Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills

Take a launch and learn trip with us! We believe that the best way to truly improve your skills is by instructing and practicing in the environment and conditions you’ll be using them!

What better way is there to learn your Level 2 Skills than while paddling the beautiful shores of Northern Georgian Bay? Phillip Edward Island is located on the North Shore of Georgian Bay, just south of Killarney Provincial Park. For anyone who has paddled here it’s an experience they never forget. The coastline is littered with small islands and with the Cloche Mountain Range in the background it makes the photo opportunities frequent and the paddling exciting.

We depart southward down the Chikanishing River and out onto the North shore of Georgian Bay.  This short section of river winds and flows out onto Georgian Bay a little northeast of the town of Killarney. A great thing about Phillip Edward Island is the ability to paddle in close to the island for navigational practice or to head out and around the outer islands for practice in bigger conditions.

Camping opportunities are frequent on the Outer Islands which is usually where we decide to camp due to the lake breeze keeping any bugs away! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the lack of bugs we generally have out on the bay.

This is a Level 2 course so participants will be taking it in turns to lead the group under the supervision of your Instructors.  You’ll also, as part of your required skills, be taking a turn in the camp kitchen under the supervision of, and with instruction from head camp chef Roberts, (also known as James, your instructor.) Through the duration of this 5 day trip we will have plenty of time to teach and practice paddling skills, improve our outdoor camping and culinary skills, navigate through this incredible maze of islands and channels, swim in the freshwater and enjoy the rugged wilderness. Kicking back at the end of an exciting adventure filled day and watching the glorious sunset is, as they say, priceless.

Prerequisites for this trip are a Paddle Canada Level 1 skills or equivalent. This is a Level 2 Skills trip. We will be teaching all the Paddle Canada Level 2 content and the end of the trip we will award you your Paddle Canada Level 2 Certification upon successful completion of the skills. For more information on the skills to be covered please see our Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills Assessment Sheet below.

While we will be covering the basic roll, participants really should come along with some previous knowledge, practice or at least previous attempts at rolling. Try to get some instruction in beforehand.  Paddle Canada requires that a roll be demonstrated although if other rescue skills and in particular self-rescue skills are very strong then a pass may still be awarded.

Dates: 

August 2nd-6th 2010 (Based on trip at Phillip Edward Island-Killarney)

Max: 8 Participants to 2 Instructors.

Cost: $750+tax

Includes: All Meals, Instruction, Certification fees 

For Directions to the put-in click HERE!

Level 2 Assessment Sheet
All items must be completed for certification.
Skills (performed with a loaded boat in the context of an overnight trip)
1.) Bow rescue both as a victim and the rescuer using bow, stern, side or paddle
presentation.
2.) Unassisted re-entry performed by any means in less than two minute.
3.) All-in rescue performed in deep water with two or more paddlers.
4.) Rolling (with set-up) on one side in calm water.
5.) Towing with towline—application and safety.
6.) Towing without a towline (contact tow)—application and safety.
7.) Launching and landing in small waves.
8.) Forward paddling: With efficiency and proper torso rotation. Able to sustain forward
stroke during a journey of 10 kilometres in two hours.
9.) Efficient turning strokes using good edge control (deck/hull seam in the water).
10.) Efficient turning strokes while underway with little loss of forward momentum.
11.) Efficient draw strokes with proper torso rotation (on the spot and underway).
12.) Effective low brace with explosive hip flick and proper head movement.
13.) Effective high brace where the primary means of recovery is good form.
14.) Effective stern rudder in appropriate conditions.
15.) Able to link strokes and manoeuvre the kayak with confidence.

Equipment Knowledge
1.) Advantages and disadvantages of rudders, skegs and deck lines.
2.) Understanding of kayak efficiency and manoeuvrability in design features.
3.) Advantages and disadvantages of foot, deck, handheld and electric pumps.
4.) Features of rescue and safety equipment for sea kayak tripping.
5.) Paddle design and nomenclature.

Preparation
1.) File and submit a written float plan.
2.) Estimated time, distance and time of arrival for destination.
3.) List possible hazards (in conjunction with potential sea conditions).
4.) List possible emergency access points.
5.) Record weather and long-term forecast (three times) before trip and assess potential
effects on paddling conditions and possible dangers.

Navigation and Route Selection
1.) Determine estimated time, distance and speed.
2.) Use a chart or map to determine magnetic compass bearings for legs of a journey.
3.) Identify potential ranges on a chart or map.
4.) Identify hazards on the chart or map (in conjunction with weather-related sea conditions)
and plan a safe passage around them.
5.) Identify potential campsites on a chart or map.

Charts Exercise and Tides
1.) Identify charted features using Chart 1.
2.) Differentiate between aids to navigation and navigational aids (with examples).
3.) Able to determine tide height using the Rule of Twelfths and apply.
4.) Able to determine current speed using the Rule of Sixths and apply.
5.) Plot a route in tidal waters on a chart.

Group Awareness and Communication
1.) Maintains position within the group and works to keep peers within safe range.
2.) Able to use verbal and visual signals to maintain group control.
3.) Able to differentiate between types of aerial and handheld flares.
4.) Familiar with the use of a VHF radio.
5.) Conducts a simulated mayday call on the marine radio.

Navigation en Route
1.) Fix a position using ranges (natural lines of position).
2.) Fix a position using magnetic ranges.
3.) Able to apply dead reckoning techniques to estimate position and time of arrival.

Safety
1.) Familiar with the prevention and treatment of hypothermia.
2.) Safe and responsible behaviour on the water and in camp.

Camping Skills
1.) Create a gear list of minimum gear for an overnight trip.
2.) Describe the features of a good campsite (in a freshwater and marine environment).
3.) Prepare a safe and comfortable campsite with minimal impact on the natural environment.