Paddling Programs
The Balmy Beach Canoe Club offers paddling programs for all ages and at all levels of competitiveness. No previous paddling experience is necessary and the Club supplies all equipment. Two sessions are available: Spring and Summer (May 1st - October 31st) and Fall and Winter (November 1st - April 30th). The following programs are offered during one or both of these sessions.
  • Atom Camp (Ages 7-10)
  • Bantam Camp (Ages 11-14)
  • Competitive Bantam (Ages 12-14)
  • Development/ High Performance Program (Ages 14 +)
  • War Canoe Program (Ages 15 +)
  • Masters Program (Ages 25 +)
  • Dragon Boat Program
  • Learn to Paddle Program
The Club also offers a Summer Sports Camp which is a Full Day-Camp in one week segments. This Camp offers a multi-sport program with an introduction to paddling. The information on this program is found immediately following the paddling program section or by selecting “Sports Camp” on our website at www.balmybeachcanoe.com

ATOM CAMP (Ages 7-10)
July 8th to August 15th
Tuesday to Friday
9:00am to 1:00pm 		$500 for full season
$200 for any 2 wk
This is our entry point for summer paddling programs for boys and girls ages 7 to 10, with an emphasis on FUN. The program involves learning the basics of water safety; how to paddle a canoe and kayak; and the importance of team work. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in a regional championship regatta held in Mississauga on August 12th. As well as canoe and kayak, other sports, games and activities will be offered to provide a fun, active experience for your child.
BANTAM CAMP (Ages 11-14)
July 2nd to August 22nd
Tuesday to Friday
9:00am to 1:00pm 		$500 for season
The Bantam Camp is designed for kids ages 11 to 14. Emphasis is on learning the FUNdamentals of paddling with a variety of skills, drills and games. Kids will learn to paddle with others in War Canoe and canoe and kayak team boats. Other activities and sports such as soccer, dodge ball, volleyball and capture the flag are played too: Paddlers in this program may participate in local regattas held throughout the summer.
COMPETITIVE BANTAM PROGRAM (Ages 11-14)
Year Round Program
May 3rd - June 30th - 4 practices per week (see schedule)
July 2nd - August 22nd attend regular Program:
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 to 1:00pm. 		Summer season $600
This Race Ready program is designed for kids ages 11 to 14. In the spring, practices are held 3 - 4 times per week, generally 2 to 3 afternoons and Saturday mornings in May and June. For July and August this group practices 4 mornings per week. This program is ideal for athletic kids who love a challenge. Emphasis is on racing in singles and crew boats. These athletes will participate in various regattas throughout the summer.
DEVELOPMENT / HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
(Ages 14 +)
Year Round Program 		Summer fees $700
Winter fees $TBD
Participants in the Development Program are 14 years of age or older, and have at least one season of paddling experience. Training becomes more intense with practices held six to eight times a week on a year-round basis - on weekdays in the late afternoon, some early mornings, and on Saturday mornings. From mid-June to mid-August, participants are involved in regional inter-club regattas held on most Saturdays. Emphasis is on learning to train to compete, as well as on skill development, technique and personal fitness. Paddlers train and race in singles boats, and doubles and fours team boats and the 15 person war canoe. They attend qualifying trials for the Ontario Championships and National Championships and, if successful, go on to participate at these events. During the off-water season, training involves swimming, running and weight training.
WAR CANOE / C4 PROGRAM (Ages 15 +)
May to August
May and June practices held twice per week
July and August three to four times per week 		$300 for season
While all participants in Club programs are encouraged to participate in the War Canoe Program, it is also offered as a stand-alone program. This program is designed to meet the competitive needs for youth 14 years and over. War canoe paddling skills are taught with personal fitness and team building being an integral part of the program. Practices are held at least once a week during May and June and three times a week during July and August. Crews can expect to participate in most regattas during July and August, and attend trials for the Ontario Championships and National Championships. Selection of crews at regattas will be the decision of the coaches. Skill and participation at practices will be determining factors.
MASTERS PROGRAM (Ages 25 +)
Year Round Program
All Masters MUST also be members of
the Balmy Beach Club 		Paddling Fee $330
The Masters Program provides a recreational program for adults age 25 and up, but offers, as well, competitive opportunities for everyone, including novices. Participants have access to kayaks, canoes, and the war canoe. Practices are held three times a week – on two evenings and on one weekend morning. During the spring and summer an early morning (before work!) practice(s) will also be scheduled. There are four regional regattas open to Masters during May to September. The summer culminates with the CANMAS Masters Championships in late August (held on the Sunday immediately following the National Championships) and it is reasonable to expect that a Master will compete in this event in his/her first year of paddling. The Masters Program offers an excellent way to improve aerobic and fitness skills and meet people. During the off-water season, training involves swimming, running and weight training.
DRAGON BOAT PROGRAM  

The dragon boat program is geared to teams needing practice time in preparation for various dragon boat festivals in the Toronto area and beyond. Teams usually book a set number of practices in the weeks/months leading up to their respective race events. All equipment is provided by the club. Coaching is also available. Teams looking to book boat time should contact our dragon boat co-coordinators:

  1. Rob Chang (robbychang@gmail.com)
  2. Grudy Deligrudev (grudy@eol.ca)

LEARN TO PADDLE PROGRAM
Weekend Sessions in May and June 		$100 session
The Learn to Paddle Program is an introductory program geared at both adolescents and adults who would like to try the sport of canoe and kayak. The program consists of three lessons and the next session is being held on June 1st, 8th and 15th at noon and will teach the fundamentals of the sport of canoe and kayak in a small group setting. Those who choose to continue on and become full Masters paddlers will have their fee applied against their Masters membership.

All participants must be registered with the Registrar and in turn with Canoe Kayak Canada, in the Padtrac system, before they are allowed to paddle, train and/or take part in any club event, no exceptions. Any paddler over the age of 18 must also be a member of the Balmy Beach Club. This membership can be obtained through the BBCC Registrar.