Class Descriptions

At our Canoe Symposiums, many different classes are offered to help you improve your canoeing skills.  Note that not all classes are offered at all of the events, due to instructor availability, previous interest at an event, and sometimes things that are beyond our control!  Check the event description forms, linked from the bottom of each event’s page, for event-specific details.

 

FreeStyle Core Classes

These classes involve 9 hours of instruction, spread out across three, three-hour sessions, usually on three consecutive days.  Register for all 3 class sessions for the same course, as the sequential nature of skills acquisition builds upon the prior classes.  Students in a class stay together as a group with a different instructor for each session, allowing students to experience learning tips from a variety of instructors.  A Saturday, Sunday option (two sessions of 3 hours each) may be available, for people who are unable to arrive for Friday classes.

  • Obedience Training For Your Canoe:  This class introduces the basic skills needed to begin having good boat control – getting the canoe to go straight, stop, and turn.  The class is geared for those who have not taken any formal instruction before, and those who would like a thorough review of the basics. Strokes and maneuvers taught in this class include forward, reverse, C, J, sweeps, draws, push-aways, sculling, and braces.  There’s also a short version of this class, listed as “Canoeing Essentials,” under the Special Topics section.
  • Pack Canoe: In this class, we are sitting low in the canoe and using a double blade paddle. We will focus on perfecting the forward and reverse strokes. We will introduce many different methods of turning the boat. Efficient technique will help to increase stamina and reduce fatigue. Please bring a 46” – 47” single blade paddle, if possible, because there are circumstances when you will need to use one.
  • FreeStyle Building Blocks:  A quiet water skills review, and an introduction to FreeStyle techniques.  For paddlers who have never tried FreeStyle.  Even for experienced paddlers, refine your efficiency for precise forward, reverse, correction, and control strokes.  Learn FS concepts, and fine tune existing skills.  A solid foundation for FS, and beginning your first FS maneuvers.
  • Level 1: Forward Quadrant:  Students should be familiar with what FS paddling is supposed to be.  This class builds on skills learned in Obedience Training and Building Blocks, and introduces ways to turn the canoe and move laterally. These include Axles, Christies, Wedges, Posts and Sideslips. Begin practical linkages of maneuvers.  
  • Level 2: Cross Forward Quadrant:  Requires previous FS instruction in FS Onside Forward maneuvers. This class reviews skills learned in the Forward Onside class, then adds Cross Forward strokes and maneuvers, including Cross Axle, Cross Post, Cross Wedge, Cross Christie, Cross Sideslips and linkages.
  • Level 3: Reverse Quadrant:  Requires previous FS instruction in FS Onside Forward maneuvers.  This class reviews techniques learned in previous classes, then adds techniques specific to paddling in reverse. These include reverse strokes, Reverse Axles, Reverse Posts, Reverse Christies, Reverse Wedges, Reverse Sideslips and efficient linkages.
  • Level 4: Cross Reverse Quadrant:  Requires previous FS instruction in FS Forward, Reverse, and Cross Forward maneuvers.  This class reviews previous class materials, then introduces Cross Reverse strokes and maneuvers, including Cross Reverse Axles, Posts, Christies, Wedges, Sideslips, and linkages.
  • Exhibition:  Did you ever try paddling a canoe to music? This class focuses on paddling to music, developing a paddling routine, and provides coaching for those interested in Interpretive FreeStyle exhibition or competition.  
  • Fine Tuning:  Fine tune your maneuvers and linkages of maneuvers. The first session focuses on Forward and Cross maneuvers, the second session tunes Reverse maneuvers, and third session refines Cross Reverse maneuvers.  

Special Topics Classes 

These are specialized class sessions that are 2 hours in length, unless otherwise indicated.  Class offerings at different events will vary, depending on instructor availability and local interest.

  • Kids Class: Students will learn boat control and water safety, basic strokes, and /or freestyle maneuvers based on their skill level, interspersed with fun activities.
  • Tandem Tune Up:  You will learn helpful tips to increase your efficiency and enjoyment of tandem paddling.  Work together with your paddling partner to make your canoe maneuver and turn more efficiently and smoothly.
  • Touring Technique:  Work on efficiency in long distance travel, using a bent shaft paddle and Sit and Switch technique. Bring a bent shaft paddle if you have one.
  • Forward Stroke Clinic: A good forward stroke is the basis of efficient paddling.    Work on perfect uncorrected forward and cross forward strokes, then apply them to paddle “The Inside Circle.”
  • Paddling Straight in Reverse:  Tips and techniques to help you paddle straight and effortlessly when going in reverse.
  • Heeling and Kneeling 101: For beginners to FreeStyle.  Learn how to be comfortable heeling the boat as you start to learn FreeStyle techniques.  Gain confidence in moving from a seated (three point) to a two point kneeling position.
  • Moving Around In Your Canoe:  For more advanced Freestyle students. Work on smooth transitions that minimize boat bobble, especially when linking maneuvers.  May include various positions in the boat such as High Kneel, High Kneel Thrust, Transverse, and MacKenzie Reversal. 
  • Nail The Rail:  For more advanced paddlers who want to learn to consistently and smoothly heel maneuvers to the rail in various quadrants.
  • Paddling in Wind and Waves:   Learn techniques to have better control of your boat when paddling in windy, wavy conditions.
  • Playing With Paired Solo:  For solo paddlers who would like to work in a fun session with other solo paddlers on boat control, basics of paired solo, beginning paired maneuvers, working with music and timing.  A light and informational session with focus on the fun of playing with combinations of maneuvers with friends.
  • Creekin’ FreeStyle Clinic:  For those familiar with basic FS maneuvers. Learn to use basic FreeStyle moves to travel and maneuver with grace and efficiency on a nearby River.  The class may go upstream or downstream (maybe both), on a creek that has a steadily moving current. The ability to kneel in your canoe will be required, and you will need to have good stamina and a solid forward stroke to be able to navigate the creek with the class. 
  • Private Instruction:  Private 2 hour sessions can be arranged to work on any skill development and are open to all for any skill level; beginning to advanced.  Contact organizers to discuss the type of instruction desired and scheduling.
  • Exhibition and Competition: Everything you need to know:   Paddling a FreeStyle Routine to music may seem daunting, but it really is a lot of fun!  Learn how to start thinking about putting a routine together, and what you need to do to paddle a routine in exhibition.  Feeling competitive?  Learn about the competitive side of FreeStyle, and how FreeStyle Exhibitions are scored. 

Additional Classes:  

  • Canoe Poling 101:  Stand up tall in your canoe!  We will work on the basics of using a simple pole for propulsion.  This traditional skill will give you a whole new perspective on canoeing, and is especially helpful when moving upstream.  Bring a canoe pole…  whether you bought a commercial one, or made it yourself, from whatever materials you had available.
  • Canadian Style: Canadian Style solo paddling involves techniques for paddling solo in a tandem canoe. It is sometimes called Omering.
  • Canoe Rescue Clinic:  Learn and practice various canoe rescue techniques for solo and tandem canoes.   Students will have the opportunity to be both the “rescued” and the “rescuer,” so plan to get wet!