Skill Levels

Beginner Paddlers

  • No previous canoe experience.

  • Beginners will start out in our large canoes or partner up with experienced members paddling in the bow of our two- or three-person canoes.

  • We would like to meet you and assess your skill level in person, no matter your previous experience, so please sign up for one of our all-level “Beginner” trips if you haven’t paddled with NBCB before. These trips, such as the bird-watching or skills and drills paddles, are fun for everyone and the best way to start out with us.

  • Beginners should look at the Intermediate Paddlers skills list to see what to practice or learn.

Intermediate Paddlers

Can prepare and control their canoe without help, including:

  • Choose proper paddle and PFD

  • Set up lights and launch canoes

  • Use paddle signals

  • Know standard safety protocols

  • J Stroke (stern a canoe)

  • Draws and sweeps

  • Synchronized tandem paddling, steering, and back paddling

  • Paddle (trim and ferry) in moderate wind, waves, and currents

  • Paddle at a moderate pace 2-4 hours

Advanced Paddlers

Have mastered the Intermediate Paddlers skills as well as the following:

  • Canoe rescue

  • Marine radio use

  • Current and tide tables

  • Weather knowledge (including lightning procedure, wind, CSO)

  • Basic nautical rules and local knowledge

  • Paddle (trim and ferry) in brisk wind, waves, and currents

  • Paddle at a solid pace for 3-5 hours (or more)

  • Beach or shoreline landing and launch

  • Understand how to prevent hypo- and hyperthermia