BASIC CANOE TRIPPING INSTRUCTOR  

 INTRODUCTION 

A Basic Canoe Tripping Instructor must be skilled in teaching: canoeing, rescues, fire building, equipment repairs, navigation, menu planning and meal preparation, first aid, etc.  The second area is their ability to teach soft skills and environmental ethics. This includes leadership, communication, and group management.  Leading groups on the water  is a complex responsibility.  

COURSE LENGTH 

The Basic Canoe Tripping Instructor course will run over 3 days with a minimum of 2 overnights to allow enough time to observe paddling, camping, leadership,  and environmental skills. The Basic Tripping Instructor course is designed for Instructors  wishing to teach the Basic Tripping Paddler course and take students  on  canoe trips up to 4 days/3 nights with same day Emergency Medical Services  (EMS)  access on flat  waters.  It is also possible to utilize the mentorship program whereby an Instructor candidate should co-teach at least two Tripping Paddler Courses. See the manual section on mentorships for more details.  

 PREREQUISITES 

• Basic Lakewater Instructor 

• Tripping Leader 

• Current RCABC Instructor Membership  

• Current Wilderness First Aid (Recommended) 

• Trip log: Must include pre-trip planning experience with at least 3 multiday trips. 

 LEADERSHIP 

• Daily group Planning. 

• Group dynamics and management. 

• Pre-trip planning and administration. 

• Crisis management and hazard assessment. 

TEACHING ABILITY 

• The skills listed in the Tripping Paddler Course 

• A knowledge of and ability to use effective teaching styles and methods in relation to canoe tripping. 

• An ability to detect and correct skill deficiencies and weaknesses. 

• Clear management skills and organizational ability on and off the water. 

• An ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups 

• Emergency Communications with EMS (This should also be included in the trip plan).  

THEORY 

• Basic Maintenance and repair of canoe and related equipment. 

• Equipment knowledge reverent to canoe camping. 

• Safety considerations including hypothermia. 

• Pre-trip planning and administration.  Preparation of a Trip Plan and Meal Plan for a Trip at least 4 days in length with at least 6 participants. Trip Plan must include an Evacuation Plan. 

• Animal hazards. 

• Federal and provincial regulations governing canoe travel. 

• Weather factors affecting canoe camping. 

• Vehicle safety related to transportation of people and equipment. 

PRACTICAL SKILLS 

The performance of items listed is not to be considered as a comprehensive curriculum of canoe tripping skills.  They are simply items selected to aid in the assessment of the Instructor candidate’s practical skills.   

 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHIC AND PRACTICES 

Knowledge and demonstrations of Leave No Trace camping practices and how they may be interpreted and implemented in the BC canoe tripping context.  

 
RECOMMENDED
RESOURCES 

Song of the Paddle by Bill Mason 

Leave No Trace website 

Adventuresmart website 

EVALUATION 

Instructor Candidates should teach a minimum of 1 theory and 1 skill lesson from the Tripping Paddler Course and be evaluated using the Basic Tripping Instructor Assessment form.  

CRITICAL AREAS OF ASSESSMENT 

The following are also listed on the Tripping Instructor Assessment Form. However some additional details on important areas for assessment are shown below 

NAVIGATION 

The candidate must demonstrate an ability to follow a map, chart, and electronic navigation aids while on a canoe trip and be able to ascertain their  location at any time as well as to interpret useful map features and plan their route.    

CAMPSITE SELECTION   

ORGANIZATION & PACKING 

The candidate must demonstrate an ability to select a campsite appropriate to the use group and organize its proper use and, where necessary, improvement in terms of minimum impact. 

The candidate must demonstrate an ability to organize and pack both food and the necessary camping and emergency equipment so that they are readily available, secure, and waterproof.  

PORTAGING 

The canoeist should be able to lift and portage canoes using a variety of methods appropriate for the terrain and group. This may include solo carries, in partners, or as a group. Care in handling the canoe and minimizing risk to oneself should be apparent. 

CANOE REPAIR 

The candidate should be able to perform emergency (temporary) repairs for canoes with some degree of understanding the various possible canoe materials. This should include tape and other  patching materials as well as filed repairs using putty, cloth, epoxy resin.  

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES AND SANITATION 

The candidate should be able to explain and demonstrate practices basic to Leave No Trace practices for backcountry camping, with regard to:  tent pitching, fire building and stove use, sanitation(washing of self, dishes, etc)and  waste disposal.   

RESCUE SKILLS FOR CANOE TRIPPING 

The candidate should be able to perform throwbag rescues and  both self and assisted rescues with loaded canoes. Recommended RCABC Swift Water Canoe Rescue Foundations. 

CULTURAL AND ECOLOGICACAL INTERPRETATION 

Candidates should be able to facilitate an Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory and discussions about local Indigenous Culture, local history, ecology, etc.