Youth Competitive Racing Team

Train, race, and build lifelong skills on the South Georgian Bay. We offer expert coaching and Olympic-style sprint canoe-kayak programs for athletes ages 9 to 18.

Ages

9 to 18 years old (U10 to U16+ divisions)

Season

Spring (May & June) & Summer (July & August)

Cost

$650 for the regular paddling program

Skill Level

Beginners (U10-U14) to Advanced Returning Athletes (U16+)

Perk

Full-day summer camp add-on available for U10-U14!

Take Your Paddling to the Next Level

The Collingwood Paddling Club offers premier Sprint Canoe and Kayak racing programs for youth athletes. Operating out of the historic Watts Boathouse on the scenic Collingwood Harbour, our competitive teams follow strict Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles. Our goal is to develop elite water sport skills, physical conditioning, and confidence while fostering a safe, fun, and supportive team environment.

Youth Paddling (U10 - U14) | New & Returning Paddlers

Designed for athletes ages 9 to 14, this program provides top-tier instruction for both complete beginners and experienced paddlers. Athletes will learn advanced paddling skills, make great friends, and prepare for local regattas.

New This Summer – The Full Day Add-On: Need a full-day option for your athlete during the summer months? Parents can ADD ON our weekly afternoon Paddle Camp for just $100/week! Athletes will train in Sprint Racing from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and then seamlessly transition into our Summer Camp from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM for on-land games and recreational water activities. (A special code is required to access this add-on – please email us prior to registering).

Youth Paddling (U16+) | Returning Paddlers Only

The U16+ division is a highly competitive, intensive training program tailored strictly for returning young athletes dedicated to advancing their achievements in canoeing and kayaking. Participants focus heavily on refining their technique, enhancing high-performance physical conditioning, and preparing for competitive racing events. (Note: Returning highly-skilled U14 athletes may be invited to join U16+ training sessions at the Head Coach’s discretion).

Equipment & Preparation

The Collingwood Paddling Club provides all necessary paddling equipment, including sprint canoes, kayaks, paddles and Transport Canada-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Please note: Personal paddles are highly recommended for athletes in the U16+ program. 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 to Every Practice

Suitable athletic clothing (comfortable, loose-fitting, and quick-drying)
A full spare change of clothes and a towel
A refillable water bottle
Sunscreen (applied beforehand and packed for reapplication)
Healthy snacks (and a full lunch if participating in the Full-Day Add-On) to fuel high-level athletic training.

Season Schedules & Registration

Please note: Regatta entry fees and private boat storage are not included in the base program fees.

U10 - U14 Schedule (Ages 9-14)

Season	Start Date	Training Times	Cost
Spring (Returning Paddlers)	Starts May 11/12	Wed & Fri: 4:30pm-6:00pm Sat: 9:00am-11:00am*	Included in Base
Spring (New Paddlers)	Starts June 1	Joins returning paddlers on schedule above	Included in Base
Summer (All U10-U14)	June 30 - Aug 21/22	Mon - Fri: 9:00am-12:00pm*	$650.00 Base
Summer Full-Day Add-On	Weekly in Summer	Adds 12:00pm-4:00pm Summer Camp	+$100 / week - Email for code to register

U16+ Schedule (Returning Athletes Only)

Season	Start Date	Training Times	Cost
Spring	Starts May 12	Mon-Fri: 5:45am-7:00am* Wed/Fri: 4:30pm-6:00pm Sat: 9:00am-11:00am	Included in Base
Summer	June 30 - Aug 22	Mon-Fri: 6:30am-8:00am* Wed/Fri: 4:30pm-6:00pm	$650.00 Base

*No practice June 7th and 14th, July 1st, Aug 3rd and 4th, Aug 17th and 18th. Exact dates subject to shift slightly based on final club calendar.

*Morning practices require arrival 15 minutes early for dryland warm-ups.

Competitive Team FAQs

Does my child need their own boat to join the team?

No! The Collingwood Paddling Club provides all necessary sprint canoes, kayaks, and paddles for our athletes. However, as athletes progress into the U16+ program, purchasing a personal paddle is highly recommended.

How does the Summer "Full Day Add-On" work for U10-U14?

For an additional $100 per week, U10-U14 athletes can stay at the club after their morning race training ends at 12:00 PM. They will seamlessly join our recreational Summer Camp program until 4:00 PM. You must email the club for a special access code to select this option during registration.

Can a beginner join the U16+ program?

For safety and training intensity reasons, the U16+ program is strictly for returning, experienced paddlers. Older beginners should reach out to the club directly, or consider joining our Intro to Sprint or Adult/Masters programs depending on their exact age.

Are regatta fees included in the $650 registration?

No. The $650 fee covers your athlete’s Spring and Summer coaching and training program. Regatta entry fees, travel, and private boat storage (if you own your own boat) are an additional cost.

Have Questions About the Racing Team?

Need the access code for the Full-Day Summer Add-On, or have questions for the Head Coach about your child’s placement?