Regatta Ready is a two-week introduction to competitive Sprint Canoe-Kayak for athletes aged U15 and provides all the basics needed to continue into the full summer competitive program.  

Age Categories:

ATOM - Under 11 years of age (Only born in 2002, 2003 and they will train with the Peewee athletes.)
PEEWEE - Under 13 years of age (Born in 2000, 2001)
BANTAM - Under 15 years of age (Born in 1999, 1998)

Over two weeks the paddlers will progress though all the basics skills required to race in a fun local regatta.  Paddlers will learn about water safety rules for sprint boats,  equipment, basic stoke technique and simple competition skills.

To prepare to race in the fun local regatta, athletes will participate in on and off water training sessions.    

** All Regatta Ready participants must wear life jackets or PFDs any time they are on the water**

Our Regatta Ready Program reinforces important personal skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, communication & leadership, and teaches the importance of healthy and active lifestyles. To reinforce safe paddling skills, all participants are required to wear life-jackets or PFDs any time they are on the water. All of Rideau’s paddling programs are led by friendly, dependable, knowledgeable and certified coaches.

Pre-requisites:

Although no paddling experience is required, Regatta Ready Camps participants must demonstrate minimum swim ability. 

Prior to getting in boats participants must show they have the ability to swim 50 metres (any stroke), stay afloat in water for 5 minutes. Instructors will assess swimming ability on the 1st day of the program so please come ready to get in the water.  Swim ability is accessed without a lifejacket or other flotation device.  If your child is nervous about this process we welcome you to swim along with your child to ease the nerves.

Returning Regatta Ready Participants:

Regatta Ready sessions are the primary entry point into the full competitive sprint canoe-kayak program at Rideau. Presented below is a flow diagram showing Regatta Ready (RR) sessions placed in relation to the full season.

For more information on a specific Regatta Ready please select the session you are interested in.  

Regatta Ready (RR1), Regatta Ready (RR2), Regatta Ready (RR3), Regatta Ready (RR4), Regatta Ready (RR5), Regatta Ready (RR6)

Equipment:

The canoe club will provide all paddling equipment.  Although Rideau has PFD’s for paddlers use, participants are welcome to bring their own.  PFD’s must fit ‘properly’ to be acceptable.  Two changes of clothing will be required; clothing should be comfortable, loose fitting and preferably made of quick drying fabric (they do get wet!).  Running shoes are required for dry-land practice activities.  Sun screen, water bottle, lunch and snacks are needed for each training session.

NOTE: If a paddler registered in the Regatta Ready Camp chooses to continue on in the full competitive summer program a credit will be awarded.