Before paddles were created, canoes were propelled and manoeuvred by poling, and the art of poling is still alive today. Poling is a remarkably versatile way to canoe on lakes, river and even whitewater. Standing in the canoe gives you dexterity and an excellent view, plus it adds to your comfort if you want to change positions. The long wooden pole gives the canoeist opportunity to manoeuvre the canoe with strokes off the bottom of the waterway or on the surface when needed, similar to using a paddle. Poling is an ideal way to explore shallow waterways and to move a canoe upstream on shallow rivers. BC is lucky to have a number of canoe poling instructors in various regions of the province.
RCABC CANOE POLING CERTIFICATIONS:
RCABC LAKEWATER POLING
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Canoe poling on lakes is an enjoyable art, which adds a new dimension to canoeing. A basic understanding of canoeing with a paddle is beneficial before starting poling. The next step is to begin poling on a lake and learn the wide variety of strokes and manoeuvres that the pole enables. Lake water canoe poling has attracted:
- Canoeists that have nearby shallow lakes and marshes to explore that are difficult to paddle
- Canoeists that are looking for new challenges and appreciate the history of poling
- Canoeists wanting to work towards poling on moving water
- Canoeists that enjoy the benefits of standing and the physical dexterity and fitness of poling
- Clubs, instructors or enthusiasts that want to keep the art of poling alive
PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Level 2 (Basic Solo) or equivalent
DURATION – 10 hours
CONTENT
Outline for RCABC Lakewater Poling: Poling - Basic & Moving Water
The content of the RCABC Lakewater Poling course assumes the student already has basic canoeing skills, safety and theory with a paddle. The content is therefore mostly practical skills and practice as the techniques of poling require balance and agility. Here are some examples of the content:
- Walk From One End of Canoe to Other
- Walk Backwards with Pole
- Standing Jump Forward
- Strokes: Kayak Stroke, Windmill, Snubbing, etc
- Manoeuvres: Straight course, surface drag turns, push turns, bow pry turns
RCABC MOVING WATER POLING
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Moving water (river) canoe poling is an excellent way to explore rivers, poling either upstream or downstream. If you're an explorer and enjoy canoeing, moving water poling is a natural way to expand your canoeing ability. Moving water canoe poling has attracted:
- Canoeists that have nearby shallow rivers to explore that have no road access and must be poled upstream
- Experienced canoeists that are looking for new challenges and appreciate the history of poling
- Canoeists that enjoy the benefits of standing and the physical dexterity and fitness of poling
- Clubs, instructors or enthusiasts that want to keep the art of poling alive
- RCABC Instructors that are wishing to become a master instructor and need a third Instructor certificate
PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Canoe Poling & RCABC Solo Movingwater (Level 2) or equivalent
DURATION – 10 hours
CONTENT
Outline for RCABC Movingwater Poling: Poling - Basic & Moving Water
The content of the RCABC Movingwater Poling course assumes the student is familiar with the river environment and can safely solo canoe with a paddle. This is achieved through the Movingwater Level 2 prerequisite. Based on that foundation, this is an overview of the poling course content which is taught in up to Grade 2 moving water:
- Review of river safety, gear, clothing, extra flotation, and other topics from RCABC Movingwater Level 1&2.
- Poling strokes such as surface poling, windmill, snubbing, quick jab, etc.
- Downstream manoeuvres such as eddy turns, ferries, drag, draw and push turns, holding, etc.
- Upstream manoeuvres such as shifts, forward ferries, holding, turns, etc.
RCABC CANOE POLING INSTRUCTOR
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
The RCABC Canoe Poling Instructor course requires extensive experience and a commitment to canoe poling. It focuses on the ability to teach RCABC Lakewater and Movingwater Canoe Poling courses, therefore a thorough understanding of the material with solid poling skills and leadership are required. This instructor certification could be for:
- Individuals wanting to develop their canoe poling skills to a high level for personal interest
- Canoe enthusiasts wanting to keep the art of poling alive
- RCABC instructors needing a 3rd instructor certificate to become master instructors
PREREQUISITES (Equivalencies considered)
- RCABC Lakewater Instructor
- RCABC Moving Water Level I & II Certificate
- Levels III & IV Canoe Poling Certificate, or the equivalent
DURATION – 40 hours
CONTENT
For a complete outline of the RCABC Canoe Poling Instructor course content, become an RCABC member to gain access to the Instructor Manual, or contact the RCABC executive. Content includes evaluation of the candidate's ability to instruct all of the topics in RCABC Lakewater and Movingwater Canoe Poling courses.
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