Canoe Guide I exam (Canadian canoe, kayak, SUP)

Exam content

Practice on WW II + III:

• Technique
• River tactics
• Rescue and recovery
• Group leadership

Theory:

• Rescue and recovery
• Group leadership
• Trip preparation
• Environment/legislation

Required equipment

Clothing:

• Wetsuit / drysuit
• Suitable canoe shoes

Technical equipment:

• SUP, kayak or Canadian canoe equipped for whitewater
• Buoyancy aid with rescue equipment (cowtail, leash); spray deck for kayak
• Helmet, protective equipment if needed
• Complete rescue equipment incl. first aid kit
• Complete paddling equipment
• Spare equipment

Miscellaneous:

• Course documents
• Writing materials
• Food

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 18
• Practical skills and theoretical knowledge with different watercraft (kayak and Canadian canoe)

Proof of experience (Compulsory: bring to the exam)

• Logbook or written confirmation from the company: 40 hrs or 80+ km on WW II-III
• At least 5 assistant trip leaderships

Supporting documents

• Certificate BLS-AED complete (max. 2 years old) and proof of First aid course (max. 2 years old) or Samaritan certificate (max. 2 years old)
• Proof of experience: see above
• Proof of accident insurance

The supporting documents listed are presented to the course leader at the start of the course. The course leader informs the office whether the documents are complete. SOA cards are only issued once all documents have been received.

Courses/exams are only considered passed once all documents have been submitted; certificates are issued only then. Missing documents (e.g. BLS/AED, first aid, logbooks) can be submitted up to 3 months after completing the course/exam – after that, any claim to certification of the training/exams/courses lapses. The same applies to any resits, which must also take place within 3 months of the exam date. For later certification, the training/exams/courses must be repeated in full. This rule applies from the 2024 course year onwards.