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: 2026 dates coming soon!

• When: TBA
• Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way
• Cost: TBA

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. Paddlers will enjoy a 10% discount on a kayak pass with proof of completion of their Intro to Kayak Course when registering in the same season. Please email info@dragonboatbc.ca for more information. General registration terms and conditions are at the bottom of this page and at the registration portal at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

Note: Private Intro to Kayak programs available for added fee on request and subject to instructor availability year-round. Please email info@dragonboatbc.ca for assistance.

Individual OC-1 Programs: 2026 dates coming soon!

Intro to Dragon Boat and Race: dates coming soon!

• 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: $180, 8 Week and Race: $300

The Intro To Dragon Boat and Race 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 week programs running in May will race at Vessi 500 Championship . Summer 4 and 8 week programs running July through September will race at Summer Regatta and/or the Oddball Fall Classic.

All participants are highly encouraged to attend the races that their 4 or 8 Week programs are registered in, to ensure the team has enough participants to race. General registration terms and conditions are at the bottom of this page and at the registration portal at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

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.