Paddle Canada Tandem Moving Water Canoe Skills
Schedule
Fri, 10 Apr, 2026 at 08:30 am to Sun, 12 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC-03:00Location
Stew's Corner Convenience & Gas (Medway River) | Bridgewater, NS
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Tandem Moving Water Canoe SkillsThis moving water canoe course is designed for paddlers seeking to develop strong foundational and applied skills for safe and confident river travel. Instruction progresses from flatwater skill refinement to applied moving water maneuvers, culminating in travel-based river days where judgment, line selection, and group management are emphasized.
The instructional approach is experiential and hands-on. Participants will spend the majority of the course actively paddling, practicing maneuvers, participating in rescues, scouting rapids, and engaging in facilitated discussions while on the river.
Throughout the course, decision-making and risk management will be discussed within the context of remote and wilderness paddling environments, where self-reliance, group communication, and conservative judgment are critical.
Course format:
3-Day Intensive
Course Dates:
April 10–12
Pricing:
Course fee per participant: $450
Course fee per participant (including drysuit): $600
Primary teaching area: Medway River, Near Greenfield, Nova Scotia
Secondary locations (Day 3): Nearby rivers selected based on conditions and learning objectives (ex. North Branch of the Lahave River)
River environments used in this course offer:
Class I–II sections ideal for skill development
Access to higher-difficulty features including Class III-IV (advanced features are optional and fully portageable)
Numerous eddies, bends, and current features suitable for progressive learning
Participant Outcomes & Certification:
Depending on participant experience and demonstrated performance, outcomes may include assessment toward Paddle Canada certification, specifically:
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Tandem Skills, and/or
Intermediate Moving Water Canoe Tandem Skills
Certification is not guaranteed and is contingent on meeting Paddle Canada standards for skills, safety awareness, and judgment.
Daily Structure
Days 1–2: Skill Development
Flatwater review of core strokes and paddling concepts
Building foundations for moving water maneuvers
Progressive application of skills in current
Day 3: River Travel & Decision-Making
Applying skills in a different river environment
Travel-based instruction with stops for coaching
Group scouting and discussion of run versus portage decisions
Emphasis on planning, judgment, communication, and risk management in wilderness contexts
Participant Expectations
This is an active course conducted in cold-water spring conditions. Participants should:
Be comfortable swimming in moving water while wearing a PFD
Expect immersion, wet conditions, and variable weather
Engage fully in hands-on learning and group discussion
Understand that portaging is always a valid and encouraged option
Skills & Content Covered:
Paddle & Boat Control
Forward, reverse, draw, and pry stroke refinement
Edging and boat angle control
Linking strokes for efficient maneuvering
Moving Water Maneuvers
Eddy turns - eddy entrances and exits
Front ferries and jet ferries
Back Ferries
Peel-outs and attainments
Introduction to surfing
River Reading, Safety & Communication
Identifying current tongues (downstream V), eddies, waves, and hazards
Reading water from shore and from the boat
Clear communication and group spacing
Scouting rapids and selecting conservative lines
Portaging techniques and group management
Rescue & Cold-Water Skills
Intentional cold-water immersion
Canoe recovery techniques
Swimmer management and assisted rescues
Safe positioning in current
Wilderness Decision-Making Context
Risk assessment and consequence management
Decision-making under uncertainty
Group dynamics and leadership in remote environments
Balancing objectives, conditions, and participant capacity
Required Equipment
Participants must supply:
Tandem canoe suitable for moving water (instructor approval required)
Paddle(s) and spare paddle
PFD appropriate for moving water
Helmet (I can provide one if you need one)
Throw bag
River footwear
Cold-water immersion protection
Dry suit is mandatory
Due to cold water and air in early April, and intentional immersion during rescue practice, wetsuits are not acceptable for this course. This policy is in place with both your safety and ensuring a quality learning experience in mind.
Instructional Team
Lead Instructor: Rob Neish
Assistant Instructor: TBD - depending on participant numbers
Instructor-to-participant ratios will support safe instruction, individualized coaching, and assessment.
Participants are responsible for there own meals, accommodations, and transportation.
Questions or to register:
Contact me @RobNeishPaddlingInstruction
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Where is it happening?
Stew's Corner Convenience & Gas (Medway River), Greenfield General Store, 5077 HWY-210, Queens, NS B0T 1E0, Canada, BridgewaterEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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