Learn to Paddle Program
Are you new to Dragon Boating? Did you try it years ago and would like a refresher on
technique?  Then this program is for you!
Collingwood Sidelaunchers Dragonboat is offering a 3 week Learn-to-Paddle program.
Dates: Wednesdays May 20, May 27 and June 3.  (In case of a weather cancellation,
there will be a make-up day on June 10).  We paddle in the rain but not in high winds or
thunderstorms. 
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Participants are taught Dragon Boat safety and paddling skills and will be familiarized
with the Collingwood Dragon Boat Program.  The coach will conduct a skills
assessment and make recommendations as to next steps.  We hope you will join our
Dragon Boat teams, either for competitive or recreational paddling.  
Enrolment is limited and this program will sell out, so don’t delay.
Cost: $75 for the 3 week Learn-to-Paddle Program. If you have questions, please
contact Sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com

Intro to Sprint Paddling is a two-week introduction to competitive Sprint Canoe-Kayak for athletes aged 14 and under (born 2011 - 2016). Throughout the camp the paddlers will progress through all the basic skills of sprint paddling.

Paddlers will learn about water safety rules for sprint boats, how to balance, paddle, and train in sprint kayaks and canoes. Participants will learn competition skills and rules for sprint canoe kayak, and will participate in on and off water training sessions.

Sessions operate Monday to Friday and are full day and include morning Intro to Sprint training, (9:00am-12:00pm), after which they will transition into our Summer camp program (12:00pm-4:00pm) and continue to enjoy a variety of on-water activities, including paddling as well as on-land games and activities.

• Session 1: June 30 - Friday July 11 (9 days, no training Tuesday July 1)
• Session 2: Monday July 14 - Friday July 25 (10 days)
• Session 3: Monday July 28 - Friday August 8 (9 days, no training Monday August 4)
• Session 4: Monday August 11 - Friday August 22 (10 days)

Cost: $500 for two week session.  Should a paddler go on to join the full season Youth Paddling U10-U14 program a $250 credit code will be provided to register for registration in the same season.  This program has a maximum of 4 participants per session.

Collingwood Paddling Club offers Sprint Canoe Kayak programs to members aged 9 and up. These programs provide instruction and training for beginners and experienced paddlers alike in the Olympic sport of sprint canoe and kayak. The program begins in May with afternoon and weekend sessions and then transitions to half day or full day options in the Summer.  The program is designed for youth aged 9 - 14, by the end of the year. 

The focus is on learning paddling skills, enjoying the beautiful Collingwood Harbour and surrounds, making friends, and age-appropriate athletic training that follows Long Term Athlete Development principles. The goal is to develop water sport skills and confidence while having a great time in a safe and supportive environment.

Spring program

Program is scheduled to start from Monday May 12.  The program operates 2 afternoons per week (Wednesday & Friday, 4:30-6:00pm), plus Saturday mornings throughout May & June, 9:00-11:00am, (no practice June 7 or 14).  New paddlers are encouraged to start from June.  New paddlers once registered will be contacted by the Head Coach to confirm your start date, June or July.

Summer program

Program is scheduled to start from Monday June 30 until Friday August 22, (no session July 1, August 4 & 18).  The Youth Paddling program (U10-U14) will have coached sessions Monday - Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm. 

For those needing full day options we offer the ability to ADD ON weekly paddle camp as a nominal cost  This will enable paddlers to transition into our Summer camp program (12:00pm-4:00pm) and continue to enjoy a variety of on-water activities, including paddling as well as on-land games and activities.

Cost: $550 for spring & summer Youth Paddling regular program.  Parents needing full time options can ADD ON weekly paddle camp for $100 per week and select weeks in advance at time of registration.  This half day option is only available to Youth Paddling U10-U14 athletes using a code provided (contact cdbccinfo@gmail.com to request the code).  Total cost should someone wish to register for full 8 week program would be $1350.   Fees do not include regatta costs or boat storage if required.

The U16+ program at Collingwood Paddling Club for returning paddlers is a competitive program designed for young athletes who are dedicated to advancing their skills and achievements in canoeing and kayaking. Participants in the U16+ program aim to refine their technique, enhance physical conditioning, and prepare for competitive events.  Returning athletes in U14 may be invited to participate in some of the U16+ training sessions in spring and summer, depending on experience.  See Head Coach for more information.

Spring program

Program is scheduled to start from Monday May 12.  The program operates 5 mornings, (Monday - Friday 5:45*-7:00am) and 2 afternoons (Wednesday & Friday, 4:30-6:00pm) per week plus Saturday mornings throughout May & June from 9:0-11:00am, (no practice June 7 or 14).  This program is not suited to new paddlers.  

* athletes are expected to arrive by 5:30am to warm up for on water training to start by 5:45am

Summer program

Program is scheduled to start from Monday June 30 until Friday August 22, (no session July 1, August 4 & 18).  The Youth Paddling program (U16) will have coached sessions 5 mornings, (Monday-Friday, 6:30*-8:00am) and 2 afternoons (Wednesday & Friday, 4:30-6:00pm) per week. 

* athletes are expected to arrive by 6:15am to warm up for on water training by 6:30am

Cost: $650 for spring & summer Youth Paddling.  Fees do not include regatta costs or boat storage if required

Paddle All (Special Olympics) is a program introduced by Canoe Kayak Canada to promote paddling for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Recreational canoes and kayaks are used to introduce paddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the sport of paddling. The program includes a safety orientation and technical instruction by experienced coaches. Each paddler will have an experienced paddling partner/coach for 1:2 support ratio. Paddlers must be comfortable on the water and be able to follow instructions, especially related to safety for themselves and others.  Boats, paddles and personal floatation devices (PFDs) are provided. Athletes are permitted to wear their own PFDs if preferred. 

Program Location: 

Collingwood Paddling Club

Watts Boat House

25 Heritage Drive, Collingwood, ON 

Program Schedule:

Recreational Program

The Collingwood Paddle Club Recreational Paddle All Program will meet once per week on Mondays from 5:45pm-7:00pm. This is an 8 week program starting the week of June 30, 2025. Participants will receive instruction from our qualified coaching staff with a goal of learning basic canoe/kayak skills in a fun and enjoyable environment. No prior experience is necessary. The Recreational program is limited to 5 participants.

Program Fees

$200 includes Basic Membership Fee

For further information about the Paddle All Program, contact us at cdbccinfo@gmail.com

Dragonboat Season (sign up with code only)
For returning Collingwood Dragonboat paddlers or experienced paddlers with approval.
Please sign up for ONE ONLY of the following options:

Georgian Program: Cost $550 per paddler (Limit 25 paddlers - with waitlist)
-Focus on athlete development toward competitive racing.
-Registration includes:
- Mandatory Spring Training Clinic (May 30
-Attendance at Mississauga (June 20), Hamilton (July 4), and a September regatta TBD by
team vote
-By signing up for this program you are confirming that you have read the team overview
and FAQ

OR

Huronic Program: Cost $400 per paddler
-Focus on recreational racing and skills development
-Includes (optional) attendance at Barrie (August 15)

Optional 1 Day Clinic: Cost $50 per paddler (minimum 14, maximum 20)
-Focus on paddle development featuring large boat practice, paddle video review with
feedback, paddle correction, guidance on individual mobility, cardio, and strength training
-Do not sign up if you have registered for the Georgian Program

If you have not previously paddled with the Collingwood Sidelaunchers, require clarification,
or missed the notification email, please contact us at Sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com to request a code

The Collingwood Paddling Club offers a Masters Racing program for our adult members (18+ years of age). This program offers a variety of paddling options for those interested in developing their skills in Sprint Canoe and Kayak. The program includes singles, doubles and team boats, with coached sessions and a training program. There is the opportunity to race for those interested, regattas vary in location and time throughout the summer.

Masters scheduled practice times are Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:30pm and Saturday mornings 9:00am-11:00am.. Masters paddlers are encouraged to attend other Open Paddle program sessions as well to work on their technique and fitness. For returning Masters paddlers, we will be offering spring training in 2025. Coach Kelly will contact you after you have registered with more information.

Beginners are welcome but are only able to join training sessions from June onwards when water conditions are more favourable. Once registered the Coach will reach out to you with further details.

This program is a great way to get out on the water and try the different boats, improve your skills, and meet new friends while enjoying paddling at the historic Collingwood Harbourfront. For more information email cdbccinfo@gmail.com

FEES: $400, includes Basic Membership Fee

The endurance paddling program involves all kinds of single and double bladed craft travelling long distances. If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your stroke and spend some quality time on the water learning, this program is for you! An efficient paddling stroke is crucial whether you are racing 10 km, doing a long-distance trip, or competing an ultra-distance adventure race.

Our sessions focus on fitness and technique, and take place at the Collingwood harbour and on the Nottawasaga river near Klondike Road in Wasaga Beach. We aim to paddle together Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with some flexibility due to weather.

As part of this program embers are always welcome to get together more often and use the boats that the club has. 

With the endurance paddling program membership, paddlers may also participate in the Open Paddle program which offers the use of SUPs, Canoes, Kayaks, Outrigger Canoes, Marathon Canoes and other club boats during the supervised sessions. Come and try out this excellent way to stay fit and travel through the natural landscape!

Fee: $400, includes Basic Membership Fee

This program runs on weekday evenings from 5:30pm-8:00pm and 9:00am-12:00pm on Saturdays. We encourage all members to participate in Open Paddle as it's a great way to meet other members and get out on the water in whatever boat you'd like. This is an unstructured program where boats are available for use with guidance from our boathouse staff and experienced members. If you are a Masters/Youth Racing/Dragonboat/Marathon program member, you can participate in Open Paddle for no additional fee. This program offers a variety of paddling options for members interested in developing their skills in Sprint Canoe, Kayak, Surfski, SUP and Outrigger Canoe. For more information please contact cdbccinfo@gmail.com

Open Paddle will begin on Monday June 2, 2025 and runs until Saturday August 30, 2025

This program is a great way to get out on the water and try the different boats, improve your skills, and meet new friends while enjoying paddling at the historic Collingwood Harbourfront.

FEES: $300, includes Basic Membership Fee

If you are already registered for any other program (except for Summer Camp or Recreational Canoe), you do not need to register/pay for Open Paddle as well. It is included in other program registrations and fees for the 2025 season.

This basic membership allows members to have dock access privileges should they want to bring their own boats down to paddle and to maintain a social membership with the club.

Age: 15+

Schedule: N/A

Price: $50 Basic Membership Fee

Includes: Dock access privileges and social membership within the club.