Paddle Canada - Introduction to Tandem Lake Canoe Course

Date: Sunday June 22, 2025
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Camp Westover (Westover Lake, Alberta) 

Who: Adult Guiders and Rangers

Cost: $80.00 plus GST

Registration Opens: April 8th, 2025 @ 10:00am Mountain

Registration Deadline: June 7th, 2025 @ 11:55pm Mountain

The Introduction to Lake Canoeing course is designed for Guiders and Rangers who want to learn the basics of canoeing or practice their paddling skills. Beginner-level tandem paddlers will learn how to paddle with a partner in calm sheltered waters; be introduced to basic paddling strokes and land and water rescues techniques. At the end of the course participants will have the confidence and basic skills to venture out on short, near-shore paddling adventures.

The course includes 6-8 hours of instruction, plus travel time in and out of Camp Westover. This course is often a required minimum level for GGC canoe out-trips. This course or equivalent skills are required before taking the Tandem Lake Canoe Intermediate course which will allow you to take girls out on sheltered, near-shore canoe trips.

Learn how canoes have been a part of Indigenous people's history long before Canada became a nation.
Give recognition to their traditional ways before settlers came to this land. 
A whole day to learn and practice paddle strokes and maneuvers! 
Learn to identify when to get off the water - a critical skill with weather changes.
Learn some basic knots and their uses. These are life skills that can be used in everyday applications, not just in canoeing. 
Learn canoe and paddle care to decrease incidence of avoidable emergencies. Perfect your canoe carries and transportation options. 
A course overview can be found at the Paddle Canada website.

Additional Information : 

- Caregivers will be required to sign the Paddle Canada waiver on behalf of the youth registered. Forms will be sent to participants after registration closes.

- Transportation is not included - participants will be responsible for getting themselves to and from Westover Lake.

- Camp Westover is a walk-in, Wilderness Site. The dock is about 1.5 KM hike over rough terrain with a short hill. 

- Dress for the weather with good rain gear. There is no shelter from the elements other than what we bring. We will come off the water in the event of thunderstorms. 

- Please bring your own lunch, snacks and water.

- All canoe safety equipment is provided, including PFDs up to size XL, but you may bring your own PFD and/or paddle if you prefer. 

-All participants are required to have a Swim test or PFD check for boating listed in iMIS.