Basic Lakewater Paddler Levels

	Basic Tandem Paddler (1)	Basic Solo Paddler (2)
Prerequisite	None	Basic Tandem Paddler (RCA)
Theory	Parts of the Canoe Paddle-types, parts & selection PFDs-types & fit Safety procedures & equipment Canoe clothing (re: Hypothermia) Transporting canoes on a vehicle Waterproofing and storing gear Lake & Ocean Paddling	Solo positions, stance & trim Leaning the canoe Environmental ethics Access concerns
Skills	Tandem Launch Embark/Disembark (shore or dock) Paddling positions & trim Multiple carries (2 & 4 person) Change ends in deep water	Solo Launch Embark/Disembark (shore and dock) Paddling positions & trim Solo carries
Strokes	Tandem (Bow & Stern) Forward Reverse Draw (underwater recovery) Pry Sweeps (forward & reverse) "J" Stroke (bow optional)	Solo Forward Forward & reverse "J" Stroke Reverse Sweeps (forward & reverse) Draw (underwater recovery) Pry Forward & reverse "C" Stroke
Rescue	Canoe over canoe rescue Rafting up to rescue swimmers	Solo canoe over canoe Re-enter swamped and empty canoe Paddle swamped canoe solo
Rec. Reading	Basic Canoeing 1977 edition of Canoeing (by American Red Cross)	Path of the Paddle by Bill Mason
Manoeuvres	Tandem Paddle 30 metres in a straight line Basic turns & sideslip	Solo Paddle 30 metres in a straight line Basic turns & sideslip

Advanced Lakewater Paddler Levels

	Advanced Tandem Paddler (3)	Advanced Solo Paddler (4)
Prerequisite	Basic Solo Paddler (2)	Basic Solo Paddler (2)
Theory	Canoe Repairs Knots and ropes; Equipment variations and standards Water hazards, wind and waves	Solo paddling in wind & waves Solo paddling positions & trim History of canoeing Extra flotation
Skills	Tandem Slide slip & Running side slip Tight inside & outside circles -with & without momentum	Solo Slide slip & Running side slip Tight inside & outside circles -with & without momentum
Strokes	Tandem Braces Diagonal Draws (forward & reverse) Reverse "J" Stationary Draw & Pry Review and Practice Basic Strokes Variation & blending of strokes Sculling Draw & Pry	Solo Compound Back Stroke Indian, Pitch & Canadian Strokes Box Stroke “O” Stroke Cross bow draw Weight Turns One Handed pry (bow jam) Braces Review & practice Basic Solo Strokes Variation & blending of strokes
Rescue	Tandem self rescue	Solo self rescue
Rec. Reading	Path of the Paddle by Bill Mason	Song of the Paddle by Bill Mason
Evaluation	Complete the tandem circuit	Complete the solo circuit

Lakewater Instructor

Prerequisite Advanced Tandem and Solo Paddler, INDIVIDUAL member of the RCABC and current RCABC Instructor/Candidate registration. A First Aid Certificate is strongly recommended.

Duration The estimated time to complete the Lakewater Instructors Course is 40 hours. It is possible that more or less time may be required depending on the class or specific individuals. Considering the content of the present RCA of BC course (canoe history, heritage of canoeing, and the solo paddling components) it becomes rather doubtful that the Lakewater Instructor course can be taught and completed in a shorter time. Any shortening of the course must be at the expense of time and/or quality.

Theory                   •                In depth review of all theory from the four paddler levels
•                River grading and water hazards
•                Construction, design and materials of canoes, paddles and PFDs
•                Canoeing clothing, group leadership, safety
•                Teaching methods and techniques

Strokes Instructors must be capable of teaching, demonstrating and correcting all strokes in the four paddler levels.

Practical             •                Review and practice all strokes in the four Paddler Levels: solo, bow and stern.
•                Practice teach on any theory or practical topic in the Paddler Levels.
•                Be capable of swimming 50 m. clothed, with a PFD.

Rec. Reading All recommended texts, plus Canadian Coast Guard Regulations applicable to canoeing.

Evaluation          Achieve a minimum of 70% in each of the following test areas:
•                written theory test
•                teaching - 3 items
•                tandem paddling circuit
•                solo paddling circuit

Conductors Lakewater Instructor Courses are to be taught by a Master Instructor or a Movingwater Instructor approved by the executive of the R.C.A.

EXAMINATION Instructor Examinations are to be conducted by a Master Instructor or a Moving Water Instructor that has attended an examination clinic and is approved by the executive. Lakewater Instructor Courses taught by a Movingwater Instructor must be examined by an examiner that was not involved in teaching the course. Master Instructors can examine their own courses.

Other Skills At this time Lakewater Instructors are not required to have skills in Movingwater, Tripping, Poling or Ocean Canoeing.
It is important that all canoeing instructors should have some knowledge and experience beyond the level that they are teaching. For this reason, it is a recommendation from the RCA of BC to Lakewater Instructors, that upon completion of the course, they should take the Tandem and Solo Movingwater Paddler's courses, or equivalent. This should give instructors the required experience, and would eventually prepare them for the Movingwater, Poling, Tripping, and Ocean Canoeing Instructor courses.