Canoe Courses
Canoe Basic Skills
The Canoe Skills Basic course is designed for those with little or no canoeing experience. It teaches the fundamentals. Topics include basic gear selection, canoe safety, basic paddling strokes, entering and exiting the canoe, balance, and emergency procedures. At the end of the course, you will be comfortable getting into and out-of a canoe, have the knowledge to select the appropriate basic gear, paddle the canoe in roughly the direction you would like, and know what to do in an emergency. Paddle Manitoba increased the length of this course from the 4-hours recommended by Paddle Canada to 8-hours so that students have lots of time to practice and have more fun!
Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem
The Lake Canoe Introduction Tandem course is for those who have an understanding of the basic canoeing skills and want to advance to the level where they can comfortable paddle on longer outings. Improving and refining paddling strokes are emphasized as is learning rescue techniques and the fundamentals of navigations, knots, and environmental stewardship. At the end of the course, students will be able to comfortably paddle for extended periods on calm sheltered waters with confidence.
What to Bring
Paddle Manitoba will supply canoes, paddles, PFDs and other required safety equipment. However if you have your own paddle or PFD, you are welcome to use them. Make sure you bring sun screen, insect repellent, and lots of water (none is provided at the park). For the full day course, be sure to bring a lunch. Canoeing does use energy, so a snack even for the evening courses is a good idea. In-water rescues are not a requirement for students at the levels being offered. However, having a spare set of clothes in your car ‘just in case’ is highly recommended.
Where to Meet
La Barriere Park is about 5.5 km south of the perimeter on the Waverly Street extension. On the south side of the river is the main entrance to the park. At the entrance, on the north side, is the park maintenance yard where Paddle Manitoba stores its canoes. This is our meeting place. Please arrive 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin.
Cost
All courses cost $85 for Paddle Manitoba Members and $115 for non-members. Your instructor will have registration forms for Paddle Manitoba if you decide join on the day you start your class.
Course Registration
You have three options for registration:
- Telephone: Registration can be done by telephone. Before May 12, call Chris Randall at (204) 471-9474 and after May 12, Eric Gyselman at (204) 388-4465. You will still need to download the Registration form (see below) and bring it for the first day of your course along with a cheque for full payment made out to ‘Paddle Manitoba’.
- Email: Send the information required on the Registration form to instruction@paddle.mb.ca . If you prefer, you can send a scan of the completed form. Bring the original completed Registration form and a cheque for full payment made out to ‘Paddle Manitoba’ on the first day of your course.
- Mail: Download and complete the Registration Form. Mail the form with a cheque for full payment made out to ‘Paddle Manitoba’ to:
Paddle Manitoba
Box 2663
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4B3
Registration must be completed a minimum of four days before the first day of the course.
Questions?
If you have any questions, email instruction@paddle.mb.ca.
