Paddle Canada Canoeing Program consists of a number of skill levels, beginning with canoeing fundamentals (Flatwater Level) and progressing to the highest canoeing skills level (Level 2) and Instructor status.
A novice canoeist would begin instruction at the Flatwater Level, more specifically Flatwater A, concentrating on canoeing fundamentals. When the Flatwater Level skills have been mastered, the canoeist could choose to follow one or all of the five disciplines of instruction: Lakewater, Moving Water, Canoe Tripping, Canoe Poling, and Coastal Canoeing.
There are two skill levels in each discipline. Level 1 is devoted to introducing the skills of that particular canoeing discipline; this level is divided into smaller components for ease of mastery and program flexibility. Level 2 in each of the five disciplines represents the highest canoeing skills level in PC Canoeing Program.
Instructor Levels are inserted after each Level 1 and Level 2 courses in all the five disciplines and after the Flatwater Level. These courses emphasize teaching, leadership, and course administration, in addition to all of the skills within the preceding levels.
Instructor Trainer Status is inserted after the Instructor 2 Level within each discipline. This level emphasizes the teaching and evaluation of instructor candidates and administration of instructor courses. The highest level of Instructor is the Master Instructor where one has attained Instructor Trainer status in three of the five disciplines of which one is Moving Water Instructor Trainer.
A canoeist may progress through PC Canoeing Program from the Flatwater Level to Instructor 2 or may enter into the Program at the Level which is appropriate to his/her skills and experience.