Individual Intro Programs

Click here for our program calendar!

Learn to paddle with our wide range of individual intro programs! Suitable for those looking to expand their paddling abilities, or paddling for the first time, our programs are perfect for anyone to enjoy the water.


Intro to Kayak – 2024 Dates 

  • When: Monday evenings, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM.
  • Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way
  • Cost: $119/person

Learn to paddle a kayak with our experienced and certified kayaking instructors. Our Intro to Kayaking course gives first-time paddlers the fundamental skills and knowledge to paddle in protected waters. Basic paddling skills and water safety are some of the topics covered. Paddlers do not need to know how to swim, but must wear the supplied PFDs. No experience is necessary! Minimum age 12. Youth aged 12-18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Programs include guided session with an instructor, access to equipment including a PFD and paddle, and access to the boats.

Note: Private Intro to Kayak programs available for added fee on request and subject to instructor availability year-round. Please email [email protected] for assistance.

2024 Intro to Kayak Dates (cost per session)Start TimeEnd TimeCost
April Sessions: 8, 15, 22, 295:00 PM7:30 PM$119
May Sessions: 6, 13, 275:00 PM7:30 PM$119
June Sessions: 3, 10, 17, 245:00 PM7:30 PM$119
July Sessions: 8, 15, 22, 295:00 PM7:30 PM$119
August Sessions: 12, 19, 265:00 PM7:30 PM$119
September Sessions: 95:00 PM7:30 PM$119

Register Online ›

Please note: 5% GST will be added to all courses and program fees.

 


Intro to OC-1 – March 3 to 24, 2024

  • When: 2 hour session/week for 4 weeks, Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm.
  • Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way
  • Cost: $109 (includes OC-1 orientation/huli drill)

The Intro To OC-1 program teaches new and novice paddlers basic skills and techniques for paddling OC-1. The program includes safety knowledge, paddling drills to build up paddling capacity, technique tips, mini-workouts, and guided paddling sessions.

Paddlers do not need to know how to swim, but must wear an approved PFD. No experience is necessary. Minimum age 12. Youth aged 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The program includes 4 sessions led by our OC instructor, access to equipment including a PFD and paddle, and access to the boats. Sessions run once a week. Please note that this does not give you access to the boats outside of your program slot times.

***The program includes an additional mandatory session to complete an OC-1 orientation and huli drill, this session must be completed with Club staff PRIOR to your first session on the water.  Please email [email protected] to schedule your huli drill.

General terms and conditions at the bottom of this page.

Intro to OC-1 DatesEnd DateDayStart TimeEnd TimeCost
March 3, 2024 March 24Sunday2:00 PM4:00 PM$109
Stay TunedTBASunday2:00 PM4:00 PM$109

Register Online ›

Please note: 5% GST will be added to all courses and program fees.


Intro to Dragon Boat – 2024 programs now open for registration!

  • When: Once a week, for 4 or 8 weeks, ~6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way
  • Cost: 4 Week and Race: $149, 8 Week and Race: $219

The Intro To Dragon Boat program is for new paddlers to learn to paddle in a fun and safe way. Meet new people, experience Vancouver from the water, and stay active! The program is also a perfect stepping stone before joining a team. Paddlers do not need to know how to swim, but must wear the supplied PFDs. No prior paddling experience necessary. Minimum age 12. Youth aged 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.

4 and 8 week programs include guided sessions with an instructor and a steersperson, access to equipment including a PFD and paddle, and access to the boats.

All programs include race registration fees. Spring 4 and 8 week programs running May through June will race at Vessi 500 Championship and/or the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival. Summer 4 and 8 week programs running July through September will race at the Frescho Richmond Dragon Boat Festival and/or the Oddball Fall Classic.

General terms and conditions are at the bottom of this page and at the registration portal at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

Intro to Dragon Boat 2024 DatesEnd DatesDayStart TimeEnd TimeRace Date(s)Cost
4 Week Program Start Dates
May 8 - LIMITED SPOTS LEFT!May 29Wednesday6:00 PM7:30 PMJune 1$149
May 27 - LIMITED SPOTS LEFT!June 17Monday6:00 PM7:30 PMJune 22-23$149
May 29 - SOLD OUT!!June 19Wednesday6:00 PM7:30 PMJune 22-23$149
July 31August 21Wednesday6:00 PM7:30 PMAugust 24$149
September 4September 25Wednesday6:00 PM7:30 PMSeptember 28$149
8 Week Program Start Dates
April 30 - SOLD OUT!!June 18Tuesday6:00 PM7:30 PMJune 1 & June 22-23$219
May 2 - LIMITED SPOTS LEFT!June 20Thursday6:00 PM7:30 PMJune 1 & June 22-23$219
August 6September 24Thursday6:00 PM7:30 PMAugust 24 & September 28$219
August 8September 26Tuesday6:00 PM7:30 PMAugust 24 & September 28$219

Register Online ›

Please note: 5% GST will be added to all courses and program fees.


Please note: 5% GST applied to fees. Registration cancellations are subject to a 25% administration fee if requested within 30 days of registration, unless registering within 30 days of the program start date. No refunds will be issued after this time for any reason including if the event or program is adjusted, postponed, or cancelled. Transfers between programs of the same type (i.e. Intro to Dragon Boat programs) are honoured if the new program is within the same calendar year. Full terms and conditions on registration site.

© 2024 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society