CRCA - ORCA Course Descriptions
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Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 | Canoe Tripping Instructor 2 | Canoe Tripping Instructor Trainer | Canoe Tripping Level 1 | Canoe Tripping Level 2

Flatwater A | Flatwater B | Flatwater C | Flatwater D | Flatwater Instructor

Lakewater Instructor 1 | Lakewater Instructor Trainer | Lakewater Level 1 | Lakewater Level 2

Moving Water Instructor 1 | Moving Water Instructor 2 | Moving Water Instructor Trainer | Moving Water Level 1 | Moving Water Level 2

Canoe Tripping Instructor 1

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Canoe Tripping Instructor Course is to provide a standard national certification of competence for canoe tripping leaders.

MANDATE OF CANOE TRIPPING INSTRUCTOR 1

Upon successful completion of the Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 Course, the Instructor may:

1. Certify the Flatwater Level and Canoe Tripping Level 1 Programs and courses in Canada, in accordance with ORCA policies and standards and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
2. Instruct at a Flatwater Instructor Course and Canoe Tripping Instructor 1, by invitation of the Course Director.

The Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 is expected to promote the development of Canoe Tripping as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.  The Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 is qualified to instruct the Canoe Tripping Level 1 on water that is less than Class I.

PreRequisites: 1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Current ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association membership.
3. ORCA Flatwater Instructor, equivalent experience, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
4. ORCA Canoe Tripping Level 1, equivalent experience, or comparable skills and experience (with permission of the Course Director).
5. It is strongly recommended that all Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 Instructors have, in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualifications in swimming, First Aid and CPR.
6. Trip Log: must have pre-trip planning experience or two trips minimum length of five days each, plus other shorter trips within a five year period.

Canoe Tripping Instructor 2

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Canoe Tripping Instructor 2 Course is to provide a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of ORCA Canoe Tripping Programs and Courses. 

MANDATE OF CANOE TRIPPING INSTRUCTOR 2
Upon successful completion of the Canoe Tripping Instructor 2 Course, the Instructor may:
1. Certify  Flatwater Level, Canoe Tripping Level 1, and Canoe Tripping Level 2 Programs and Courses in Canada, in accordance with ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
2. Direct and/or instruct a Flatwater Instructor Course, with the approval of the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association and provincial/territorial association (this does not include the testing of the paddling component of the Flatwater Instructor Course).
3. Instruct at a Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 Course or a Canoe Tripping Instructor 2 Course, by invitation of the Course Director.
4. Direct and examine a Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 or 2 Course, subsequent to instructing at a previous Canoe Tripping Instructor Course at that level and with the approval of the ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association.
A Canoe Tripping Instructor is expected to promote the development of the ORCA Canoe Tripping Program, and to promote the development of Canoe Tripping as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.

PreRequisites: 1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Current ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association membership.
3. ORCA Lakewater Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
4. ORCA Moving Water Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
5. ORCA Canoe Tripping Level 2, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with permission of Course Director).
6. ORCA Flatwater Instructor, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
7. ORCA Coastal Canoeing Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with permission of Course Director). *If certifying Tripping Level and Instructor Courses which include a coastal component.
8. It is strongly recommended that all Canoe Tripping Instructor 2 Instructors have, in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualification in Swimming, First Aid and CPR.
9. Minimum of five (5) years of canoe tripping activities. 
a) Log of canoe tripping leadership or shared leadership for a minimum of 30 nights and 750 km or less as mandated by the provincial/territorial affiliate association.
b) Log of canoe tripping experience to include one or two canoe trips in isolated wilderness areas totalling at least 15 days and covering at least 300 km or less as mandated by the provincial/territorial affiliate association.

Canoe Tripping Instructor Trainer

OVERVIEW: 

PreRequisites: The following criteria must be met before application may be made for Canoe Tripping Instructor Trainer status.
1. The applicant must be a member of ORCA and the provincial/territorial affiliate association and an active canoeist.
2. The applicant must hold ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification in the discipline of Canoe Tripping.
3. Application may only be made a minimum of two years after receiving that ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification in Canoe Tripping.
4. The applicant must have instructed full time on a least two ORCA accredited Canoe Tripping Instructor Courses and at the level of application.  (For example, applicant must have taught two full Instructor Level 1 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 1 candidates.  Applicants must have taught 2 full Instructor Level 2 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 2 candidates).
5. At the time of application, the applicant must be an active participant in the instruction of the ORCA Canoeing Program or in its administration.
6. The applicant must attend a one-day Instructor Trainer clinic.

Canoe Tripping Level 1

OVERVIEW: 
Canoe Tripping Level 1
Canoe Tripping Level 1 provides an introduction to canoe tripping for those with little or no tripping experience.  Emphasis is on wilderness canoe camping skills and safety.

OVERVIEW OF LEVEL 1

SAFETY
Swimming and treading water
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Self rescue
Line toss and rescue
Communications

THEORY
Canoeing heritage
Canoe design and construction
Trip planning
Canoe tripping gear
Clothing and personal effects
Tools and repair kits
Canoeing first aid
Weather interpretation
Environmental practices and concerns

SKILLS
Canoeing
Food and menu planning
Packing
Navigation
Campsites and shelters
Fires and stoves
Knots and lashings
Portaging
Canoe trip

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director). 

Canoe Tripping Level 2

OVERVIEW: 
Canoe Tripping Level 2 provides the experienced canoe tripper with the opportunity to improve his/her canoe tripping skills under more challenging conditions.  Canoe Tripping Level 1 skills are reviewed and expanded upon; new skills and theory are introduced to enhance the leadership ability and potential of the candidate.  The Course involves a canoe trip, stressing organization, safety, leadership, and risk and crisis management.

OVERVIEW OF LEVEL 2

SAFETY
Review of previous safety items
Swimming and treading water
Artificial respiration using a canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Self rescue
Line toss and rescue
Communications

THEORY
Review of previous theory items
Canoeing history
Canoe design and construction
Canoe repair and maintenance
Wilderness first aid
Weather interpretation
Trip planning, reporting, and assessment
Trip leadership
Risk management
Crisis management

SKILLS
Review of previous skill items
Canoeing
Food and menu planning
Navigation
Knots, hitches, lashings, and ropes
Portaging
Lining, tracking, and wading
Canoe trip

PreRequisites: ORCA Canoe Tripping Level 1, Lakewater Level 1A, Moving Water Level 1A, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
At least 25 nights of wilderness tripping experience; wilderness canoe tripping distances totaling 500 km or less as mandated by the provincial/territorial affiliate association.  At least 6 canoe trips in which the candidate was responsible for some of the organization.  At least one wilderness canoe trip of 5 days or more.

Flatwater A

OVERVIEW:
This level is a very basic, experience oriented introduction to canoeing.  The candidate who demonstrates safe behavior and is comfortable paddling in a canoe should be successful.

Safety

Swimming
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue

Theory

Equipment selection
Equipment knowledge
Equipment care
Safe canoeing procedures

Skills (Tandem) 

Launching and removing canoe
Entering and exiting canoe
Paddling positions
Balancing
Pivots
Sideward displacement
Forward straight line
Stopping
Landing
Lifts and carries

PreRequisites: There are no canoeing prerequisites for Flatwater Level A.

Flatwater B

OVERVIEW: 
This is also a very basic, experience oriented introduction to canoeing.

Safety

Swimming and treading water
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue

Theory

Equipment knowledge
Outdoor precautions
Safe canoeing procedures
Government regulations

Skills (Tandem)

Trimming
Changing positions
Inside and outside turns
Inside and outside circles
Inside and outside landings
Reverse straight line
Lifts and carries

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level A

Flatwater C

OVERVIEW: 
This level builds on the skills introduced in Flatwater A and B by refining the techniques and performing the maneuvers with more precision. 

Safety

Swimming and treading water
Canoe over canoe rescue
Reentering canoe

Theory

Outdoor precautions
Windy weather precautions
Environmental awareness

Skills (Tandem)

Pivots
Sideward displacement
Forward straight line
Inside and outside circles
Inside and outside landings
Reverse straight line
Lifts and carries
Transporting canoe on vehicle
Canoe tour

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level B

Flatwater D

OVERVIEW: 
This level introduces the canoeist to solo paddling.

Safety

Swimming and treading water
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Reentering canoe
Review of safety items (Flatwater A, B, & C)

Theory

Canoeing history
Review of theory items (Flatwater A, B, & C)

Skills (Solo)

Launching and removing canoe
Entering and exiting canoe
Paddling positions and trimming
Sideward displacement
Forward straight line
Inside and outside turns
Inside and outside circles
Stopping
Inside and outside landings
Reverse straight line
Lifts and carries

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level C

Flatwater Instructor

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Flatwater Instructor Course is to provide a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of the ORCA Flatwater Level Courses.  The Flatwater Instructor is the prerequisite for all other instructor levels.

Upon successful completion of the Flatwater Instructor course, the Instructor may:
 

  • Certify Flatwater Level Programs and Courses in Canada, in accordance with ORCA and Provincial/Territorial Affiliate Association policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
  • Instruct at a Flatwater Instructor course, by invitation of the Course Director.

A Flatwater Instructor is expected to promote the development of the ORCA Flatwater Program and to promote the development of Flatwater paddling as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.

PreRequisites:

  • At least 16 years of age at the time of the Flatwater Instructor Course.
  • Current ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association memberships.
  • ORCA Flatwater Level, or ORCA Flatwater Tandem and Flatwater Solo, or ORCA Flatwater A, B, C, and D; equivalent certification; or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
  • It is strongly recommended that all Flatwater Instructors have in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualification in swimming, First Aid, and CPR.

Lakewater Instructor 1

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Lakewater Instructor 1 Course is to provide a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of the ORCA Lakewater Programs and Courses.

Upon successful completion of the Lakewater Instructor 1 Course, the Instructor may:

  • Certify Flatwater Level and Lakewater Level 1, in accordance with ORCA policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
  • Instruct at a Flatwater Instructor Course and a Lakewater Instructor 1 Course, by invitation of the Course Director.

A Lakewater Instructor is expected to promote the development of the ORCA Lakewater Program, and to promote the development of Lakewater paddling as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.

PreRequisites:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Current ORCA and a provincial/territorial affiliate association membership.
  • ORCA Lakewater Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
  • ORCA Flatwater Instructor, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
  • It is strongly recommended that all Lakewater Instructor 1 Instructors have, in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualification in Swimming, First Aid, and CPR.

Lakewater Instructor Trainer

OVERVIEW: 
This level represents the highest level in the Lakewater Disclipline.

Safety
Candidates must demonstrate all safety procedures as outlined in Flatwater Level, Lakewater Level 1, and Lakewater Level 2 if requested by the Course Director.  Candidates must also identify potential hazards in a variety of canoeing situations and state appropriate preventive safety procedures.

Skills
Lakewater Instructor 2 candidates must consistently show demonstration quality skills outlined in Flatwater Level, Lakewater Level 1, and Lakewater Level 2.   As such, a skills demonstration by the candidate will be required. Candidates must demonstrate at least 2 items from each category of Lakewater Level 2 advanced skills.  Other advanced and novelty skills may be introduced for purposes of enrichment as time and resources allow.

Teaching/Evaluation
Candidates will demonstrate a knowledge of the following topics and areas, especially as applied to the teaching of psychomotor skills in general and recreational lakewater canoeing specifically.

  • How one learns.
  • Conditions of learning.
  • Skill, knowledge, and attitude areas of learning.
  • Goals and objectives.
  • Teaching strategies.
  • Lesson planning and organization.
  • Class management.
  • Group dynamics.
  • Evaluation techniques.
  • Instructor behaviour and attitudes.
  • How to plan and organize a Lakewater Level 2 Course.
  • Games theory.

Canoeing Theory and Information
The candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the following areas, especially as they relate to lakewater canoeing and its instruction and programming.

  • Canoe design - principles and terminology.
  • Materials and forms of canoe construction.
  • Design and construction of paddles and accessories.
  • Equipment care and maintenance.
  • Equipment repair, stressing a "first aid" approach, i.e. the candidate should be able to make minor and temporary repairs to equipment, and should recognize those damages which require professional repair.
  • Canoe history, with general reference to the technical aspects and cultural contexts of canoes and canoeing throughout history and around the world, with special reference to the history of canoeing in Canada and the factors influencing the development of lakewater canoeing today.
  • Mechanics - the candidate shall be able to analyse any given lakewater manoeuvre in terms of elementary laws of physics and biomechanics.
  • Environmental ethics.

Programming and Program Development
The candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the following topics as they relate to the initiation, management, and operation of a recreational Lakewater Program in Canada.

  • ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association policies, programs, accreditation, and recertification as outlined in this manual.
  • Organization and management of Courses: Flatwater, Lakewater Level 1, Lakewater Level 2, and Flatwater Instructor Level.
  • Other germane institutions and programmes (federal, associations, clubs, etc.).
  • Overview of resources (publications, manufacturers, retailers, repair persons, etc.) available in Canada.
  • Legal and liability issues affecting the Instructor.
  • Safety procedures, hazard recognition, waterfront regulations, and safety equipment.
  • Equipment choice, teaching sites and areas, and scheduling.
  • Development of appropriate teaching progression.
  • Knowledge of canoeing activities, games, and events.
  • Staffing and staff management.

PreRequisites: The following criteria must be met before application may be made for Instructor Trainer status:

  • The applicant must be a member of ORCA and the provincial/territorial affiliate association and an active canoeist.
  • The applicant must hold ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification in the discipline of Lakewater.
  • Application may only be made a minimum of two years after receiving that ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification, in Lakewater.
  • The applicant must have instructed full time on at least two ORCA accredited Lakewater Instructor Courses and at the level of application.  (For example, applicant must have taught two full Instructor Level 1 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 1 candidates.  Applicants must have taught two full Instructor Level 2 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 2 candidates.
  • At the time of the application, the applicant must be an active participant in the instruction of the ORCA Canoeing Program or in its administration.
  • The applicant must attend a one-day Instructor Trainer clinic.

Lakewater Level 1

OVERVIEW: 
Lakewater Level 1 is designed to perfect tandem paddling skills and continue the development of solo paddling skills.

Safety

Swimming and treading water
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Self rescue
Line toss and rescue

Theory

Canoeing heritage
Canoe design and construction
Canoeing dynamics
Canoeing first aid
Canoeing resources

Skills (Tandem)

Pivots
Sideward displacement
Circles
Reverse and forward straight lines
Landings
Triangular course in wind
Slalom course
Portaging

Skills (Solo)

  • All of the above items, except triangular course in wind and slalom course

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level, equivalent experience, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).

Lakewater Level 2

OVERVIEW: 
Lakewater Level 2 represents the highest paddling skill level within the Lakewater discipline.  The emphasis is on solo paddling with a high degree of precision and control.  Candidates should enter this level with a fair degree of canoeing skill and some solo paddling experience.

Safety

Review of previous safety items
Swimming and treading water
Artificial respiration using a canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Self rescue
Reaching assist and throw line
Triangular course in wind

Theory

Review of previous theory items
Canoeing history
Canoe design and construction
Canoe repair and maintenance

Skills (Solo)

Review of previous skill items
Pivots
Circles
Reverse and forward straight lines
Sideward displacement
Variations on core skills
Advanced manoeuvres and routines
Slalom course
Paddling in groups
Portaging

PreRequisites: ORCA Lakewater Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).

Moving Water Instructor 1

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Moving Water Instructor 1 Course is to provide a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of Moving Water Programs and Courses.

Upon successful completion of the Moving Water Instructor 1 Course, the Instructor may:

  • Certify the Flatwater Levels and Moving Water Level 1 Programs and Courses in Canada, in accordance with ORCA policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
  • Instruct at a Flatwater Instructor Course, with approval from the ORCA (this does not include the testing of the paddling component of the Flatwater Instructor Course).
  • Instruct at a Moving Water Instructor 1 Course by invitation of the Course Director.

A Moving Water Instructor 1 is expected to promote the development of the ORCA Moving Water Program, and to promote the development of Moving Water paddling as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.

PreRequisites:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Current ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association membership.
  • ORCA Flatwater Instructor, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
  • ORCA Moving Water Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
  • It is strongly recommended that all Moving Water Instructor 1 Instructors have, in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualifications in swimming, First Aid and CPR.

Moving Water Instructor 2

OVERVIEW: 
The purpose of the Moving Water Instructor 2 Course is to provide a national certification of competence in the instruction and administration of Moving Water Programs and Courses.

MANDATE OF MOVING WATER INSTRUCTOR 2 

Upon successful completion the Moving Water Instructor 2 Course, the Instructor may:
1. Certify the Flatwater Levels, Moving Water Level 1 and Moving Water Level 2 Programs and Courses in Canada, in accordance with ORCA policies and standards, and in compliance with all laws governing such activities.
2. Direct and/or instruct a Flatwater Instructor Course, with approval from the ORCA (this does not include the testing of the paddling component of the Flatwater Instructor Course).
3. Instruct at a Moving Water Instructor 1 or 2 Course by invitation of the Course Director.
4. Direct and examine a Moving Water Instructor 1 or 2 Course, subsequent to instructing at a previous Moving Water Instructor Course at that level and with approval of the ORCA and provincial/territorial affialiate association.

A Moving Water Instructor is expected to promote the development of the ORCA Moving Water Program, and to promote the development of Moving Water paddling as a separate discipline of recreational canoeing.

PreRequisites: 1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Current ORCA and provincial/territorial affiliate association membership.
3. ORCA Lakewater Level 1, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience is recommended, but not a compulsory requirement.
4. ORCA Moving Water Level 2, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
5. ORCA Flatwater Instructor, equivalent experience, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
6. ORCA Moving Water Instructor 1, equivalent experience, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).
It is strongly recommended that all Moving Water Instructor 2 Instructors have, in addition to their canoeing qualifications, some qualifications in swimming, First Aid and CPR.

Moving Water Instructor Trainer

OVERVIEW: 
GRANTING PROCESS

1. The written application must be made to the ORCA.  Documentation to verify fulfilling the prerequisites must be included with the application.  Applications will then be sent to the appropriate provincial/territorial affiliate association for their approval.
2. The awarding of ORCA Instructor Trainer status will be considered by the ORCA and appropriate provincial/territorial affiliate association.
The applicant will be notified in writing of his/her status of ORCA Moving Water Instructor Trainer by the provincial/territorial affiliate association within six weeks of application.
 

PreRequisites: The following criteria must be met before application may be made for Moving Water Instructor Trainer status.
1. The applicant must be a member of ORCA and the provincial/territorial affiliate association and an active canoeist.
2. The applicant must hold ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification in the discipline of Moving Water.
3. Application may only be made a minimum of two years after receiving that ORCA Level 2 Instructor's certification in Moving Water.
4. The applicant must have instructed full time on a least two ORCA accredited Moving Water Instructor Courses and at the level of application.  (For example, applicant must have taught two full Instructor Level 1 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 1 candidates.  Applicants must have taught two full Instructor Level 2 courses to be eligible to examine Instructor 2 candidates.
5. At the time of the application, the applicant must be an active participant in the instruction of the ORCA Canoeing Program or in its administration.
6. The applicant must attend a one-day Instructor Trainer clinic.

Moving Water Level 1

OVERVIEW: 
Moving Water Level 1 provides an introduction to whitewater paddling for those with little or no experience in whitewater.  Emphasis is on tandem and solo canoeing skills, understanding whitewater principles, and safety. 

Safety

Swimming a rapid
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe over canoe rescue
Self rescue
Line toss and rescue
Communications

Theory

Canoeing heritage
Canoe design and construction
Canoe outfitting
Moving water principles
River reading
Trip planning
Canoeing first aid
Canoeing resources

Skills (Tandem and Solo in Class I-II Water)

Entering and exiting canoe
Landing
Eddy turn
Peel out
S turn
Front ferry
Back ferry
Side slip
Front surf
Side surf (solo only)
Portaging
Lining, tracking, and wading

PreRequisites: ORCA Flatwater Level, equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).

Moving Water Level 2

OVERVIEW: 
Moving Water Level 2 represents the highest canoeing skill level within the Moving Water discipline and provides the candidate with the opportunity to improve his/her moving water skills under more challenging Class II - III water (rapids).  Canoeists taking this Course should have  considerable paddling experience beyond the Moving Water Level 1 Course. 

OVERVIEW OF LEVEL 2

SAFETY
Review of previous safety items
Swimming a rapid
Artificial respiration using a canoe
Retrieving a swamped canoe
Canoe rescues
Self rescue
Line toss and rescue
Communications

THEORY
Review of previous theory items
Canoeing history
Canoe design and construction
Canoe repair and maintenance
Paddler dynamics
River reading
River difficulty
Rescue organization

SKILLS (TANDEM AND SOLO IN CLASS II - III WATER)
Review of previous skill items
Eddy turn
Peel out
S turn
Front ferry
Back ferry
Jet ferry
Side slip
Front surf
Side surf
Portaging

PreRequisites: ORCA Moving Water Level 1 (tandem and solo), equivalent certification, or comparable skills and experience (with the permission of the Course Director).