 Welcome to the Rideau Canoe Sprint Racing Programs
Rideau Canoe Club is consistently among the top canoe clubs in Canada. Finishing second at both the 2000 and 2001 National Championships, Rideau paddlers were able to capture the overall title in 2002 with a 16 gold-medal winning performance in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Over the years, the club has managed to successfully maintain its performance at the highest level, while continuing to offer successful programs to both young and old paddlers in Sprint, Recreational and Dragon Boat programs. New paddlers can join in the Sprint programs by trying our Regatta Ready Camps (RR) or if you know this is the sport for you join directly into a seasonal or the full year sprint program.
Pre-requisites:
Although no paddling experience is required, paddlers 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 with aid 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. 
Step 2: Pick the statement below & click the correct age class for the one that best matches. A) I am new to the sport of Sprint Canoe and Kayak.Atom Peewee Bantam Midget Juvenile & Junior/Senior (contact us) B) "I am a returning sprint member" or "I have taken a Regatta Ready Course". Atom Peewee Bantam Midget Juvenile Junior/Senior Sprint Registration form can be found (here). All forms or download on the (forms page).
GENERAL INFO:
For the 2012 Paddling Season, programs will run Monday through Thursday as full-day schedule, and a half-day on Fridays. Our coaches are excited to start building a team of Purple Power Atom, Peewee, Bantams and Novice Midgets who will spend the day at the club with their friends learning all the skills and fundamentals of Canoe/Kayak in a fun-filled, healthy and encouraging environment. National Level Midgets and Older will typically train early in the morning and evening making space for novice and younger paddlers to utilize equipment and coaching between 9AM-4PM. Midget athletes are invited to take part in advanced sessions based on commitment and performance. Although the program is designed so paddlers can take part in both canoe and kayak sessions most will specialize in one or another. Paddlers wishing to race in a specific discipline must attend the appropriate practices to be entered for competitions. A Flow diagram of Rideau Season Programs and Regatta Ready (RR) 'Introduction To Sprint' opportunities. 
The daily summer schedule will run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (9:00am - 12:00pm Fridays). Monday through Thursday will be broken into four sessions with a lunch break in the middle of the day. Paddlers will be grouped according to age and ability, and will rotate through all four sessions including a big boat session (war canoe), kayak session, canoe session and a fun dry land/games session. Fridays will run with two sessions in the morning, and the day ending at lunch. Lunch-hour will be supervised by Rideau's coaching team on-site; however, Bantam aged paddlers are permitted to leave for lunch, with parent consent. Peewee and Atom paddlers may also have lunch off-site but must be accompanied by an adult.
Example of a day’s schedule: (Groups may be split by age and ability within each block)  Regattas: below is a list of the 2012 regattas (some dates are tentative and all paddlers will be notified as soon as dates are confirmed). Paddlers will get information on upcoming races a week or two prior to the event. It is very important that paddlers notify their coach if they are unable to attend any regatta as team boats require a team commitment. Any paddlers who race at the Bantam Eastern Ontario Divisional trials and qualify for the Trillium regatta, they will be required to attend the Trillium Championships (Ontario Championships). All paddlers who are participating in an away regatta will be expected to help with Boat Loading both at Rideau and at the regatta prior to leaving. ** Regattas to be posted soon. Please check back.** Sprint Registration form can be found (here). All forms or download on the (forms page). |