Age: 13 years and over
Swimming test: All students must be able to pass a swimming test wherein they will be required to enter deep water and float, tread water or swim unaided for three minutes.
Attendance: Participants are expected to attend all classes. If there is an unavoidable absence, the instructors must be notified in advance. It is very difficult to pass the course if more than one class is missed. We can help you make up one absence with the exception of the second class.
Classes are on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings - limit of 14 people per class
| Session I | Fridays – March 7, 14, 28, April 4, 11, 18, | Time – 7:00-10:00 pm each Fri. |
|---|---|---|
| Session II | Saturday – March 8,15, 29 April 5,12,19 | Time - 8 – 11:00 am each Sat. |
River Trip: An all day trip sometime in April or May. Subject to weather and water levels.
Instructors: Judy Boyce, Jack Love, Jim Meade, Joan Miller, Gil Payne, John Tarnowski,
Assistants: Phyllis Friesz, Lynda Payne, Tom Tarnowski
Fees: $45.00 per person or $78.00 per couple. (All instructors are VOLUNTEERS and receive no compensation. Fee covers pool rental and instructional supplies.)
Equipment: All equipment (canoes, paddles PFDs, rescue ropes, etc.) furnished courtesy of Great Falls Park and Recreation Department and the instructors.
What to Wear: Clean T-shirt and shorts or swimsuit. If you wear glasses, bring a safety strap for them. If you wear contacts, please let us know. You may need to remove them before certain types of pool work. No footwear is allowed in the pool area except freshly cleaned running shoes, tennis shoes or Teva’s that are reserved for that purpose or aqua socks. You may go barefoot if you wish.
What to bring: One bath towel. Lockers available with locking system for a charge of $.25. If you own a PFD (lifejacket) please bring it; if not, one will be furnished.
Tandem canoeing skills.
How to properly carry, launch and board a canoe.
Correct terminology for all the parts of canoes, paddles and related equipment.
All basic strokes and how to execute them properly & efficiently. (forward stroke, back stroke, draw, pry, cross draw, forward sweep, reverse sweep, J-stroke, Duffek, high & low braces, diagonal draw, compound backstroke and more)
Proper techniques for rescue of yourself or of others including canoe-over-canoe rescue, Capistrano flip, re-entering a canoe in the water, how to float through rough water, how to use rescue ropes and more.
Introduction to solo canoeing will be available.
Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia.
Complete information on types of PFD's (life jackets) and how to select the proper size and style.
How to: tie the best knots and hitches for securing your craft to a vehicle. Dress properly for canoeing. Store and care for your equipment.
The best books, magazines, and videos for more information on canoeing.
The purpose, types and availability of maps for canoeing.
Students have an opportunity to try various types of canoes, paddles, PFD's, rescue ropes and other equipment. Several different makes of canoes and different materials will be shown.
We arrange a river trip at the end of the course to give you an opportunity to tie together all your new skills and knowledge. This also serves as an introduction to river canoeing.
Class open to all levels from complete beginners to those with experience.
All instructors have been certified by the American Canoe Association.
For additional information call 727-2762
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