PADDLING PROGRAMS

This activity-based program is designed to engage our littlest members in socially driven play. This program offers organized activities for 30 minutes each day (Monday to Friday). Activities include but are not limited to games in the beach area, basketball court, beach valley-ball court or grassy areas within the property. Parachute, sand toys, water games, crafts and even rides in our recreational canoes are just a few things you can expect when participating. Water games may be offered in the shallow end of our swimming area, under the supervision of trained Lifeguards. Parents are required to stay on club property while their children attend this activity. We understand some children may be nervous, in which case a parent is permitted to stay with their child.

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A lifejacket is NOT required for this program.

We take FUN to the next level by introducing more games and experiences to an already wonderful program. Children will be introduced to the basics of kayaking and canoeing in a fun, light-hearted manner while learning the beginnings of proper technique and safety on the water. Through interactive play that includes group games, challenges, scavenger hunts, water games and much more, participants in this program can have a taste of everything our club has to offer. These small groups will have dedicated time on our basketball court, volleyball court and swim area.

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Our coaches are here to nurture these young athletes and provide them with a positive experience. We believe that these athletes are the future of our sport and it is important that they have a great first experience. This program is strictly recreational, and all skills levels are encouraged to participate. On days when rain/thunder/lightning are a factor, groups will not go out on the water. Instead, only dryland games will be offered. Safety is always our #1 priority.

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• One session daily Monday-Friday that is 1 hour 15 mins long.

• This will be offered throughout the day.

• 2 coaches for a maximum of 10 paddlers per group

This is a new group to Abenaki and the perfect place to develop and expand the skills learned in Active Kids. This group will be 1.5 hours and will cover a little bit of everything. Participants will start to learn balance in our racing boats and have the opportunity to try war canoe, as well as other crew boats. Coaches will also include fun dryland games and team building exercises. This group is the bridge between recreational paddling and competitive. We’ll even be holding some mini regatta/ racing opportunities on our very own lake!

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• One session daily Monday-Friday that is 1 hour 30 mins long.

• This will be offered throughout the day.

• 2 coaches for a maximum of 10 paddlers per group

Instruction at this level is centered around learning the fundamentals of the sport. Coaches will encourage participation in an array of different style kayaks & canoes. There is a fitness component of this program that includes short runs and swims (with supervision) as well as dryland circuits on club property. Practices are intended to be fun and help children develop the endurance needed to complete a race. Children will also learn proper stretching, warm up and cool down techniques in a fun, supportive & encouraging environment.

It is important that children come to practices prepared with lifejacket, running shoes, swimming attire, water bottles etc. A bun is also required for war canoe and may be needed for small boats practice if going out in a canoe.

If your child will be participating in Regattas, the club t-shirt will also be required for racing (t-shirts are included in the club fees). Children from this age group may be invited to fill crew boats at U12 regattas.

Instruction at this level continues to be centered around the fundamentals learned in U10 however no experience is necessary to join! Coaches will encourage participation in various kayaks & canoes, teaching balance techniques to those who are just beginning. There is a fitness component of this program that includes short runs and swims (with supervision) as well as dryland circuits on club property. Practices are intended to be fun and help children develop the endurance needed to complete a race. Previous experience is not required to participate. Children will also learn proper stretching, warm up and cool down techniques in a fun, supportive & encouraging environment.

It is important that children come to practices prepared with lifejacket, running shoes, swimming attire, water bottles etc. A bun is also required for war canoe and may be needed for small boats practice if going out in a canoe.

If your child will be participating in Regattas, the club singlet will also be required for racing (available for purchase at the canteen). Children from this age group may be invited to fill crew boats at U12 regattas.

Programming at this level includes more intense practice schedules and workouts are designed to prepare paddlers for higher competition levels. Training is aimed at developing aerobic fitness levels and prepares paddlers for longer races (1000 meters). C4, K4 & War Canoe will compete @ 500m distances. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to join. Our experienced coaches will help get athletes caught up and ready to go!

There is a dryland component of this program which can consist of running, swimming, circuits etc (children will run in groups for safety*Membership is not required to participate in this program.

It is important that paddlers come to practices prepared with lifejacket, running shoes, swimming attire, water bottles etc. A bun is also required for war canoe and may be needed for small boats practice if practicing in a canoe.

For those athletes wishing to compete at a higher level and who have a vested interest in dryland we also offer three additional 45 min dryland sessions/week. Paddlers are not required to participate however those who do will be running longer distances and should expect the practice to be very challenging. The Head Coach must approve participants in this group.

Participants in this program will register for one of 3 groups according to age (8-9, 10-11, 12-14). Enjoy some free time on the lake with supervision from our friendly staff. Opportunity will be given to try various kayaks and canoes. Participants will paddle in a relaxed atmosphere without the commitment of our full paddling program. It is literally “free play” on the lake! No experience necessary. 

Please note, we recommend the programming below (u10, U12 etc.) for first year paddlers. Kids participating in this program will not compete in regattas. The goal is to foster a love for the water & confidence in boating. Participants should have a life jacket and clothing that can get wet. 

New for 2023, there is no need to sign up in advance, coaches will invite paddlers to attend and that attendance will be optional. All kids will go into their assigned age groups and we will be using this early morning time slot for extra technique help. We will also use this time for pre-regatta crew boat practices when needed.