Kamloops Canoe and Kayak

Competitive Programs

Welcome to the Kamloops Canoe and Kayak Club Competitive Programs;

Whether your athlete is beginning their competitive pathway or progressing toward high-performance racing, our programs follow Canoe Kayak Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. This pathway supports athletes as they progress from skill development to competitive excellence, with the long-term goal of preparing athletes for provincial, national, and elite-level competition.

Our competitive pathway is designed to develop confident, technically sound, and resilient paddlers while fostering a lifelong love for the sport.

Learn to Train -> Train to Train -> Train to Compete -> Train to Win

This pathway ensures athletes develop strong technical foundations before specializing in performance-focused training. Our High Performance Program represents the upper end of this pathway, preparing committed athletes for elite-level racing and long-term athletic success.

KCKC High Performance Program

High Performance Program (15+)

Program Overview
The High Performance Program is designed for experienced athletes aged 15 and over who demonstrate advanced technical skills, high training commitment, and a strong desire to pursue excellence in sprint canoe and kayak racing. This program aligns with the “Train to Compete” and “Train to Win” stages of Canoe Kayak Canada’s LTAD pathway and supports athletes on the pathway toward provincial teams, national development programs, and elite competition.

Athletes in this program train with a performance-focused mindset, emphasizing race execution, speed development, advanced technical refinement, physiological conditioning, and competitive preparedness. The program prepares athletes for high-level racing environments and long-term progression within the Canadian sprint paddling system.

Focus Areas

  • Advanced paddling technique and boat control
  • Sprint performance and race execution
  • Sport-specific speed, power, and endurance development
  • Tactical racing skills and mental performance
  • Athlete professionalism, training habits, and recovery strategies

Recommended Competition
Athletes are expected to compete in multiple regional and provincial regattas, with opportunities for national-level racing where appropriate.

Ages: 15+ (U16, U17, U18, Senior)
Experience Level: High Performance / Advanced
Commitment Level: High training and competition commitment expected

 

    KCKC Train to Train Program

    Train to Train Program (U14-U18)

    Program Overview
    The Train to Train program supports developing youth athletes who have progressed beyond the Learn to Train stage and are ready for structured, performance-oriented training. This program focuses on building strong technical foundations, improving physical capacities, and introducing athletes to more formal training environments.

    Athletes continue to refine technique while developing sport-specific endurance and speed. Competition is used as a learning tool, helping athletes gain experience in racing environments and develop confidence.

    Focus Areas

    • Technical skill development
    • Introduction to structured training routines
    • Aerobic base and speed development
    • Learning race strategies and competition habits

    Ages: U14, U15, U16, U17, U18
    Experience Level: Intermediate

      KCKC Learn to Train Program

      Learn to Train Program (U11-U14)

      Program Overview
      The Learn to Train program introduces young athletes to structured paddling and early-stage competition. Athletes build fundamental paddling skills while exploring different boat classes (canoe and kayak). The focus is on fun, skill acquisition, and developing confidence on the water.

      Athletes are encouraged to participate in local and provincial regattas as part of their learning experience.

      Focus Areas

      • Fundamental paddling skills
      • Balance, coordination, and boat control
      • Exposure to racing in a positive environment
      • Enjoyment of sport and teamwork

      Ages: U11, U12, U13, U14
      Experience Level: Beginner to Developing

        More Info

        Paddling Location:

        Shumway Lake, 4620 Princeton-Kamloops Hwy, Kamloops, BC V0E 2A0

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