Field Leader Course (Paddling)

Prerequisites: You must be 16 years of age or older to take this course. You must have completed a recognized, relevant paddling skills certification and/or an industry standard in-house training program, which at minimum has certified that you can: control the kind of paddle-craft you will be using for your event, perform an efficient capsize recovery of participants, and perform an efficient self-rescue of your own paddle-craft. Participants should also have a love of the outdoors and a passion to share that enthusiasm with others.

Certification: Those 18 years and older, who successfully complete the course, are designated as having an ‘OCC Field Leader Paddling’ certification. Minors are designated as having an ‘OCC Apprentice Field Leader Paddling’ certification. (The word Apprentice is automatically dropped on the day the graduate reaches the age of majority.) 

Pre-Course Preparation: Participants are required to read the FL Paddling Manual and answer the quizzes at the end of each chapter. Once you have registered you will be sent an email containing a link to the manual and quizzes.

Course Duration: 8 hours 

Course Format: The course is usually split between in-class learning (65%) and field exercises (35%). The learning format will be primarily guided experiential learning. 

Course Content: Topics covered include: the role/responsibilities of an outdoor leader, leadership styles, how to create an activity plan using the OCC’s Event Cycle, identifying hazards and mitigation strategies, group management, situational awareness, emergency response and post trip debriefing and facilitation.

Cancellation Policy: There will be no cancellation fee for COVID-19 related cancellation or postponement. Otherwise, there is a $25 administration fee to cancel up to 7 days prior to the start of the course. No refund available after 7 days prior. However, if registration numbers are too low we reserve the right to cancel the course two weeks before the course start. In such an event you will be refunded the entire course fee. 

For More Information:  kananaskisoutdoorleadercert@gmail.com