Youth paddling

Ages 14-18 | All Skill Levels

Overview

The Lotus Sports Club youth paddling program has been developing young paddlers for over 30 years. It is recognized as one of the largest and most successful youth development programs in the Pacific Northwest. Paddlers of every level of skill and ability come together to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge of the water, experience the challenge of competition, and to have fun and make new friends.

Our experienced and certified coaches emphasize safety, positive sporting behaviour, and enjoyment of the marine environment. Youth from ages 14 and up train and compete year round. Youth paddlers can:

Learn paddling skills and develop confidence on the water
Train with experienced and certified coaches
Build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills
Experience the challenge and excitement of competition
Make new friends and become part of a supportive paddling community

I have been working with these guys for years now! With lots of hard work and timely communication, they made sure they delivered the best to me. Highly recommended!

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I have been working with these guys for years now! With lots of hard work and timely communication, they made sure they delivered the best to me. Highly recommended!

John Doe Company Name

Programs

The Lotus Sports Club youth program offers year-round opportunities to develop paddling skills and compete in both dragon boat and outrigger canoe racing. Our spring program (April to June) focuses on dragon boat paddling, with teams competing in the Concord Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival. From July to March, paddlers train and race in Hawaiian outrigger canoes.

Over the years, the youth program has earned many championships in both dragon boats and outrigger canoes, including the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival. Our outrigger teams have also competed in the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Race in Kona, Hawaii, as well as many local and national competitions.

Youth Dragon Boat Program (April – June)

The spring dragon boat program introduces youth paddlers to the excitement of team racing, where they develop timing, technique, and teamwork while preparing for competition. Paddlers build confidence and experience through training and participation in Concord Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival.

Practice:

Requirements:

Contact:

Youth Outrigger Program (July to March)

From July to March, youth paddlers train and compete in Hawaiian outrigger canoes, developing advanced paddling skills, endurance, and race strategy. The program provides opportunities to challenge themselves, compete at local and national events, and experience the unique culture and tradition of outrigger canoeing.

Practice:

Requirements:

Contact:

View full practice schedule

How to join

Joining Lotus is easy. Our affordable youth memberships welcome young paddlers of all experience levels to discover paddling and become part of our community. We’re committed to making paddling accessible. If you have questions about membership options, please reach out.

Become a member

Join now

FAQ

If this is your first time paddling with Lotus, please read our frequently asked questions:

What should I wear / bring?

– Footwear: water shoes (or footwear you are willing to get wet). You’ll need to walk down to the beach where there are barnacles, broken shells, and rocks. Wear shoes that have a heel strap that will stay on or take off your shoes once you are on the watercraft (boat / SUP).
– Clothing: wear light clothing and layers. Avoid cotton. No jeans.
– Change of clothes and a towel: there are changerooms at the clubhouse but no shower.
– Water bottle: There is a water dispenser at the clubhouse. For OC6, you can bring the water bottle aboard. For SUP, you won’t be able to carry your water bottle on the SUP unless you have a waist pack for it or attach it to your PFD with a carabiner.
– Sun protection: hat with a brim, sunglasses (with a safety strap) and sunscreen are highly recommended.

Do I need to bring my own paddle, PFD, boat / SUP board?

No, we provide boats, paddles and personal floatation devices (PFDs). All SUP paddlers must wear a Canadian Coast Guard approved PFD.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, it is important that you know how to swim. If you are not a strong swimmer, please let your steersperson/leader know. If you cannot comfortably tread water for 15 minutes, you must always wear a personal floatation device (PFD).

Will I get wet?

Yes, it’s a water sport, so you might get wet! Please bring a towel and a complete change of clothes. We have changerooms on site but no shower.

Where are you located? Is there free parking?

We are located in Barnet Marine Park. There is plenty of free parking, but be sure to check the posted signs, as parking time limits vary throughout the year. On sunny weekends, the parking lots can fill up early, so we recommend arriving early.

After entering the park, drive to the west end of the parking lot. Park and walk down the road and cross the railway tracks. The clubhouse is the large brick building immediately on your right.

What are your safety protocols?

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