Paddlers can join Spring (May-June) after after-school and daylong Sumer (Jul-Aug) programs. After-school sessions are held in the Fall (Sept-Nov). For experienced paddlers year round programs are offered.
For new Midget Paddlers the Regatta Ready is a non-member program that gives you all the basics you need to continue on in the program after two weeks or at another time. Regatta Ready paddlers will cover all the same introductory activities as Full Sprint Members. Upon completion of the Regatta Ready program you can stay with all your new friends by becoming a member of the club and the full sprint program.
Note: Limitations on enrolment may be in place so if you know you want to stay on longer then the two week introductory session it is best to enroll in the members sprint program to start.
Midget Members Sprint Program:
If you are an experienced sprint paddler or new to the sport we are happy to have you as a member of our sprint team.
Sessions start in May.
Returning members will practice weekdays 4:00-6:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 12:00. Groups will be selected based on paddler ability across age groups. Therefore Bantams, Midgets and Juvenile may be mixed to keep groups together in a safe and coachable environment. Paddlers continuing on from Winter programs may have additional sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
Sessions starting in July.
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. Rideau’s coaching team on-site will supervise lunch-hour.
As many midgets, have moved into full time year-round training they may have advanced out of the 9:00-4:00 day program. These more experienced midgets may be invited to attend sessions prior to 9AM and after 4PM. These paddlers will typically do two sessions per day and have specialized into either canoe or kayak.
Pre-requisites:
Although no paddling experience is required, new paddlers must demonstrate minimum swim ability. Prior to getting in boats participants must show they have the ability to tread water or otherwise float for 5min and swim 50 metres (any stroke). 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.
Equipment:
The Rideau Canoe Club will supply all paddling equipment. Although we have PFD’s for paddlers we highly recommend that paddlers wear a personally owned PFD to ensure comfort and fit for paddling. A racing jersey is required for all EOD and Ontario sanctioned events. We will have clothing available for sale in early May. Paddlers must bring water bottle, sunscreen, hat, running shoes, spare clothing and a healthy lunch and snacks each day. Clothes that are light, loose fitting and made of quick drying fabric are best.
Personal Equipment: Many competitive paddlers have their equipment. Although the club has a large selection of boats and paddles these may not be of the competitive level or quality the individual likes. Most competitive paddlers purchase their own boat by the end of the Midget age class. If looking for the boat or paddle to best match the individual please consult your coach first.
Registration: Please download the registration form for individual sprint members or if part of a family membership please select the Family membership form as well. These forms are found here.
