Recreational Open Paddle
Explore the South Georgian Bay at your own pace. Try different boats, improve your skills, and meet new friends in our flexible, unstructured recreational paddling program.
Season
June 1, 2026 – August 29, 2026
Schedule
Mon/Tues/Thurs Evenings (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM) & Saturday Mornings (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Cost
$300 (Includes your $50 Basic Club Membership Fee)
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced (No experience necessary!)
Perk
Free for most other competitive program members!
Paddle Your Way on the South Georgian Bay
We encourage everyone to participate in Open Paddle! It is one of the best ways to get out on the water, enjoy the historic Collingwood Harbourfront, and connect with our vibrant community.
This is a flexible, unstructured program where the club’s extensive fleet of boats is made available for your use. Whether you want a relaxing evening on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a rigorous fitness workout in a surfski, you can paddle whichever vessel you choose. While the sessions are unstructured, our knowledgeable boathouse staff and experienced club members are always on hand to provide guidance, safety tips, and technique pointers.
A Boat for Every Paddler
This program offers a fantastic variety of paddling options for members interested in developing their skills across different watercraft. During Open Paddle hours, you will have access to:
- Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP)
- Recreational and Sprint
- Kayaks
- Sprint Canoes
- Surfskis
- Outrigger Canoes (OCs)
Already Registered For Another Program? Open Paddle is FREE!
Did you know that Open Paddle is included as a bonus for most of our club members? If you are already registered for the Masters Sprint Racing, Youth Racing, Dragon Boat, or Endurance/Marathon programs, you can participate in Open Paddle for absolutely no additional fee for the 2026 season! (Note: This inclusion does not apply to Summer Camp or Recreational Canoe instructional programs).
Safety on the Water
Even though Open Paddle is unstructured, safety remains our top priority. Our boathouse staff will monitor conditions and ensure all participants follow Collingwood Paddling Club water safety rules.
What to Bring:
- A properly fitted, Transport Canada-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). We have a wide selection of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), but feel free to bring your own if preferred.
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (dress to get wet!).
- Water shoes, sandals with a heel strap, or neoprene booties.
- A refillable water bottle and sunscreen.
2026 Season Schedule & Registration
If you are already registered for an eligible competitive program, you do not need to register or pay for Open Paddle separately. Just show up during the scheduled hours!
| Program Dates | Days & Times | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| June 1 – Aug 29, 2026 | Mon/Tues/Thurs: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | $300.00 (Includes Basic Membership) |
| June 1 – Aug 29, 2026 | Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Included in above fee |
Open Paddle FAQs
Do I need previous paddling experience?
No experience is necessary! Open Paddle is a great environment for beginners. Our boathouse staff can help you select a stable boat (like a SUP or recreational kayak) and give you basic guidance to get you started safely.
Do I need to book a specific boat in advance?
I am on the Dragon Boat team. Do I need to register for this?
Can children take part in Open Paddle?
Have Questions About Open Paddle?
Not sure if this program is the right fit, or have questions about our fleet of boats? We are happy to help!