Canoe basic course on the river "Thur" (Switzerland)

[kahel]

Last weekend I had a basic canoeing course. I traveled all the way from home to Switzerland to spend a weekend learning the basics of canoeing.

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With a group of 6 people including two ACA instructors, it was a very intensive weekend.
The first day we practiced the basic paddle strokes on a lake, anchoring the boat and the basic maneuvers.

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After a little theory, we went out on the water and practiced ...

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first explain and show ...

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then do it

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The trainer also had to try out my "Wilma" to see how she reacted to the various maneuvers.

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It was all very interesting!

 

[kahel]

On the second day, we put this into practice on the river "Thur" , which flows by the campsite.

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In addition to the "rope ferry" maneuvers (crossing the river), we practiced entering and exiting Eddis all day long. That was quite strenuous for me with the Wilma, but the course participants with their small play boats didn't have quite as much effort as I did with the OldTown touring canoe.

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On the third day, we all paddled the river together as a tour, everyone had free rein to experience the river morphology. And that in the truest sense of the word.

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But always under the watchful eye of the coaches, who - if necessary - intervened lovingly but firmly when things weren't going quite so well.

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Further down the river there were some sections of class 1 - 2 white water with slightly blocked sections. Boulders and bridge pillars, standing waves and lots of eddies. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of these sections.
I'm super happy that I took such a course - I learned a lot how to use "Wilma" and it was simply wonderful for me in this group.
So I can say that I get on well with my own equipment and with "Wilma"

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Best regards
Michael

 

[kahel]

 

[jdeerfoot]

Well run weekend training can be very helpful. It was through the River Touring Section of the Wisconsin Sierra Club that I got my initial whitewater/river running training in the early 1980’s. Sadly, I understand the Wisconsin Sierra Club no longer includes the River Touring Section. They offered weekend trips throughout the state during the paddling season for many years.

 

[stevet]

Education is fun! I enjoyed both taking and teaching classes. In life you can learn something every day…if you are paying attention. Looks like a really fun weekend.

 

[Jmharrick]

I’m glad to see you felt the training was worthwhile. My wife and I are taking a Class I-II River Touring course next weekend with NOC in North Carolina. We are really looking forward to it.

 

[kahel]

@Jmharrick

Yes, if this is only half as good for you as mine was ... then you can both look forward to it now.
It's simply brilliant to have a trainer who tells you exactly what to do and shows you how to do it. Without stress and without pressure.
As he will always be at your side, it will be easy for you to do this course with a lot of joy and great leaps in success.
much joy for you on your course.

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Best regards
Michael