Introduction to Canoe Poling

Submitted by couttsstephen on Mon, 06/29/2020 - 20:01

Educational Workshops

This is a Paddle Canada introduction to solo canoe poling certification course only for members of the Wilderness Canoe Association ( https://www.paddlecanada.com/canoe-poling/ ). The cost to you will be only $5 (Yes, "five dollars), which is the administration fee to Paddle Canada. (If could be as much as $8 if there is low registration.)
... So, finally the opportunity to stand up in a canoe and learn to navigate shallows, still waters and currents... in both directions! In spite of the slightly "scary" idea of negotiating a watercourse with a twelve foot pole, this was a standard skill for canoeists until the last fifty years or so. It just got lost, but the value remains. It can be taught to novices and is actually easier and more intuitive than paddling. It will open up local opportunities when water levels drop in the summer or allow you to travel creeks or upstream with relative ease. For a look see, here is my YouTube Channel: "Canoepoler". https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHq9zG2HFxeA6EAD6e1jz3Q
Please note: We won't be doing "most" of what you may see on these demo videos. :)

The Basics

Event Location:

Guelph, Ontario

Date(s) & Time:

Sunday, July 12, 2020 - 09:00

Registration Cut Off:

07/11/2020

Event Duration:

Full day. Hopefully done by 16:30... but be prepare to go over.

Difficulty Rating:

Intermediate

Participant Info

Who's Invited:

Anyone of reasonable canoeing fitness and ability, who is willing to trying something new. Experience in river travel is an asset, but not necessary.

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

There will be a little bit of canoe theory and history of poling, but for the most part you will be in your boats practicing and hopefully going for a little trip... up the river.
We will be in a public park in the City of Guelph with a washroom open (though only one, but there are some bushes).
... poles will be provided.

Required Items to Bring:

A stable, standard 16 foot (or longer) tripping canoe. No keel. Not a white water boat. Something like a Prospector. Not a tippy boat. It will be in very shallow water, so you must be happy to let it get rubbed on the bottom. Royalex is ideal, but it doesn't matter (pfd, 25m floating rope, whistle, bailer) a shallow water paddle (again... nothing nice, not a long, sleek otter tail), a helmet ( I don't know anyone who has fallen and hit their head, but it puts one at ease... a bike helmet is fine), folding chair, lunch, lots to drink. sunscreen, sun hat, what you would take on a day paddle. Scrappy shoes for walking in shallow water.