OPEN CANOE
| AIM | A basic assessment of ability at the end of an introductory course. An encouragement award. Doubles performance is based on the crew working together, with each individual operating from both the bow and stern. Each element of the test should be completed by both paddlers before beginning the next element. The test itself should encourage safe practice, regard for the equipment, and fun. |
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| PREREQUISITES | None. | |
| VENUE | Sheltered water (not a swimming pool) but see paragraph 17of the Introductory Notes. |
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| ASSESSOR | Level 1 Canoe Coach or higher (see Introductory Note 10) Level 2 Coaches or higher in alternative disciplines may also test this award if they hold the Canoe 2 Star or higher. |
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| SOME DEFINITIONS | On-side strokes are those executed on the selected paddling side; cross-deck or off-side strokes are those performed on the other side of the canoe without swapping hand positions. For example a right-handed paddler performs forward paddling strokes on the right hand side of the canoe - this is his or her on-side. are those executed on the selected paddling side; cross-deck or off-side strokes are those performed on the other side of the canoe without swapping hand positions. For example a right-handed paddler performs forward paddling strokes on the right hand side of the canoe - this is his or her on-side. Changing sides means moving the paddle over to the off-side and swapping the hand positions on the paddle, as when a right-handed paddler performs a stroke as if he or she were a left-handed paddler. means moving the paddle over to the off-side and swapping the hand positions on the paddle, as when a right-handed paddler performs a stroke as if he or she were a left-handed paddler. Drive face indicates the face of the blade that would pull against the water if the paddle were being used for normal forward propulsion. The other face of the blade is referred to as the ‘back face’. |
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| THEORY | - a question or two of a similar level should be asked under each heading |
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| Equipment | Sample questions: |
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| Safety | Sample questions: |
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| Hypothermia/first aid | Sample questions: |
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| Environment and access | Sample questions: |
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| General | Sample questions |
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PRACTICAL ‘A’
1 Lifting, carrying and launching the canoe. Solo performers must have assistance with this task. Working as a pair on opposite sides and ends of the canoe, demonstrate good lifting and carrying principles using legs rather than the back.
The canoe must be afloat. Balance must be maintained. Paddles may be used to assist getting into the canoe, but must not be lost overboard. Doubles pairs must demonstrate working together.
2 Forward paddling over a 100m course. Candidates must show evidence that they are able to control the canoe in a straight line over a distance of 100 metres. Some directional instability is likely to occur but this should not include complete loss of forward movement or a continuous careering from side to side.
3 Stopping. This should be demonstrated in both directions. By using strokes on the ‘on’ and ‘off’ sides of the canoe (which should be traveling at cruising speed). Opposite motion should be in evidence within two boat lengths.
4 Rotate 360 degrees on the spot. Spinning in a clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation using the appropriate combination of forward sweeps and reverse sweeps. Some body rotation to be in evidence.
5 Reverse paddling. The canoe should travel a distance of 25 metres. Turning the trunk and looking over one or both shoulders must be in evidence.
6 Paddle a figure-of-8 course. The candidate should paddle a prescribed figure-of-8 course using a combination of forward strokes and sweeps to demonstrate a basic level of steering control.
7 Return to bank and disembark. Correct approach to the bank, relative to wind, current and type of bank or shore. Control must be maintained whilst exiting the boat. Exit without damaging the canoe or the bank.
PRACTICAL ‘B’
1 Trim. The paddler(s) should trim the canoe correctly for forward paddling.
2 Standing exercises. Each paddler stands in turn, with their feet in the bilges of the boat and experiments propelling the canoe whether by paddling or with a pole. The other paddler remains seated but may provide support.
Demonstrate satisfactory beginnings in:
1 Moving sideways. Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be in evidence. Blade to be well immersed. Recovery of the blade through the air or sliced in the water is acceptable. Clear evidence of sideways movement should be in evidence but some bow or stern swing is acceptable. Tandem paddlers may both paddle on the same side for the purposes of this exercise.
2 Ruddering. With forward movement of the canoe, the paddle should be inserted to one side of the boat. Blade should be almost covered, front arm relaxed across body, shaft parallel to side of boat. The canoe should be kept running in a straight line with the paddle remaining on the one side. (Stern paddler only, for tandem.)
3 Preventing a capsize. The canoe should be tilted sufficiently to be nearly off balance. Low recovery strokes should be demonstrated on both sides. For the purposes of this exercise, tandem paddlers may change sides so that they both paddle on the same side of the canoe.
Journeying
1 Provide evidence of one journey of about 1 hour (3km) duration