Courses / Lessons 2009

Spring Canoeing Lessons

Once again we’re lucky to have Mr. Bill Morris leading three different types of lessons this spring. Mr. Morris is a highly qualified Paddle Canada Instructor and works extensively with Saskatoon Public Schools. Each of these lesson sets are from 7:00 until 9:00pm.

The first lesson - will be at Erindale Lake (at the corner of Kerr Road and Kenderdine Avenue, just off McOrmond Drive). The second lesson - at the Canoe Club Boat House. All equipment is provided but participants need to dress for the weather.

• Introduction to Canoeing ...............May 11th and 12th or May 19th and 26th
  This course is for anyone who needs the basics. (max. of 10 participants)

• Stroke Improvement......................May 13th and 14th, or May 20th & 27th
  You know the basics, and you’re ready for more. (max. of 10 participants)

• Solo Basics ....................................Thurs. May 21st & 28th
  Five of you want to go on a trip so you’ll paddle alone! (max. of 5 participants)

To Register for Bill’s courses: Call Wes Deptuch at 955-0566. You will be considered registered upon receipt of the $15 fee. There will be no refunds after May 15th.

Canoe Tripping Level 1

Paddle Canada (formerly CRCA) Canoe Tripping Level I

Course Description: Canoe Tripping I provides an introduction to canoe tripping for those with little or no tripping experience. The emphasis is on wilderness canoe camping skills and safety. Items like canoe rescues and map usage are practiced, some theory is studied, and everything is put together and demonstrated on the overnight canoe trip (interested persons may request a more detailed course outline).

When: Friday July 17th to Sunday July 19th, 2009

Location: A classroom (location TBA) / parts of the South Saskatchewan River/ and Harry Bailey Aquatic Center. The course requires an overnight canoe trip. Friday night you sleep at home (or wherever you like) but on Saturday night we’ll be in our tents.

Prerequisite Skills: Paddle Canada “Flatwater” certificate OR comparable skills (at the discretion of the instructor). Example: Candidate is able to paddle solo over a triangular course without switching sides with her/his paddle.

Cost: $100.00 per person, plus a share of the trip food. The trip food is planned in one or two “food groups” and prepared over open fire or small camp stoves. The overnight trip involves Saturday’s supper, and Sunday’s breakfast and lunch.

To Register: Call Wes Deptuch at 955-0566 or email him at
recreation.div@saskatooncanoeclub.org

About Your Instructor: Wes Deptuch has been canoeing since his first high school trip back in 1981. He has canoed on many lakes and rivers from Alberta to Ontario. He has been leading high school trips since 1999 and has been a Paddle Canada (formerly CRCA) instructor since 2005.

Lakewater 1

Paddle Canada, Lakewater I

Instructor: Bill Morris

Course Date: June 13th and 14th, 2009

Times: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (or later) both days.

Course Location: Erindale Lake (John Avant Park near the corner of Kenderdine and Kerr Road in Saskatoon).

Course Description: Welcome to Lakewater 1. This course is designed by Paddle Canada to perfect tandem lakewater paddling skills and continue the development of solo paddling skills. Lakewater 1 is the certification recommended in the Sask Learning guidelines to lead students in a waterfront canoeing program. Overnight trips require Canoe Tripping 2 certification. Participants who do not meet Lakewater 1 criteria are eligible for Flatwater A, B, C, and/or D. Persons interested in the paddling experience but not wishing to be certified with Paddle Canada are welcome. An outline of course criteria are on the Paddle Canada website at paddlingcanada.com. The Lakewater 1 course includes the Flatwater course and is evaluated at a higher level. Lakewater 1 is a rigorous paddling skills course. Participants with limited paddling experience may require more than the sixteen hours recommended by Paddle Canada. Periods of time spent on the water will be separated with on-land instruction and discussion. The amount of time spent practicing will depend on the skill of the individuals entering the course and evaluation will take place when the person is ready. As evaluation of individuals requires the attention of the evaluator, some patience is required when asking for instruction and evaluation. If individuals require more practice, evaluation may take place at a later date.

How to prepare? Please come ready to spend the day outdoors with protection for sun, wind, wet, and cold - meaning hats, available long sleeves and pants, windproof, waterproof, insulation. A change of clothes is a good idea - swimming will be accidental. If it is a cold day some kind of hand protection will make the experience more enjoyable. As a good portion of the canoeing will be best done in a kneeling position, kneepads or a small pad will become increasingly appreciated as the day-long paddling sessions proceed. Please bring an approved personal floatation device and a paddle. Snacks and liquids are important. John Avant Park has no facilities and the nearest public facilities are at fast food outlets that are a five minute drive away.

To register: Call Wes Deptuch at 955-0566 or email him at recreation.div@saskatooncanoeclub.org

Kayak Lessons from Canada West Paddle Sports

This summer Jim Macdonald and Canada West Paddle Sports will be offering kayak touring lessons for SCC members. All bookings and arrangements are to be done through CWP so please contact them directly. All courses are taught by a Level 3 NCCP Kayaking Instructor with Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid/ CPR training. http://canadawestpaddlesports.wordpress.com/

Introduction to Sea Kayaking - Safety and Technique.

The purpose of this course is to give a basic understanding of paddling a touring style kayak. It is geared towards people who have never been in a sea kayak before as well as those who are wanting more confidence in their skills. The course is 2.5 hours long and will be held on the South Saskatchewan River. All equipment will be provided. Sessions will be taught in the evenings and with 2 sessions will be held during the summer (the first on June 11th, the second on June 12th, or to be determined?). Limit of 6 people per session. Cost - $35.

Advanced Sea Kayaking - Technique and Skill improvement

This is a 1 part session where we will paddle into Saskatoon from upstream. This will be a great learning experience for intermediate paddlers who want to become better, more efficient paddlers. The session will be approximately 3 hours long and be held on a Sunday, dates to be determined. Cost is $50, lunch provided.

Kayak Rolling - Pool-based Course.

This session is for paddlers who are comfortable in a kayak and who want to learn the eskimo roll. The course is two 2hr sessions in a pool with equipment provided. Limit of 7 people, cost $70. Dates TBD

Paddling Courses by CanoeSki Discovery Company

SCC members receive a 15% discount on all courses offered by CanoeSki Discovery Company. Courses include:

• Learn To Canoe - evening & weekend courses available
• Paddling Workshops - Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced courses
• Whitewater Primer - Weekend course on the Churchill River

For more information on CanoeSki course offerings, visit http://www.canoeski.com/instruct.htm

Other Sources For Lessons

• Horizons Unlimited - Located right on the Churchill River at Missinipe, Horizon's Unlimited offers a wide array of paddling courses.
• Kingston Kayak Instruction - SCC member and competitive paddler, Viki offers a variety of kayak lessons year-round ranging from introductory to advanced courses, as well as rolling and bracing workshops.
• Canadian Ways Canoeing - A variety of paddling lessons, sometimes with hockey thrown into the mix.
• Northern Ways - A variety of instructional programs including canoe yoga and photography in addition to the more familiar fare.