PaddleALL

Program Components

1. Safety Orientation

   • Ensuring a safe and comfortable experience is our top priority. Participants receive a thorough safety orientation, including guidance on wearing life jackets, understanding water conditions, and emergency procedures.

2. Technical Instruction

   • Our experienced coaches provide step-by-step instruction tailored to each paddler’s needs, helping them develop skills in both recreational and sprint canoeing and kayaking.

3. Coaching & Mentorship

   • Every participant is supported by our passionate and dedicated coaches, who not only teach technique but also build confidence, encourage personal growth, and create an uplifting and inclusive atmosphere.

 

Program Expectations & Participant Support

• Parental/Caregiver Support: To ensure the best possible experience for all paddlers, participants are required to have a family member or caregiver present on-site. Our incredible club staff and volunteers have coaching training but may not have specific Educational Program Assistant (EPA) certifications, making caregiver support essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Behavioral Expectations: We are committed to maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for all. Any participant demonstrating violent or unsafe behavior will be unable to continue in the program, as safety and respect are our highest priorities.

• Mandatory Caregiver’s Meeting: Our community begins with connection and understanding. On the first night of practices, caregivers will meet with the Head Coach and a board representative to review program guidelines, expectations, and answer any questions. This ensures a supportive and informed start to the season.

• Expectations for Participants & Families: Abenaki is more than a club—it’s a family. We ask that caregivers remain actively engaged and available during practice sessions to support their paddler. Together, we create an inclusive and uplifting space where everyone feels valued and respected.

 

Additional Inclusion Considerations

• We encourage open communication about any accessibility accommodations that may be required.

• The more details you share with us about your paddler’s needs, the better we can tailor our approach to provide a supportive, adaptive, and positive experience for everyone.

 

Volunteer & Support Opportunities

• At Abenaki, we believe that every helping hand makes a difference. We invite caregivers, family members, and friends to be a part of this incredible program beyond simply attending practices.

• Interested in volunteering? Let us know! Whether assisting on the dock, helping with practice sessions, or lending a hand during special events, your involvement strengthens our Paddle-All community.

 

Weather & Cancellations Policy

• Paddling is all about adventure, and getting wet is part of the fun! Light rain won’t stop us from getting on the water, and practice will run as scheduled.

• If we experience extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, thunder, or lightning, participants will be notified of cancellations.

• Whenever possible, participants will be given the opportunity to reschedule for an alternate practice night.

• Updates will be communicated via email, social media, and text alerts.

 

Emergency Procedures & First Aid

• Safety is always our top priority. Our certified lifeguards and first aid responders are on-site during all sessions to ensure the well-being of all participants.

• In the event of a medical emergency, our team will follow established safety protocols and contact emergency responders as needed.

• To help us provide the best possible care, we ask that all relevant medical information be shared upon registration.

 

Code of Conduct for Racing Events

• Paddle-All will proudly be integrated into ADCKC regatta events this summer, and we are thrilled to see our athletes representing Abenaki on race day!

• Participants and families are encouraged to review race-day expectations and etiquette, which can be found on the ADCKC website.

• Abenaki remains steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all competitors feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated in every racing event.

 

Program Goals

• Inclusivity: Paddle-All embodies our club’s commitment to accessibility, welcoming paddlers of all abilities to experience the joy of being on the water.

• Skill Development: Through hands-on coaching and guided practice, we empower participants to build strong foundational paddling skills.

• Confidence Building: Our encouraging and adaptable approach ensures that every participant feels a sense of achievement and growth.

• Community & Joy: More than anything, we believe in fostering a love for paddling in a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

 

Special Events

• Paddle-All Racing Events: We are excited to integrate Paddle-All athletes into ADCKC regattas, where they will be cheered on by coaches and the entire Abenaki community. Clear race details will be shared as events approach.

• Paddle-All Jamboree: A highlight of the season! We welcome clubs from across the division to join us on our home lake for a celebratory day of paddling, karaoke, and inclusive activities. Every participant will be awarded a medal, and we take immense pride in this event’s powerful sense of community and joy.

 

End-of-Season Recognition

• Beyond the medals at the Paddle-All Jamboree, we honor every participant’s journey with additional recognition, certificates, and celebratory moments that reflect their dedication, progress, and love for the sport.

 

Schedule & Parental Involvement

• Practice Times: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.

• Attendance: Participants register for one evening per week.

• Parental/Caregiver Presence: We encourage families to not only stay on-site but to engage with and support their paddlers, fostering a strong sense of community.

Abenaki is honored to offer this treasured program, and we cannot wait to welcome new and returning paddlers to another season of Paddle-All. Whether you’re paddling for the first time or returning for another summer of fun, we are here to support and celebrate every step of your journey.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

 

Emily Parsons - Program Coordinator & Head Coach

abenakiheadcoach@gmail.com

 

Jen Mosher - Program Coordinator & Club Commodore

aaccommodore@gmail.com