Fall Programs

In our programs, youth are introduced to multiple paddling disciplines – sprint kayak, outrigger, whitewater kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Most paddling is done in one-person boats, but there are opportunities to paddle double or multi-person boats (if health orders permit).

Youth will learn water safety and paddling techniques while developing strength, balance and endurance. Through a progressive learning model, paddlers learn the fundamentals in stable boats and move to more challenging boats as their skills develop. Our goal is to provide youth with the skill set to paddle different types of water craft. We keep the environment welcoming and positive and if wanted opportunities to race are

also provided.

Our programs are divided by age group and experience level. Age is the first guideline, but appropriateness for a program also depends on skills, experience and maturity. Placement of paddlers in programs is at the discretion of the coaches. The younger groups have a higher coach to paddler ratio. Older youth have more opportunities for racing. Fees include coaching, equipment, race fees and team building events.

The fall program runs from September to November. We are mindful of weather and daylight and run our programs as per guidelines. The dates for each program are included in the information set out below.

We are fortunate to have a swimming instructor who is also a paddler. Susan has arranged for everyone to start off swimming in lanes in the shallow end, a progression will be done to the longer lanes and will finish with cold water survival.

We also have a Halloween bonfire and encourage everyone to come together as a paddling community.

What to wear and bring: Dryfit clothing (if it is warmer short sleeves and shorts, if it is colder long sleeves and pants), water shoes, bring a micro fleece sweater, water bottle, change of clothes and a towel. We recommend that everyone avoid wearing cotton based fabrics.

Paddlers are welcome to join at any time with a pro-rated fee. We try to be flexible with individual paddlers' needs and schedules. Please contact commdore@vypc.ca to discuss options:

We use three locations for our fall program

VYPC – located at the end of Herald Street, our home base

VCKC – located at 355 Gorge Road West

Crystal Pool – located at 2275 Quadra Street – practice starts @ 4:00, we recommend you be there by 3:45 to give a chance for participants to change.

Explorers:

Tuesday small boat paddling 4:30 to 6:00 out of VYPC from September 9th to October 7th, Sunday swimming 4:00 to 5:00 out of Crystal Pool from September 14th to November 23rd - $300.00

Intermediate:

One small boat paddling 4:30 to 6:00 – TBD Thursday or Friday out of VYPC, Saturday Outrigger 2:30 to 4:00 out of VCKC, Sunday swimming 4:00 to 5:00 out of Crystal Pool September 14th to November 23rd - $350.00.

Outrigger Competitive:

Saturday Outrigger 2:30 to 4:00 out of VCKC and Sunday Swimming 4:00 to 5:00 out of Crystal Pool September 14th to November 23rd - $300.00

Outrigger:

Saturday only: Outrigger 2:30 to 4:00 out of VCKC - $200.00

This is the link to register: http://victoriayouthpaddling.rampregistrations.com/participant/Fall2025

Please contact, our Commodore, Marianne at 250-744-8543, if you have any questions.