PADDLING 2010                                 

INTERMEDIATE PADDLING SKILLS

OPEN CANOE, KAYAK & SEA KAYAKING

Details

Introduction                                                                                                                                            Snowgoose Mountain Centre provides a wide range of spring, summer and autumn paddling holidays & courses in kayak or canoe. Our sessions, day tours, courses and expeditions are only led by local, friendly, professionally qualified and experienced instructors & guides.

 We cater from absolute beginners wanting a leisurely half or full day introduction to the sport to those requiring an in depth refresher before taking a qualification assessment. Kayaking courses & holidays are based on the mainly short steep rivers of the west coast – the River Lochy, Roy, Spean, Loy, Gloy, Oich, Arkaig, Garry, Etive and the Orchy to the south. Further east the Spey, Findhorn and Tay can be accessed. Open Canoe sessions & courses ideally take place on the more sheltered open inland Loch Lochy, Oich Arkaig, Garry, Sheil, Etive and the 70 mile long Caledonian Canal. These are also excellent locations to learn the skills of open canoe journeying – often with an over night wild camping stop. For those with a little more experience we regularly venture further a field to the tidal waters of Loch Moidart – round into the Rough Bounds into Arisaig. Our sea kayaking often starts off on the sheltered tidal head waters of Loch Linnhe, often crossing the water to Ardgour or heading down to Corran Narrows and maybe Glencoe. Loch Sheil. Loch Ailort, the Sound of Arisaig and south to Port Appin are all excellent opportunities for day paddles within easy reach – as well as over night expeditions similar to those by open canoe – the 70 mile long Caledonian Canal being one of the favourites.

 If your group of friends, college, university or club has some specific needs we are more than happy to custom tailor make courses to your requirements.  

WHAT WILL I NEED. Snowgoose Mountain Centre has a fleet of stable, and not so stable user-friendly kayaks & open canoes you can try out. We will supply all technical equipment and canoeing clothing.  However, if you already have your own, then do bring it.  We advise you not to rush out and buy kit for the course, but use it as a chance to find out what would best suit your needs. Beg, borrow or …..  from friends and family until you know that this is the sport for you. The following list is a suggestion of what you should bring with you.     

Kit List Warm outdoor wear (all times of the year) thermals, fleece, sweaters, and tracksuit.Hat and gloves ~Old training shoes~Water bottle~Vacuum flask~Waterproof jacket ~Waterproof trousers~  Swimming costume/ trunks~Towel~Plastic container for Butties~Sun hat~Sun glasses & sun block . If you have them already then please bring:- Wet suit (for kayaking)~Buoyancy aid~Dry bags~Helmet~ Wetsuit booties / wet feet or socks.These all help for convenience but are not necessary.

BEGINNER PADDLING SKILLS SESSIONS
Kayak, Sea Kayak & Open Canoe
½ day, 1 or 2 days  

From £30 per half day to £50 per day. £ 90 for 2 days beginner instruction including all gear except wet suits

 Max Ratio 1:8                                                                                                                                                  These Novice Courses is aimed at folk who have never been canoeing before, or who have just sat in a kayak or canoe. This will give clients an opportunity to assess if this is the outdoor sport for them.
Previous experience required. You may have little previous experience or non but some reasonable level of fitness will enable you to progress more rapidly and enjoyably.  The ability to swim and some water confidence are advisable but not essential.                                                                                                                                             Course Itinerary: There will be a thorough introduction the basics of handling a kayak, sea kayak or open canoe including paddle strokes, boat trim & balance, gear selection and use. Basic water safety with confidence buildingactivities built into the programme. The course will cover in detail:-

•  Basic Kayak/Open Canadian paddling skills to BCU 1* or 2* level including basic paddling strokes, capsize drill, deep water rescues & safety procedures, moving water techniques, introduction to trip planning, navigation & weather.
• Discussions and evaluation of kayak / open canoe design, clothing and equipment;
• Basic paddling experience leading into a short journey depending on the length of the course

Objectives & Opportunity: - This is a safe enjoyable introduction to paddlesports – you should be able to go paddling with others on safe sheltered water in reasonable conditions. By the end of the course there will be the opportunity to be assessed for a suitable Rainbow Award, BCU 1*or 2** Award for Kayak / Open Canadian – new BCU syllabus.

Minimum Age 12 (from 8 years upwards with family group unless other wise agreed)
Course Dates:- Inland Kayak Beginner & Open Canoe Beginner
All times by Prior Arrangement for Groups of 3 or more. Also please see our dates & prices schedule.

IMPROVER PADDLING SKILLS SESSIONS                                                             
Kayak, Sea Kayak & Open Canoe                                                                                                                  1 or 2, 3 days   

Ratio 1:8                                                                                                                                                      The Improvers Course is aimed at folk who have done a little paddling both recently and years ago. This will give the opportunity to build on previous paddling experiences and experience                                                               Previous experience required: Once you’re confident about your basic paddling and safety skills on sheltered water you can go on and expand your horizons on this popular course. A reasonable level of fitness is advised along with the ability to swim and water confidence. The ability to enjoy full days in an outdoor environment is an advantage.
Course Itinerary will provide a solid background of Kayak/Open Canadian skills training to give students a sound technical platform on which to build future seasonal canoeing; provide technical input for future personal progression and improvement. The course will cover in detail:-

• A very thorough grounding and revision of flat water Kayak/Open Canadian paddling skills to BCU 2-3*  Level along with a further progression of personal skills. You will be introduced to the basics of paddling on easy moving water, and sea kayaking and open canoeing.
• Water safety and confidence building.
•  Specific attention will be given to improving forward and backward paddling, turning, ruddering and draw stroke techniques. You will also be introduced to support strokes and deep water rescues.  
•  Basic rolling techniques  can be introduced for those of you that would like to have a go. You will be takeout onto some moving water where time will be spent practising the skills you were introduced to earlier.
• Time will be spent on setting up and tuning performance equipment.
• Paddling as a member of a group, the practice & effective use of basic rescue skills and safety procedures;
• Use, design and function of a variety of Kayaks/Open Canadian canoes.
•  Planning, packing, preparing and undertaking a short Kayak / Open canoe journey on sea, loch or river;
•  Access and conservation;
• An introduction to poling, lining, tracking & sailing in open canoes. - if you doing the open canoe option.
• Introduction to tidal predictions

Objectives & Opportunity – Your boat handling techniques will be developed for use in exciting new locations. We’ll also develop your rescue skills. We will visit a wide variety of coastal, loch and river locations on this course, and you’ll be on the way soon to becoming a confident and proficient paddler.By the end of the course there will be the opportunity to be assessed for suitable Rainbow Award, BCU 2 and 3* Award.  

 Minimum Age:- 12 yrs (from 10 years upwards with school or family group unless otherwise agreed)
Inland Kayak Improver & Open Canoe Improver Course Dates
At all times by Prior Arrangement for Groups of 3 or more. Also please see our dates & prices schedule.

INTERMEDIATE PADDLING SKILLS
Inland Kayak, Sea Kayak & Open Canoe       

 3 days & 5 days  

Ratio 1:6                                                                                                                                                           Intermediate Inland kayak courses are aimed at folk who have already done some kayak paddling before and have mastered the basics - maybe some time ago, and who wish to progress their existing basic skills. We will concentrate on the more advanced skills with the emphasis on improving specific skills, performance and your techniques.
Previous experience required: Some previous experience necessary, ideally you should be at least BCU 2* level and be in the process of consolidating your skills. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required and some previous experience of paddling journeys on lochs, canals or simple rivers.                                                                                                                                                            Course Itinerary. The course to intermediate level will provide: -

• Consolidation of the efficient technical paddling skills needed for this level of kayaking to the level of the syllabus of BCU 3* or 4* Inland Kayak Award;
• Ensure that paddlers have sufficient personal experience and technical expertise to paddle a predetermined route on flat water competently and undertake a simple day journey as part of group.
• Consolidation of moving water skills in both kayak / open canoes on a full day river or loch trip. (Grade 1)
•  Introduction to white water skills. (Grade 1-2). We will look at river features, breaking in and out of the current, ferry gliding, reading the water, communication afloat, equipment, and safety matters including the use throw bags. 
• Ensure that paddlers can use safety procedures and rescue techniques effectively in an open water situation; use of  tow lines; the ability to deal with simple first aid incidents; awareness and the ability to  recognise and deal with immersion hypothermia; lifting and carrying techniques.         
• Introduction to the progression of rolling. 
•  A 5-day course includes an over night camp or bothie expedition or longer day tour with a further progression of skills including navigation & route finding.        
• Involvement in journeys planning, leadership & decision making – access, weather forecasting, shuttling.          

Objectives & Opportunity: - There will be the opportunity to be assessed for a suitable Rainbow Award, BCU 3* & 4*Awards.  Minimum Age 14yrs (from 12 years upward with family group unless otherwise agreed).                       

COURSE DATES - INTERMEDIATE PADDLING SKILLS COURSES Kayak. At all times by Prior Arrangement for Groups of 3 or more. Also please see our dates & prices schedule.

Intermediate Open Canoe skills courses are aimed at folk who have already done some open canoe paddling before and have mastered the basics - maybe some time ago, and who wish to progress their existing basic  skills. We will concentrate on the more advanced skills with the emphasis on improving specific skills, performance and your own techniques.
Previous experience required: Some previous experience necessary, ideally you should be at least 2* level and be  in the process of consolidating your skills. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required and some previous experience of paddling journeys on lochs, canals or simple rivers.                                                                                                                                                      Course Itinerary. The course to intermediate level will provide: -

•  Consolidation of the technical skills needed for this level of kayaking to the level of the syllabus of  BCU 3*  or 4* Open Canoe Award with the practical application of strokes and techniques for moving water and exposed open water in variable conditions.
• Ensure that paddlers have sufficient personal experience and technical expertise to paddle a pre - determined route  on flat water competently and undertake a simple day journey as part of group.
•  Consolidation of moving water skills in both open canoes on a full day river or loch trip (Grade 2).
• Introduction to white water skills. (Grade 1-2). We will look at river features, breaking in and out of the  current, ferry gliding, reading the water, communication afloat, equipment, and safety matters.            
• Ensure that paddlers can use safety procedures and deep water rescue techniques effectively in an  open water  environment; be able to deal with simple first aid incidents; be able to undertake towing systems.              
• An opportunity to practice the use of throw lines, lining & tracking, poling & snubbing, portaging.
• On the 5-day course an over night camp or bothie expedition or longer day tour is included with a further       progression of skills.   
• Involvement in journeys planning, leadership & decision making.     

Objectives & Opportunity: - There will be the opportunity to be assessed for a suitable Rainbow Award, BCU 3* &  4*Awards. Minimum Age 14 yrs (from 12 years upward with family group unless otherwise agreed).                    

COURSE DATES - INTERMEDIATE PADDLING SKILLS COURSES ~ Open Canoe  At all times by Prior Arrangement for Groups of 3 or more. Also please see our dates & prices schedule.

The Intermediate Sea Kayak courses are aimed at folk who have already done some sea kayaking paddling and have mastered the basics - maybe some time ago, and who wish to develop and progress their existing basic skills. We will concentrate on the more advanced skills with the emphasis on improving specific skills, performance and your techniques.
Previous experience required: Some previous experience necessary, ideally you should be at least 2-3* level and be in the process of consolidating your skills. A reasonable level of personal fitness is required and some previous experience of paddling journeys on tidal waters in reasonable conditions.

Course Itinerary. The course to intermediate level will provide: -

•  Consolidation of the efficient technical paddling skills needed for this level of kayaking to the level of the syllabus of the BCU 3* or 4* Sea Kayak Award;
• Ensure that paddlers have sufficient personal experience and technical expertise to paddle a  predetermined route on flat water competently and undertake a simple tidal day journey as part of group.
• Consolidation of sea kayaking skills in both kayak / open canoes on a full day inshore tidal / sea trip
•  Introduction to more advanced sea kayaking skills. We will look at tidal streams, tidal predictions, weather     predictions, rescues, breaking in and out of the current / tidal flow, ferry gliding, reading the water, communication afloat,  equipment, and safety matters.   
• Ensure that paddlers can use safety procedures and rescue techniques effectively in an open water situation;use of tow lines; the ability to deal with simple first aid incidents; awareness and the ability to recognise and deal with immersion hypothermia; lifting and carrying techniques.      
•  Introduction to the progression of rolling.   
•  A 5-day course may includes an over night camp or bothie expedition or longer day tour with a further progression of skills including navigation & route finding.                                            
• Involvement in journeys planning, leadership & decision making – access, weather forecasting, shuttling.                   

Objectives & Opportunity: - There will be the opportunity to be assessed for a suitable Rainbow Award, BCU 3* & 4*Awards. Minimum Age 14 yrs.                        

COURSE DATES - INTERMEDIATE PADDLING SKILLS COURSES ~ Sea Kayak At all times by Prior Arrangement for Groups of 3 or more. Also please see our dates & prices schedule.