Who is this course for?This solo canoeing course is designed for new-to-moving water paddlers, paddlers who have spent some time in rapids but never taken any formal instruction, and for experienced lake paddlers looking to expand their abilities and learn how to take their skills to the rapids. Paddlers should be able to paddle a canoe in a straight line forwards and backwards, start and stop, and paddle circles both ways under control. Participants may or may not have experience paddling a canoe alone. No prior experience in whitewater is necessary for this course.
What does the Moving Water 1B course actually teach?This course teaches the essentials for beginner whitewater solo canoeists! All the basics are covered from getting yourself properly fitted and equipped in a solo canoe and whitewater gear, to river safety, rescue and swimming basics and relevant terminology, to running class 1 and 2 rapids. Learn the strokes and technique to control your boat on the river easily and efficiently, and how to read, scout and paddle class 1 & 2 rapids in a fun and engaging learning environment! Each course is tailored to the individual needs of the participants, and we do our best to accommodate special requests and interests of our program participants.
What are the course OutcomesOur goal is to deliver a high-quality, exceptional river experience in a supportive and inclusive environment, with the progression moving along at your unique pace. We strive to leave you with all you need to confidently look at class 1 or 2 rapids, determine a safe route through the whitewater and comfortably paddle your chosen line, being mindful of your ability, limitations and safety considerations. Finally, you'll have progressed through the appropriate lessons and received professional feedback to receive your ORCKA Moving Water Level 1B certification provided you can demonstrate an appropriate understanding and paddling ability of the course content.
What is the course schedule?
This course is a two day course that runs from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, 2021. Participants are expected to be at Paddler Co-op, ready to get fitted and for the course to begin at 9 am. If you aren't camping at the co-op, plan to arrive at 8:45 am :) The two days of this course are fairly hands-on and engaging, so be prepared to burn some calories while having fun! We'll take a lunch break on both Saturday and Sunday, and participants can expect to be on the road home Sunday evening by 4:30 pm. There are no evening sessions for this course
What do I need to take the course?
You will need a whitewater solo canoe and appropriate paddle, PFD and helmet, an open mind and a desire to have a good time on the river! A good dose of patience also goes a long way (the boats are designed to spin!) If you don't have the appropriate equipment, Paddler Co-op has an extensive rental gear supply to get you fully decked out with solid gear at an affordable cost.
Appropriate layers are a must at this time of year, meaning non-cotton layers (e.g. synthetics, wool, fleece, neoprene) with long sleeves and bottoms, wetsuits are a good idea (also available for rent if need be) and finally
close-toed shoes are a must! The river will eat crocs, flip-flops, or loose fitting slip-ons - old running shoes work great for this.
Lastly, a lunch, reusable water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses with straps (optional), and a drybag for any other personal necessities you'll need on the water are good ideas.
What about the instructor?
Ryan has made whitewater his passion and career for the last decade, having gotten an early start riding princess on his first river trip at the ripe age of 6 years old! Engaging, knowledgeable, relatable and highly skilled are some attributes Ryan's students have often reported after taking a course with him at Paddler Co-op.
Drawing on multidisciplinary experience in whitewater solo and tandem canoeing and kayaking at an expert level, rafting, expedition tripping and guiding, Ryan's courses are filled with quality content, professional and thorough, and his easy-going nature and bite-sized instructional style leave his students raving about what a fun and mind-opening experience learning from him can be - whether it's an advanced level instructor course or entry-level kids camp.
ORCKA Moving Water Canoe and Kayak Instructor Trainer, River Rescue Instructor and 2019 North American Open Canoe Championships gold and silver medalist are a few accomplishments that demonstrate the high level of professionalism and dedication Ryan has cultivated over his years of working in the industry.
What is the Paddler Co-op?
Paddler Co-op has been a staple in the Ontario whitewater community and renowned for providing memorable paddling experiences and training at an affordable cost in the Madawaska Valley for over twenty three years.
A member-owned not-for-profit organization, The Co-op exists to provide high quality instruction and training, rentals, camping, river access, guiding and trip outfitting for all ages and abilities, in an affordable, safe, fun and inclusive learning environment to build a better paddling community for everyone.
Centrally located in Eastern Ontario's paddling mecca of the Madawaska Valley, we operate a seasonal campground, paddling school, rental shop and youth programming facility just downstream from one of the best whitewater play and learning grounds offering year-round paddling. If you haven't heard about our legendary whitewater fundraiser festival, check out
Palmer River Fest - It's one of the most fun, inclusive and community-oriented paddling events out there.
Visit Paddler Co-op's website for more information and to see some of the other services and courses we offer, or stop in and say hi if you're driving through! You can also give us a call at 613-758-2772 or email us at info@paddlerco-op.ca to learn more.