The ORCA canoeing program consists of several skill levels beginning with canoeing fundamentals (Flatwater) and progressing to the highest skill level (Level 2) and Instructor status (Flatwater Instructor or Level 2 Instructor).A novice canoeist would begin canoeing instruction at the Flatwater level. This program can be taught as a single unit, separated into tandem and solo awards or broken into four segments. This flexibility allows instructors to tailor their program to many situations, from summer camps to canoe clubs to private lessons.
When the Flatwater skills have been mastered, the canoeist could choose to follow one or all of the three disciplines of instruction: Lakewater, Moving Water, and Canoe Tripping. There are three levels in each discipline. Level 1 is devoted to introducing the skills of that particular canoeing discipline; this level can also be divided into two solo and tandem components for flexible programming. Level 2 in each of the three disciplines represents the highest canoeing skills level in the ORCA canoeing program.
The Flatwater Instructor level qualifies candidates to teach the beginner or Flatwater program. Level 2 Instructors in any discipline can teach Flatwater and also level 1 and 2 of that discipline. In order to enter the Level 2 Instructor program, the candidate must have level 2 of that discipline and must also be a current Flatwater Instructor.