The ORCKA Canadian Style 1 (CS1) course offered by MHO Adventures introduces paddlers to the refined techniques and traditions of Canadian Style canoeing. Held in Huntsville, Ontario, this comprehensive program emphasizes balance, precision, and harmony with the canoe, helping you develop a deeper connection with one of Canada's most iconic outdoor pursuits. Whether you're looking to advance your paddling credentials or simply deepen your on-water skills, CS1 provides a structured, certification-backed pathway to do so.

The course is divided into two distinct modules. CS1a covers Tandem Canadian Style, where you'll paddle in sync with a partner while mastering advanced tandem maneuvers — this module also serves as a prerequisite for ORCKA Canoe Tripping 3. CS1b focuses on Solo Canadian Style, teaching you to handle a canoe independently with poise and efficiency. Together, these two modules form the complete Canadian Style 1 certification, running across two separate days (May 25 and June 1, 2026), each from 9am to 4pm.

The curriculum is thorough and covers safety skills including swimming and self-rescue, retrieving a swamped canoe, canoe-over-canoe rescue, and line toss rescue. Theory components explore canoeing heritage and traditions, canoe design and construction, canoe dynamics, first aid, and available canoeing resources. On-water skills include pivots and sideward displacement, circles and straight-line travel (forward and reverse), controlled stopping and landings, navigation of a triangular course in wind conditions, a slalom course, and portaging techniques.

The course fee of $200 CAD + HST per module includes your instructor(s) and ORCKA certification, all necessary safety gear, and canoes. Please note that transportation to and from Huntsville, ON, personal gear, and lunch and snacks are not included. An optional lunch add-on is available for $25. This course is ideal for intermediate paddlers seeking formal certification and a solid grounding in the artful traditions of Canadian canoe culture.