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 – 2025 Dates now available! Register at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

• When: Monday evenings, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM.
• Where: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way
• Cost: $125/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.

***Paddlers can enjoy a 10% discount on a kayak pass with proof of completion of their Intro to Kayak Course. Please email [email protected] for more information.

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.

Level 1 – Intro to OC-1 – Now Open for Registration!

Intro to Dragon Boat and Race 2025 Dates now available! Register at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

• 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: $150, 8 Week and Race: $250

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 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.

All participants are encouraged to attend the races their 4 or 8 Week programs are are registered for.

General 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.