FLATWATER CANOEING

Study Guide

Identify the parts of a canoe using the vocabulary of this course.

Paddle Basics

What are the Five Fundamentals of Paddling? Describe the importance of each.

What is the most stable paddle position?

Generally speaking, what are the roles of the bow paddler? The stern paddler? Describe the role of good communication for good tandem paddling.

Form = Function

What impact does hull design have on the boat—think of the presence or absence of a keel…a shallow V…flat bottom, etc.?

What is rocker?

Paddle Knowledge

How do you determine the correct size of a paddle?

What is meant by the power face of a paddle?

Identify the parts of a paddle.

Paddle Strokes

Name a static stroke.

Name a power stroke.

List various strokes used for maneuvering.

Describe the key components to the following strokes: Draw, Forward Sweep, Duffek, Cross-bow Draw, Forward power, J-stroke…

Be ready to identify bow/stern paddle combinations to complete specific maneuvers (figure eight, abeam-side slip, spin, etc.).

Portaging

Describe the steps involved in performing both a one and two person canoe lift.

What is the correct way to load a canoe? Describe the process of trimming the canoe.

Safety

When making an open water crossing, what safety considerations must you consider?

A storm approaches, lightning 30 seconds away…it gets closer, 20 seconds away…it moves in above you 3 seconds away…Describe the safety procedure you will take to stay as safe as possible during this scenario.

Briefly describe the canoe over canoe rescue.

What would you do in this scenario?...your canoe capsizes; no one else is around except for your paddle partner. You are 400 meters from shore on a cold day. Describe what you will do to self rescue.

How would you prevent hypothermia when preparing for an autumn canoe outing?

Practical Exam Requirements

Body position for maximum boat stability.

J Stroke

Sweep—forward and reverse

Draw

Cross Draw

Pry

Duffek

Forward power

Back stroke

Compound back

Consider the three phases of each flatwater canoe stroke.

Think about this as you develop your strokes:

An accomplished paddler…

Sits up-chest forward, sees forward, torso moves and rotates, gets blade vertical or oblique, uses efficient strokes, uses a variety of strokes, paddles strong on both sides, communicates well with partner, considers safety factors with every outing…

Lightning Safety—given the importance of lightning awareness while canoeing, understand the following:

All class discussions are exams notes as well.