Open Canoe Expedition Training Week
14th-18th October 2024
One of the most appealing and enjoyable things about canoeing is packing up everything you need for a few days and heading out, fully self-sufficient and fully immersing yourself in nature. This could be for a micro-adventure on your local backwater or a multi-day wilderness trip here in the UK or even further afield.
If this is something that appeals to you but you don’t know where to start then we have designed this course to give you all the skills and confidence you need to start having your own adventures.
Run entirely from a basecamp we provide real-world learning and the ability for you to put all the skills into practice throughout the week.
- Planning that next big canoe adventure?
- Keen to become more self-sufficient in a wilderness environment?
- Eager to benefit from some of the finest canoe expedition coaching available in the UK?
- Keen to have fun and learn new stuff in a supportive and welcoming environment?
If you identify with any of these aspirations, then join Richard Moses and Adam Robson in October 2024 for a weeklong canoe expedition masterclass.
In this unique collaboration between Red River Guiding and Heart & Soul Adventures, a wealth of skill and knowledge will be shared with participants to enable you to operate with confidence and skill in your chosen canoe expedition environment.
Equipment & Packing
Canoes generally have a large carrying capacity and it is entirely feasible to take everything including the kitchen sink. The amount and type of equipment we take will depend on a number of factors so we’ll look at lightweight options as well as those that allow us a little more luxury.
During this module, we’ll also cover how to waterproof our equipment and safely and securely pack it in our boats according to the environment we are journeying through.
Open Water Journeying Skills Part One
Travelling on Lakes and Lochs is one of the true joys of canoeing, exploring islands, coves and beaches as well as enjoying the feeling of wide open space.
During this module we’ll look at a variety of strategies that allow us to travel efficiently according to conditions, sometimes harnessing the wind and sometimes avoiding it.
We’ll also look at navigation techniques both from a planning and on the water point of view
Campcraft, Food & Cooking
Tent, Tarp or Hammock? Rollmat or Thermarest? Ration packs or fresh food? Gas stove or campfire?
All of these are great questions and there is no right or wrong answer but we’ll explore all of these options and see which ones suit us, our skills, our equipment and the location and duration of our trip.
Staying Safe & Dealing with Mishaps
Sometimes things go wrong, if we can predict what they might be then we can plan to avoid them. However the unexpected may happen and we need to be prepared to deal with a sitution as it unfolds and prepare to extract ourselves.
This module will cover information gathering & recognising changing conditions, dealing with capsizes as well as First Aid & Incident management.
Open Water Journeying Skills Part Two
Expanding on Module Two as well as taking everything else from the week we’ll plan and undertake a journey according to the conditions. During this, we’ll expand more on different strategies looking at more complex solutions as well as efficient paddling techniques, practicing navigation and decision making.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask about anything that you want and for us to advise on further steps, consolidation and maybe even advise on your first expedition!
FAQ's
The course is being run by Adam Robson and Richard Moses. Both tutors have a wealth of experience in the canoe expedition field and hold comprehensive British Canoeing qualifications in the moderate and advanced water environments. You will benefit from advanced whitewater coaching, advanced open water coaching, a combined expedition experience of over 10,000 miles paddled, British Canoeing Accredited Guide scheme provision and a wealth of real-life experience honed over three decades of expedition travel across four continents.
The course is run out of our training venue in Dodgson Wood in the Lake District. This secluded campsite affords an excellent basecamp with direct access to some of the finest training waters in England.
You are free to bring whatever existing equipment you have or alternatively, you are very welcome to borrow a canoe and paddling equipment from us. You will need to provide your own tent and personal camping equipment – if you are unsure about what this comprises, let us know and we will be happy to offer help and guidance ahead of the course.
Food for the entire week is provided and we will work as an expedition team to prepare and cook meals together throughout the course.
Yes, just let us know in advance and we can ensure all needs are met.
Yes, successful participants can gain British Canoeing Awarding Body Guide Modules which can be used to progress towards qualification as Accredited Canoe Guide. A certificate of participation will also be issued.
Ready to Start?
Embark on a canoeing adventure! Join us for an Open Training Expedition Week and discover the thrill of packing up for days of self-sufficient exploration in nature.