Learn to Paddle Program
Our Learn to Paddle Program is your gateway experience to the incredible sport and community of dragon boat. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, interested in improving your personal fitness, or curious about the tight-knit atmosphere of 22 athletes working towards one goal, this is the program for you!
This 5-week program is geared for paddlers of all skill levels and ages, focusing on community and elevating each individual to their full potential through effective, efficient and purposeful training in and out of the boat. Under the guidance of a certified coach, paddlers will engage in essential technical skills to transfer into more advanced levels of dragon boat or into other paddle crafts at the club.
Each season is divided out into 2 sessions (Spring & Summer), featuring practices on either Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings Feel free to select the session that aligns best with your personal schedule. Paddlers can enroll into both sessions if they desire!
At the end of each program session, participants will be automatically enrolled into a regatta (aka dragon boat race), therefore the fees are reflective of practices, entry to the regatta and a take-home jersey.
Paddles and PFDs are provided during practices and race-days!
2026 Water Season
TRY IT OUT DAY
Interested in testing out the waters before officially signing up for LTP? Meet others in the same boat (ha ha!) and experience dragon boat for the first time, complete with fun drills and friendly racing!
Dates: May 2 (Early Bird) @ 10:00AM-11:45AM
May 30 (Spring) @ 10:00-11:45AM
July 25 (Summer) @ 10:00-11:45AM
September 19 (Fall) @ 10:00-11:45AM
Cost: $10, Free if you join one of our learn to paddle programs
Spring Session 2026
LEARN TO PADDLE
Your paddling journey begins here! Paddlers will end off the season at GWN Sport Regatta (Jul 18), competing in an exciting day of racing against other teams in Toronto.
Dates: Saturdays (starting June 6, no class on June 13) @ 10:00 AM
Wednesdays (starting June 10) @ 6:20PM
Cost: $210+HST (includes practices, race-day entry, and jersey)
Summer Session 2026
LEARN TO PADDLE
Ready for your paddling era?! Finish the season strong at one of Toronto's biggest regattas, GWN Challenge (Sep 12 & 13), featuring two incredible days of racing, celebrating the end of water season.
Note: This is a TWO day regatta.
Dates: Saturdays (starting August 8) @ 10:00 AM
Wednesdays (starting August 12) @ 6:20PM
Cost: $220 +HST (includes practices, race-day entry, and jersey)
Hear from our paddlers!
Nancy L, Summer 2023
LTP is a great program to start your paddling journey! Taking part in it inspired me to move from a beginner level paddler to a premier division, all within one year. With the right coaches and mindset, anything is possible!
FAQs
What is your refund policy?
Paddlers are eligible for refunds if requested at least two weeks before the session start date. No refunds will be issued within one week of start date.
Is swimming a requirement?
Swimming is not a requirement! As a paddler, you are expected to remain inside the boat while on the water. PFDs are provided.
A note on capsizing (i.e. flipping in the boat): On very rare occasions, capsizing does happen, particularly due to poor weather. In average weather conditions, dragon boats are quite stable, especially under the supervision and direction of a certified coach. Be sure to carefully listen to all safety measures indicated during your practices.
I'm very new to sports, is this the right program for me?
No experience is required to join LTP! In fact, the program is designed to build paddlers from the ground up. Our goal is to introduce paddling step-by-step, encouraging proper technique for an enjoyable season.