Canoe Expedition Skills Courses

Wilderness Paddling: Expedition Planning, Equipping, and Provisioning

This day-long course is designed to help the student plan and prepare for an extended wilderness canoe trip. The course is described in detail here.

Touring

An introduction to paddling in moving water. Details Here.

Introduction to Class II Whitewater Paddling (in Canoe)

Our famous Class II Whitewater School which teaches class II whitewater paddling.

Poling

Canoe Poling is an ancient technique of moving a boat on a body of water.  It is older than paddling.  Modern poling has evolved with the development of special poles and stable boats.  There are even races and contests in technique.

Poling is considered by many as an essential skill for wilderness expedition canoe trips.

This course will introduce you to poling and provide you with the basic skills to pole a canoe on moving water.

This course is includes land based demonstrations and then a trip down an easy class I to class II river.  In the past, we have taught this course on the class I - II section of the White River from Rochester to Bethel, VT.  The River selected will depend on water levels at the time of the course.

Topics covered in the course are:
- Overview of styles of poling for different purposes and conditions,
- Types of Poles,
- Equipment and Canoe Types,
- Stance in the Canoe and Balance,
- Poling "Strokes",
- Checking Downstream Speed,
- Techniques,
- Coordination with a bow paddler,
- Considerations for Tripping and Expeditions, and
- Attainment (going up river),

Basic Whitewater Rescue

This course on safety and rescue is described here.

Canoe Sailing

Although there are competitive canoe sailing races, this course will focus on the use of sails for a canoe trip or expedition.

The course will cover basic sailing headings and wind direction, a brief overview of sailing theory and physics, sailing terminology, examples of different types of canoe sailing rigs, rudder and tiller rigs and substitutions, gaff, boom, mast, and lee board configurations.  We will discuss how to avoid capsizing and demonstrate recovery if warm enough.  There are special considerations for expedition canoe sailing.

The course will include a demonstration and practice sailing on a quiet lake or pond.

Attaining: The Art of Going Upstream

This course covers how to paddle upstream with the minimum of effort using efficient strokes and the features of the river.

Topics will include river reading, ferries, upstream V's, eddy hopping, and balancing the canoe.  The day will include on river practice on a short section of river.

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

These courses are taught professionally by other organizations.  The NH AMC Paddlers offers these courses to its leaders, potential leaders, and membership.

Watch the trip schedule and weekly email notices for the exact dates and registration details.

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