PE 1508–Flatwater Canoeing

Instructor: Tom Beery

Fall 2007, 1 credit

MW: 8-11:30 AM, Sept 10- October 29

Office hours:TBA

235

726-7333

The movement of a canoe is like a reed in the wind. Silence is part of it, and the sounds of lapping water, bird songs, and wind in the trees. It is part of the medium through which it floats, the sky, the water, the shores.(Sig Olson, (1956)., The Singing Wilderness. p 77)

GOAL

The goal of this course is to teach you the basics of flatwater canoeing skills; these skills include canoe carries, canoe safety, stroke development and canoe opportunities in our region.

Physical skill development is a key element in outdoor education leadership.

OBJECTIVES

  • To understand and to know essential canoe safety practices.
  • To be able to properly lift a canoe
  • To be able to identify canoe/paddle parts (terminology).
  • To develop & demonstrate paddling strokes necessary for proficient flatwater and moving water conditions.
  • To be able to properly load a canoe for wilderness canoe travel.
  • To be able to identify flatwater canoe opportunities in our region.
  • To be outside and to practice these new skills.

EXPECTATIONS

This is an active class requiring a positive attitude and a willingness to participate. Attendance is mandatory. Because this course is condensed, missing even one class is equivalent to missing an entire week of material. Be on time for class and be prepared for the weather conditions (layered clothing, raingear, proper footwear, snacks and water). Do your readings prior to and in correspondence with the weekly class subjects.

Please note, while field experiences are an essential component to the outdoor education we must acknowledge the inherent risk of field program participation. Leaving campus presents risk management concerns including transportation and field site based dangers. In order to avoid problems and strengthen our risk management awareness, it is each student’s responsibility to behave in a manner that promotes personal and group safety while in the field. Any questions, concerns, specific medical information, etc. should be directed to the instructor as a part of a shared effort to ensure a safe and optimal learning environment.

Text

McGuffin, Gary & Joanie. (1999) Paddle your own canoe. Ontario: Boston Mills Press.

Suggested reading:

Mason, Bill (1984). The path of the paddle 2nd edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Stroke review short movie clips are available on the website for dry land review of stoke development topics.

The UMDAquaticCenter is located on Park Point, take MN Ave to 15th St. turn right off of 15th and look for the brown building on the water’s edge to your right.

SCHEDULE—please note, the specific order of topics may change to accommodate weather conditions, water quality concerns, etc.

Sept 10:SpHC 9 at 8 AM: Introduction; Course overview; Hypothermia; Clothing;

Group One: MEET AT POOL - ready to swim at 9:45 am: Canoe terminology; safety, swim test, self rescue, canoe stability; canoe rescues.

Readings after class: pages 8-17, 19, 41, 110-113 in text

Website: Canoe charts, canoe rescue diagrams, Princeton Outdoor Action Hypothermia Guide

Sept 14:MEET AT POOL - ready to swim at 9:45 am

Group Two: MEET AT POOL - ready to swim at 9:45 am: Canoe terminology; safety, swim test, self rescue, canoe stability; canoe rescues.

Sept 17:MEET AT THE HARBORAQUATICCENTER—READY TO GO AT 8 am

Lifts (1 & 2 person); Class safety, Canoe teamwork; Strokes—forward, draw, sweep

Readings prior to class: pages 24-32, 38-39, 44-63, 65-67 in text

Website: Bill Mason stroke review

Sept. 24:Strokes—pry, J, C, reverse stokes; Loading a canoe for wilderness travel; BWCA Canoe navigation; canoe design.

Readings prior to class: pages 70-77, 100-109

Website: Bill Mason stroke review,

Bill Mason canoe guide, All About Canoes—canoe types

Oct. 1:Strokes—duffek, cross strokes (cross draw & cross duffek), sculling draw

Readings prior to class: 78-99

Video review assignment presented

Website: Bill Mason stroke review

Oct. 8:Solo paddling workshop (8-10 am & 10-12 am)

Oct. 15: TBA

Readings: pages 114-131 in text

Video review assignment due

Oct. 22:Paddle tour/skills review w/Teach Canoe class

Oct. 29: Final Written Exam & Practical Exam

GRADING

Participation = 80 pointsA = 92%

Video review= 40 points B = 82%

Practical exam = 100 pointsC = 72%

Written exam = 100 points

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

It is essential for your learning and enjoyment of this course that you come to class prepared for the weather. We will be going outside regardless of the conditions. Therefore, you must be properly dressed. Please anticipate traffic (both automobile and boat) in getting to the AquaticCenter. It is imperative that you are timely in being ready to begin class at 8 am!

A man is part of his canoe and therefore part of all it knows. The instant he dips a paddle, he flows as it flows, the canoe yielding to his slightest touch, responsive to his every whim and thought. The paddle is an extension of his arm, as his arm is part of his body. ...there, too, is a sense of harmony and oneness with the earth. But to the canoeman there is nothing that compares with the joy he knows when a paddle is in his hand.(Sig Olson, (1956)., The Singing Wilderness. pp. 77-78)