Beginner

• Little or no previous experience canoeing or in other paddle sports
• Minimal backcountry camping skills

Intermediate

• Previous experience canoeing on flat water or well experienced in other paddle sports
•  Knowledgeable in the basic canoe strokes (forward power stroke, back stroke, j-stroke, pry, sweep and draw and cross bow draw)
• Backcountry experience of overnight camping in the wilderness of several nights.
• Moderate backcountry camping skills

Advanced

• Previous whitewater experience each season for at least the last two seasons and are able to paddle class II-III whitewater with instruction and support of a guide. Competently able to perform the basic canoe strokes without review i.e. forward power stroke, backstroke, J-stroke, pry, draw and cross bow draw
• Able to perform back-ferries, eddying in and out of the current and other technical moves
• Previous experience with basic river rescue i.e. using throw bags and safely swimming in moving water
• Can read moving water and navigate a canoe with a partner accurately.
• Previous experience in the backcountry consisting of expedition style trips in duration of more than 5 days
• Strong backcountry camping skills

 

Please Note:

If you have strong paddling skills from another discipline this may qualify you for a more challenging trip.  Many of the paddling skills are transferable and lead to quick skill acquisition.