PADDLING PROGRAMS

Designed for our littlest members, this fun, activity-based program focuses on play, connection, and confidence. Each weekday (Monday–Friday), children enjoy 30 minutes of organized, socially driven activities across the club. Tthink beach games, crafts, parachute play, sand toys, water games, and even recreational canoe rides. Activities rotate between the beach, courts, grassy areas, and the shallow swimming area under the supervision of trained lifeguards. Parents are asked to remain on club property, and we’re happy to welcome parents who wish to stay close while their child settles in. Lifejackets are not required for this program.

We take fun to the next level. Children learn the basics of kayaking and canoeing in a playful, confidence-building environment focused on technique and safety. Each session blends paddling with scavenger hunts, group challenges, and access to our swim area, basketball, and volleyball courts.

​

Our passionate coaches nurture the next generation of paddlers in a strictly recreational setting—no experience required. The 9:00 AM slot is reserved exclusively for first-time participants. Safety is our priority; during inclement weather, we transition to engaging dryland programming.

​

One daily session, Monday–Friday

1 hour 15 minutes per session

This exciting, fun-filled program is the perfect middle step between Active Kids and U10. Designed to build confidence and skills, it expands on the foundations learned in Active Kids while introducing athletes to a wider range of paddling experiences, including a fun, low-pressure race league. Participants will explore balance and control in racing boats, try C-15 and other crew boats, and enjoy a mix of on-water training, dryland games, and team-building activities led by supportive, enthusiastic coaches. As the bridge between recreational paddling and competitive sport, this program also includes mini regattas and racing opportunities right on our own lake, keeping things exciting, social, and motivating.

One daily session, Monday–Friday

1 hour 30 minutes per session

Instruction at this level focuses on building strong fundamentals while keeping practices engaging and fun. Athletes are encouraged to explore a variety of kayaks and canoes, helping them develop confidence, balance, and versatility on the water. Sessions include age-appropriate fitness elements such as short runs, supervised swims, and dryland circuits designed to build endurance for racing.

​

Coaches emphasize proper warm-up, stretching, and cool-down habits in a positive, supportive environment. Practices are intentionally structured to be enjoyable while preparing athletes for the demands of competition.

​

Participants should arrive prepared with a lifejacket, running shoes, swimwear, water bottle, and other essentials.

​

Athletes racing at regattas must wear the club t-shirt (included in club fees). Some participants may also be invited to fill crew boats at U12 regattas.

Instruction at this level builds on the fundamentals introduced in U10, however, no previous experience is required to join. Athletes are encouraged to try a variety of kayaks and canoes, with coaches focusing on balance, boat control, and confidence for both new and returning paddlers. Practices remain fun and engaging while introducing the fitness needed for racing through short runs, supervised swims, and dryland circuits around the club.

​

Coaches place strong emphasis on proper warm-up, stretching, and cool-down techniques in a supportive, encouraging environment that helps athletes develop endurance, teamwork, and a love for the sport.

​

Participants should arrive prepared with a lifejacket, running shoes, swimwear, and a water bottle. A bun is required for C-15 and may also be needed for small boat canoe practices.

​

Athletes competing in regattas must wear the club singlet (available for purchase at the canteen). Some participants may also be invited to fill crew boats at U14 regattas.

Programming at this level features a more intensive training schedule designed to prepare paddlers for higher levels of competition. Workouts focus on building strong aerobic fitness and race readiness, including preparation for longer distances up to 1000 metres. Crew boats (C4, K4, and C-15) compete at 500-metre distances. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to join! Our experienced coaching staff will support new athletes and help them quickly build confidence and skills.

Abenaki proudly supports multisport athletes. Our coaching approach values balance, athletic development, and long-term success, allowing athletes to combine paddling with other sports throughout the year.

This program includes a structured dryland component such as running, swimming, and fitness circuits, with athletes running in groups for safety. Club membership is not required to participate in this program. Paddlers must arrive prepared with a lifejacket, running shoes, swimwear, and a water bottle. A bun is required for C-15 and may also be needed for small boat canoe practices.

For athletes looking to train and compete at an even higher level, three additional 45-minute dryland sessions are available each week. Participation is optional and requires Head Coach approval. These sessions are physically demanding and include longer-distance running and advanced conditioning

This advanced U16 program combines C-15 crew training with small boat development, offering athletes the best of both worlds. Designed for those aiming to compete at the highest level, including the 2026 National Championships in Ottawa, this program emphasizes technical skill, teamwork, race strategy, and fitness under the guidance of our most experienced coaches. Athletes will rotate between C-15 and small boats, building strength, endurance, and on-water confidence while refining technique in multiple boat classes.

The program welcomes both experienced paddlers and motivated newcomers ready to step up their training. We understand teens balance busy lives, so practices are structured to allow flexibility while maintaining high-quality training. This is an ideal environment for dedicated paddlers looking to develop as well-rounded athletes, gain exposure to top-level coaching, and prepare for national competition in both crew and small boats.

This U16 C-15 ONLY program combines focused on-water training with purposeful fitness to prepare athletes for crew racing at a higher level. Abenaki is planning to field a C-15 crew at the 2026 National Championships in Ottawa, and this program is designed to build the strength, teamwork, and confidence needed to get there. The program welcomes both experienced paddlers and athletes who are new to sprint paddling. Coaches will develop technical skills, race readiness, and aerobic fitness while creating an environment that is supportive, motivating, and team-driven. We understand that teens are balancing school, multiple sports, work, and social commitments. Practices are intentionally designed with flexibility in mind, allowing athletes to stay engaged while maintaining a healthy balance in their busy lives.

Abenaki’s U18, Alumni & Masters program offers paddlers of all levels the chance to stay active, improve skills, and enjoy the sport in a supportive, social environment. Beginners are welcome to learn the basics, while experienced paddlers can continue refining technique and staying connected to the sport they love.

Participants can choose from a fitness/recreational track or a full training plan for those aiming to get out on the race course. Practices are led by experienced coaches and are designed to fit busy schedules, with flexible on-water sessions and optional early morning dryland “boot camps” for an extra fitness boost.

This program is perfect for anyone looking to maintain fitness, enjoy paddling in a community atmosphere, and continue developing as an athlete, whether for fun, health, or competition.

Participants in this program will register for one of 3 groups according to age. 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. 

The High Performance Group at Abenaki is designed for athletes who are committed to training and motivated to compete at a higher level. Participation in this group is by invitation from the Head Coach, with attendance, performance, attitude, and team behaviour all taken into consideration. Athletes train during early mornings and evenings, following a focused program that emphasizes fitness, technical development, race readiness, and personal accountability. This environment supports athletes who are prepared to challenge themselves, work hard, and represent Abenaki with dedication and pride. In addition, Abenaki offers a Development Group for invited athletes who are building toward higher levels of competition. Selection for this group is based on the same criteria — attendance, performance, attitude, and behaviour — and provides athletes with structured training, skill progression, and the opportunity to continue advancing within the program.