle Canada Sanctioned Course

Brazeau River  on Forestry Trunk Road near Robb, AB.  This location is absolutely stunning, the river is amazing, and the river features are perfect for Intermediate Tandem Canoe Skills.

Outfitted Canoe and Safety Equipment $25/day

Day One and Day Two - Camping and Paddling Class II water at Brazeau River

Optional Day Three - Paddle the run from Smallboy Camp to Forestry Trunk Road (up to class III)

This course will require camping and driving a few hours to the Brazeau River south of Edson.  Meals not provided

The successful MOVING WATER INTERMEDIATE SKILLS TANDEM candidate is considered an accomplished tandem whitewater river canoeist, capable of performing shore and water-based river rescues. The candidate is able to perform eddy turns and ferries with proficiency, and has been introduced to more complex tandem whitewater river maneuvers in Class II rapids.

This Moving Water Intermediate Tandem course introduces the canoeist to more complex tandem whitewater river maneuvers. Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all Moving Water Intermediate Tandem certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues as the rescuers.

Prerequisites:

Must have Moving Water Introduction to Tandem or permission of Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge. It is up to the paddler to prove to the instructor by means of evidence, demonstration, or assessment that experience has led to learning. It cannot be assumed that experience has led to learning.

Course length:

2 days or more.

Class ratio:

1 instructor: max 8 participants, 4 canoes.

Location:

River or rapids (class II) as well as flatwater (lake, pond, etc.). This course can be partly conducted in a classroom and/or on flatwater (lake, pond, etc.).

Conditions:

Class II rapids with up to moderate (average) wind. River and rapid conditions and class (I or II) as well as subject matter must coincide with the certification level of the instructor. Insurance is not valid if the instructor is teaching beyond her or his certification level. Courses will be cancelled or postponed when conditions do not provide the necessary environment. Assessment Activities focus on individual safety and comfortable paddling in rapids.

Program Overview:

Theory:

• River Morphology (i.e. causes of features)
• International River Classification River Hazards (including holes, ledges/weirs, undercuts, horizon lines)
• Rescue Procedures (paddle/feet/canoe/partner/rescuer)
• Water Levels and Flow Rates (include resources)
• Proper Clothing (for whitewater paddling)
• Rescue (simple unpinning methods e.g. directional & vector pull, lever, etc.)
• Rescue Systems (resources and courses)

Practical:

• River Signals
• Self-rescue
• Boat and Swimmer Rescues
• Canoe Rescues (canoe over canoe and bumping) and Re-entry

Paddling Skills:

• General Review of Moving Water Introduction to Tandem Skills as Required
• River Reading, Scouting, and Route Options Current Lines (basic)
• Using Current and River Features to Your Advantage
• Strokes Review and Refine Moving Water Introduction to Tandem Strokes (in particular Braces)
• Draws and Prys (sculling)
• Righting Pry Blending,
• Combination, Variation, and Extension of Strokes

Maneuvers:

• Review and Refine Moving Water Introduction to Tandem Items (as required)
• Intermediate Launching and Landings (in eddies)
• Landing with a Back Ferry (e.g. shallow rapids, small shore eddy)
• Running Tight Bends
• Surfing (front, control, carve)
• Holes* (side, exiting, etc.)
• River Running Techniques (e.g. wave blocking, etc.)
• Using River Features and Current (to ferry, change direction, etc.)

Attainments* (basic, class II)

• Linking Maneuvers *for skill development, survival, defensive, or recovery

Knowledge:

• River Paddling Equipment
• Canoe Anatomy, Canoe Outfitting, and Paddles
• Rescue Equipment (basic gear and resources and courses)
• River Run (2-4 hours, if feasible)
• River Day Trip Planning and Itinerary
• Group Formation & Communication Safety Setup Environmental and Ethical Considerations
• River Day Trip Map Interpretation
• WW Canoeing Resources
• Canadian Heritage River Systems
• Local and National Threatened Waterways

For more information on this course, please call Dale at 780-305-6921