Introduction to Canoeing
Embark on a journey of discovery with our introduction to canoeing course and uncover the allure of this timeless activity.
Whether you’re venturing into a new outdoor pursuit, seeking a new hobby, or simply refreshing your paddling skills from years past, this course is tailored to meet your needs. We focus on imparting the fundamental functional skills necessary to kickstart your canoeing journey safely and effectively, while also nurturing your ongoing skill development.
Join us as we navigate through the basics and unlock the secrets of canoeing. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned paddler, this course promises an enriching experience for all. Discover the joy of paddling and let us guide you on this exciting adventure on the water.
Progressing Further
Congratulations on embarking on your canoeing journey! As you’ve started mastering the basic functional skills and grasped the significance of communication with your paddling partner, it’s time to take the next step.
In the follow-up to our introduction to canoeing course, we’ll delve deeper into refining your paddling technique. You’ll learn more technically proficient strokes and maneuvers, enhancing both your confidence and skills on the water. This progression will set you on a course to elevate your paddling abilities to the next level.
Consider exploring our Tandem Canoeing Beginners or Solo Canoeing Beginners courses to continue your journey and further hone your canoeing prowess. With dedication and practice, you’ll continue to grow as a proficient paddler. We look forward to guiding you along this exciting path of skill development and exploration.
What to expect?
Tandem canoeing introduction:
- Gear overview different canoes, which paddle to choose
- Carrying a tandem canoe and getting it safely in the water
- Entering a canoe
- Basic tandem canoe maneuvering: paddling forward, backwards, turning around, stopping, launching and landing
- Basic strokes: forward stroke, rudder stroke, reverse, stopping, draw and pry strokes, sweep strokes
- Canoe balance and stability
- Introduction to tandem safety and rescues
- Paddler communication and roles of the bow (front) and stern (back) paddler
Practical
€ 85 per person
Course dates
Januari 12
April 6
October 5
The fine print
Minimum age to participate is 12 years with an adult or 16 years without. We reserve the right to cancel any program with less than 24 hours notice due to changing weather conditions such as strong winds or thunderstorms. Please check your email for cancellation notices before arriving. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but your safety and well-being is our top priority.
Course Prerequisites
None, besides an interest and curiosity in learning how to safely paddle the watercraft that developed Canada.
What's included?
- Paddle
- Lifejacket
- Canoe
What to bring?
- Water/sports drink
- Active clothing you don’t mind getting wet
- Secure footwear you don’t mind getting wet
- Extra layers in case it cools off during the day
- A change of clothes and shoes
- Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses with floater string
- Snacks
- Bagged lunch
- A rain jacket/pants (optional)
Course location
Courses take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Mol (Belgium). We have a choice of open water and several beautiful canals to enjoy. The exact location is selected depending on weather conditions and will be sent to you a week prior to the course.
Certification
The Introduction to Open Canoeing Certificate is intended as an encouragement for novice paddlers with no prior experience with canoeing and is awarded after our introduction to canoeing course. The emphasis is on developing a good boat feeling, comfortably handling the paddle and balancing the canoe. The aim is propelling the canoe and keeping it in the desired direction using the most basic strokes. The holder of this certificate is able to safely paddle a short open canoe trip on sheltered, quiet or slightly moving waterways in moderate weather conditions. Candidates can take the test while paddling solo or in tandem and must be able to demonstrate that she or he has sufficient swimming skills.
Upon successful completion of an exam the participant receives an official certificate from the Royal Dutch Watersports Association. This demonstrates that you have mastered the skills below.
Skills practical
- Transport the canoe over land to the water
- Properly lift the canoe into the water
- Boarding
- Move forward using rudder stroke to correct course
- Stopping the canoe
- Paddling backwards
- Keeping the canoe on course by means of the stern rudder
- Rotate in a small circle or on the spot
- Mooring
- Get out and properly lift the canoe out of the water
Skills theorie
- Paddle lengths
- Paddle terms
- Name parts of the paddle and canoe
- Safety aspects
- Assessing the weather
- Regulations