Canoeing
Environmental Education Lesson
Edwards YMCA Camp and Conference Center
Summary
Students experience a safe and enjoyable venture into the world of canoeing. The students will get to know the parts of the canoe, strokes and canoe handling skills. When students are confident in this they will take out a canoe and explore a part of Lake Beulah.
Usage
Grade levels: 4-12 April - October (Water Temp must be above 50 Degrees).
Camp Edwards reserves the right to cancel the class if weather conditions prove dangerous (Strong wind or Lightning)
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson students will:
Have a better understanding of safety on the water.
Be able to identify and explain the parts of the canoe.
Be able to demonstrate proper handling of canoes.
Have learned basic paddle strokes.
Have learned proper care of equipment.
Materials
Canoes (2-3 people per canoe)
Duffer seats (Square Cushions) for third person
Paddles
PFD (Personal Floatation Device)
Introduction
Centuries ago, the canoe was an important means of transportation for Native Americans as well as European explorers and traders. Today, canoeing is a popular form of recreation.
Warm-up Activities
Safety Talk
After gathering by the boathouse, conduct a review of safety rules as they relate to using canoes. There is a sign posted on the boathouse.
- No standing in the canoes. Keep weight low and evenly distributed when moving in the canoe. Move down the middle of the craft.
- Do not sit on thwarts or ends of the canoe. Sit on the seats or in the middle of the canoe.
- Two or three people to a canoe - NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Lifejackets must be worn at all times by ALL participants. Make sure the lifejacket is the correct size and is fastened correctly before entering the canoe. To ensure a proper fit have them put it on and fasten it tight so they can put two fingers in between body and strap and barely be able to turn them when buckled. For a final check by the instructor - pull up on the vest at the shoulder to make sure it does not go above the ears. It is important to have a good fit, so the PFD works properly.
- Lifejackets are to be properly returned to the shed (sorted by size and hung up) when you are finished.
- No splash fights or crashing into other canoes.
- Stay in your canoe at all times.
- Do not lean too far to either side.
- Always stay within sight and sound of Camp Edwards.
- IF A HORN SOUNDS - RETURN TO CAMP IMMEDIATELY!
Parts of a Canoe
Using one of the canoes show students the different parts.
- BOW - the front of the canoe. (The seat where there is leg room).
- STERN - the back of the canoe. The person at the stern steers.
- GUNWALE - the edges of a canoe.
- THWART - support bars running across the canoe. They bend very easily and are not meant to be sat upon.
- KEEL - bottom seam. Used to keep the canoe straight in the water. Do not drag or drop the keel on the ground.
Paddles
Before passing out paddles show the students the different parts and remind them not to put the tip on the ground because it wears it out faster, instead put the handle down.
* PROPER SELECTION - To find the correct sized paddle, put the tip of the blade on foot and the grip should come up between your nose and chin.
* PARTS OF THE PADDLE
- GRIP - Top hand goes over the grip.
- SHAFT - The long part of the paddle.
- BLADE - Goes into the water and propels canoe.
- POWER FACE - Flat part of the blade.
- TIP - Touches only air and water. NEVER put tip on the ground because it wears it away.
Strokes
Have students spread out on land so they have room to practice strokes where they are not going to hit anyone and so the instructor can see how they are doing. (For smaller groups it works well to do a half circle.)
- FORWARD (POWER) STROKE - To move the canoe the paddlers place the paddle in the water in front of them and pull back. With this motion the paddle will move in parallel motion to the canoe. This helps you to go straight.
- BACK STROKE - Similar to the forward stroke, but paddlers place the paddle in the water in back of them and push forward. The blade can be used as a rudder to slow the canoe down or to stop. This stroke can also be used to go in reverse.
- "J" STROKE - Start the paddle at the middle of the canoe, pull back, and continue to make a "J" in the water with your paddle. A steering stroke used by the person at the stern.
- "C" Stroke - Place paddle in front of you and "sweep" back and around you making a C in the water. This assists in turning.
Turning Options
- Stern paddler use "J" or "C" stroke while the paddler in the bow does a forward stroke.
- Both paddle on same side of canoe.
- One paddler does a forward stroke and the other does a backstroke.
Activities
Paddling
Set boundaries (ex. not past swimming area on the right, marsh on the left, shoreline to the far edge of marsh). Send the students out to practice the strokes. Keep them close to shore until they are able to show that they can paddle and steer. The sternsman steers. If the wind is very strong and the students are inexperienced, remain in the boat bay area to practice.
After students get comfortable in paddling and steering have them look for flora and fauna in paddling area, such as lilies and lily pads (DO NOT PICK!!! - It is Illegal), frogs, snails, muskrat mounds and geese nests, and different birds such as great blue herons.
If there is a problem, like a boat gets to far away or a canoe tips, report the incident to the office right away so an Edwards staff can go out with the rescue boat.
Wrap-Up
Allow enough time to review the main points of the lesson and clean-up. The clean up procedure is as follows:
- Put canoes on the rack properly as they are numbered (bow towards courts).
- Do not drop or drag the canoes.
- Put paddles in the shed according to size coloring. Be careful, as they tend to fall easily.
- Life jackets should be fastened and put on the properly labeled pegs.
- Look around the canoe area for towels, socks, etc that may have been left by campers or staff. CLEAN AS YOU GO!
Pre-Activities
Before coming to camp go over the parts of the canoe and paddle so when they get to camp it will be a review before they go canoeing.
Post Activities
· Research on how Native Americans and Voyagers used canoes in their lifestyle.
· Write a story or poem on what they saw or other things they experienced while they were canoeing.
Resources
Solomon, Mark B. (1994) Paddle to Perfection!. Boston: Aquatics Unlimited.
Solomon, Mark B. (1994) <
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