Pool Paddling
Cornell Outdoor Education
Phillips Outdoor Program Center
B01 Bartels Hall, Campus Road
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-6183
Program Coordinator:
Sarah Myers sfm52@cornell.edu (607)255-3802
Class Schedule: refer to https://coe.cornell.edu/physical-education-courses
Class Description: Learn the fundamentals of kayaking in the controlled environment of the pool. This class will give you a
solid progression of skills that will be easily transferable to an open water or river experience. Learn and practice a wide range of
skills in whitewater kayaks including fundamental paddling strokes, bracing, rolling and boat handling skills like edging and
carving. Paddling games, a slalom gate course, and focused exercises will provide a fun and interactive group learning experience.
Pre-requisite: Students must be comfortable recreational swimmers in order to take this class.
Attendance Policy
COE requires that students attend the first class meeting because of the critical logistics, policy, liability, and safety information
that will be covered. If you do not show up for the first class you lose your right to retain your spot on the roster, and we may
enroll another student in your place. In this event you will still be held responsible for full tuition fees, and may receive
unsatisfactory grading. If you are on the waiting list, you will only have a chance of being added to the class if you show up to
the first class meeting and a student on the roster is not present.
We expect all students to be on time and ready to participate at the start of class. Students may only miss one class to earn a
satisfactory grade for PE credit. This course is Free for credit students in need of PE credit. Tuition is waived upon successful
completion of course.
NOTE: this class time may conflict with prelims. Please check your exam schedule before enrolling.
Cell Phone use is not permitted during class.
Please take time to review additional Cornell Outdoor Education Course Policies.
Things to Bring to the First Class
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Swim suit & towel
Synthetic shirt (optional, but will keep you a bit warmer)
Water bottle & snack
Strap for glasses or goggles to protect contacts
Completed Medical Form
Pool Paddling Curriculum
GOALS:
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Students should have fun and develop an appreciation for paddling
Students should gain an understanding of basic kayaking skills as identified in the core curriculum
Excitement for further pursuit of various forms of paddling
CURRICULUM NOTE: We recognize that topics covered may be somewhat dependent on students’ interests and abilities. This
is an introductory course and topics covered may include the following:
 SAFETY AND RESCUE
___ Emergency procedures
___ Rescue priorities (people, boats, gear)
___ Introduction to obstacles and hazards on the water: rocks, cold water, strainers, bridges abutments, low head dams, lightning,
wind, waves, weather, boat traffic, etc.
 EQUIPMENT (Introduction to the function, sizing, and proper use of the following)
___ Kayaks/Canoes, Paddles, Spray Skirts, Helmets, PFD’s
___ Personal items: proper clothing (dressing for a swim), protective footwear, whistle, noseplugs, etc.
 PADDLING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
___ Boat carries
___ Wet exits & emptying a kayak
___ Paddler’s Box
___ Types of strokes: power/correction
___ Body position: torso rotation & face your work
___ Forward/reverse sweep
___ Stern/bow draw & rudder pry
___ Stationary/sculling draw
___ T-rescue
___ Kayak roll
___ Paddling in straight line (forward & back)
___ Stopping
___ Spins
___ J-lean / boat tilt / edging
___ High/low brace
___ Carving circle (inside/outside/figure-8)
 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
___ COE’s mission “Teamwork, leadership, and growth through outdoor experience”
___ Experiential learning, comfort zone, and challenge by choice models
___ Full value contract & expedition behavior