OCA Paddler Development
In May, we consulted you on our proposals to develop a long-term paddler development scheme for open canoeists. This consultation is now closed, and we thank you all for your comments.You agreed that we need something to take a beginner through the basic skills equivalent to one and two star awards, which give canoeists:
- a programme to follow that cover the basic skills needed to do the types of canoeing trips the OCA and other clubs run;
- a scheme that covers all the canoeing skills without requiring equivalent skills to be gained in a kayak, unlike the new UK Paddlesport programme;
- a record to show basic skills have been gained before a canoeist signs up for a 3-Star course or assessment
- a programme that includes some of the skills not present in the new One and Two-Star awards that are needed for the three star award, and would benefit from being explored earlier in a paddlers development.
The resulting programme is open to all OCA members, but is aimed at adults. Children will be encouraged to do the new Paddlepower programme. The programme may be completed in parts or through an intense course eg at the OCA rally, and once completed a certificate may be awarded (available from the OCA secretary).
We will consider adding additional modules including non-boat based topics in the near future depending on demand.
OCA members can download details of the programme, coaching notes and example certificates after logging-in to the website.Programme outline
Foundation Module
Preparation for paddling
- Before paddling warm up with a physical activity for a few minutes
- Know what a buoyancy aid is for and why it is important to wear it
- Know what is appropriate paddling kit, food and drink
Embarking
- Working with partner or other paddlers lift, carry, launch and get into canoe safely.
Paddling position
- Balance in a stationary canoe
- Show an active posture
- Show how to hold a paddle correctly
Paddling forwards
- Move canoe forwards for 100m, keeping the canoe travelling in a straight line using basic steering strokes
Paddling backwards
- Reverse paddling for at least 25m, rotating head and trunk to look behind
Moving sideways
- Use a draw stroke with both left and right hands to move canoe sideways
Stopping
- Experiment with stopping the canoe in both directions whilst preventing the canoe from turning sideways
Turning and manoeuvring
- Rotate 360 degrees on the spot (clockwise and anticlockwise) paddling on both left and right hand sides
- Paddle forward round a figure of eight course around marks about two canoe lengths apart.
Balance and Trim
- Experiment with moving self and kit in canoe to change trim
- Stand up in the canoe and experiment with using a pole move the canoe forward.
Canoe safety
- Know what to do if you or another canoeist capsizes
- Prevent a capsize using a low brace (both sides)
- Capsize and be rescued/swim to bank
Disembark
- Return to bank and disembark
- Know how to safely put away a canoe and help others
Journey
- Complete a journey of at least 1 hour
First aid
- Know how to prevent hypothermia
- Know why to cover cuts and grazes with waterproof dressing
- Know what leptospirosis is and how to avoid it
Access
- Know where you can go canoeing
Environment
- Know how canoeists can help protect the waterside environment
Improvers Module
Preparation for paddling
- Before paddling warm up with a physical activity for a few minutes
- Show how to fit your own buoyancy aid, and what kit to carry on your person (whistle, knife , cash)
- Show how and what appropriate kit and food and drink you would carry with you on a day trip
Embarking
- With help from partner or other paddler, lift, carry, launch and get into canoe
Paddling position
- Change paddling position to suit change in conditions / direction of travel/trim
- Show an active posture
- Show good trunk rotation
Paddling forwards
- Move canoe forwards for 200m using a combination of J-stroke and stern pry
- Keep canoe travelling in a straight line using a rudder through a narrow gap
Paddling backwards
- Reverse paddling for 25m using reverse J/rudder or cross deck reverse stokes(solo) to a point defined by the assessor
Moving sideways
- Use a draw stroke move canoe sideways for 5m on both the left and right sides
- Show beginnings of pry and cross deck draw strokes
Stopping
- Stop the canoe in both directions, within 2 canoe lengths whilst preventing the canoe from turning sideways
Turning and manoeuvring
- Rotate 360 degrees within 10m circle using draws, sweeps, j stroke, outside pivot turns (clockwise and anticlockwise)
- Manoeuvre and position the canoe in and out of a confined space
Balance and Trim
- Show effective trim when moving canoe forwards and backwards
Sailing
- Use an improvised sail rig on rafted canoes whilst being aware of the benefits/dangers of using rafted canoes.
Poling
- Move canoe 25m using a pole whilst standing
Lining
- Move canoe 10m along bank using painter or lines
Canoe safety
- Prevent a capsize (low brace and body lean)
- Jump out and climb back in (helped)
Disembark
- Know how to safely put away a canoe and help others
- Show how to fasten a canoe on trailer/roofrack
Journey
- Complete a journey of at least 2 hours
- Describe how to plan a trip (weather, kit access)
- Know how to help someone having difficulty keeping up on trip
- Know why keeping a group together on journey is important
First aid
- Know how to prevent hypothermia
- Know why to cover cuts and grazes with waterproof dressing
- Know what leptospirosis is and how to avoid
Access
- What do you do if someone tells you can’t paddle there
- Know what permissions/licences you may need to paddle in different locations
Environment
- Know how canoeists can protect the waterside environment
General
- Describe different types of paddle
- Describe different types of canoe competition
- Be able to outline basic differences in canoe design and how they affect handling
