Intro to Sprint Canoe & Kayak
Experience the thrill of Olympic-style sprint racing! A dedicated, two-week training program for youth athletes looking to build their skills, speed, and confidence on the water.
Ages
9 – 14 years old
Duration
Two-week sessions (Full Days)
Time
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost
$500 per session
Capacity
Extremely limited! Maximum 4 participants per session
Prerequisite: All campers must be competent swimmers.
Learn to Race on the South Georgian Bay
Ready to take your paddling to the next level? Intro to Sprint Paddling is a specialized, two-week introduction to competitive sprint canoe-kayak for athletes aged 9-14.
Throughout the camp, paddlers will progress through all the fundamental skills of sprint paddling. They will learn the rules of competitive canoe-kayak, how to balance in sleek sprint boats, and how to execute a proper stroke for maximum speed. Training includes both on-water instruction and off-water athletic conditioning.
The Best of Both Worlds: Full-Day Structure
This program offers the perfect balance of focused athletic training and summer fun. Sessions operate Monday through Friday for the full day:
- Mornings (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Dedicated Intro to Sprint training with our competitive coaches.
- Afternoons (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Athletes transition into our Summer Paddle Camp program, joining other campers for a variety of recreational on-water activities, SUP boarding, dragon boat paddling, and fun on-land games.
Continue the Journey: $250 Registration Credit!
Intro to Sprint is the perfect stepping stone to our full-season racing teams. Should a paddler discover a passion for the sport and decide to join our full-season Youth Paddling U10-U14 program after their session, the club will provide a $250 credit code toward their team registration for the same season!
Safety & Equipment
The Collingwood Paddling Club provides all necessary competitive and recreational boats, as well as paddles and Transport Canada-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). While beginners are fully welcome, all participants must be competent swimmers. Athletes will be taught specific water safety rules for navigating and balancing in highly responsive sprint boats. Athletes are fully permitted and welcome to wear their own personal PFDs if they prefer the fit and comfort of their own gear.
What to Bring
Please ensure your athlete arrives every day with the following items:
- Suitable athletic clothing (comfortable, loose-fitting, and preferably made of quick-drying fabric)
- A complete spare change of clothes and a towel (you will get wet!)
- Sunscreen (apply before arrival and pack for reapplication)
- A refillable water bottle
2026 Camp Dates & Registration
| Session | Dates | Notes | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 29 - July 10 | 9 days (No training Tuesday, July 1) | $500.00 |
| Session 2 | July 13 - July 24 | 10 days | $500.00 |
| Session 3 | July 27 - August 7 | 9 days (No training Monday, August 3) | $500.00 |
| Session 4 | August 10 - August 21 | 10 days | $500.00 |
When registering on the RAMP portal, please select
Youth – CanoeKids/Learn to Paddle/Recreational Programs as the Category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need previous paddling experience?
What is the difference between a sprint boat and a regular canoe/kayak?
Why are there only 4 spots per session?
How does the $250 credit work?
Do you provide lifejackets?
Have Questions About Intro to Sprint?
Wondering if this program is the right fit for your young athlete, or need help with registration? We are happy to help.