Head Coach & Coordinator: Bridget Irwin

Growing up going to Nova Scotia in the summers with my family and paddling the lakes and ocean there, and then moving into competitive sprint canoe-kayak for 10 years & medalling at the national level, I have been outside and on the water ever since I can remember!

 

My coaching and coordinating experience spans across 16 years, including coaching and coordinating programs like Canoe Kids, Intro to Sprint, Dragon Boat, and Canoe-Kayak with Canoe Kayak Canada coaching certifications (NCCP Community Coach & Entry Level Competitive Coach -- Core Training & Advanced Gradation) and awards. Coaching also ignited my passion for teaching. When I moved to Toronto in 2018 for my Master of Arts in Child Studies and Education, I was fresh off of the Crew Club World Championships for dragon boat, and eager to balance my pursuits in education continued involvement in paddling. I paddled with New Dragons and then New Dragons Racing Club for four years, also animating and training new athletes for dryland and OC.

 

As a fully bilingual Ontario and Quebec certified teacher specializing in working with students with special needs and students from diverse contexts (FNMI, newcomers, ELL, etc.), my approach as a homeroom teacher, English Department Head, and interim Vice-PrincipaI has always been to lead students, teachers, and the wider school community with a focus continuous improvement while grounded in curiousity and compassion.

 

My role as coach at Sunnyside Paddling Club the during my past four summers off has allowed me to continue spreading my love of teaching and paddling! I am proud to be coordinating the Small Waves, Strong Minds program this year and look forward to instilling a love for the outdoors and paddle sports!​

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Lead Coach: Jenna Nicholson

My name is Jenna and I’m a passionate paddler and athlete with over 13 years of experience in competitive sprint canoeing and three years of experience as a varsity rower, where I currently serve as team captain. I’ve earned multiple national championship medals in canoeing and have spent the past seven years coaching athletes of all ages and skill levels.

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I love being on the water and sharing my excitement for paddling with others. As a counsellor, my goal is to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where kids can build confidence, and develop their skills in kayaking, canoeing and SUP. Whether it’s someone’s first time on the water or they’re looking to improve, I’m excited to help every child have an amazing experience!

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Coach: Serene Chan

As a passionate educator and dedicated youth paddling camp counsellor at Sunnyside Paddling Club, I strive to create a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment where young paddlers can grow both on and off the water. With a strong personal background in dragon boat paddling and OC (outrigger canoe) training, I bring firsthand experience, enthusiasm, and technical knowledge to every session. I take pride in introducing campers to the fundamentals of paddling while helping them build confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for being active outdoors.

 

In addition to my work on the water, I am an avid volleyball player, which has further shaped my appreciation for teamwork, communication, and leadership. I carry these values into her coaching and teaching approach, emphasizing collaboration, encouragement, and mutual respect among campers. As an educator, I am committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond sport, helping children develop life skills such as perseverance, communication, and self-confidence.

 

As a coach, I am deeply committed to promoting physical literacy in children by creating opportunities for movement, skill progression, and personal growth in a safe and supportive setting. I aim to make every activity enjoyable while fostering fundamental movement skills that will benefit campers in all aspects of their lives. My approach focuses on meeting each child at their individual level and helping them succeed through positive reinforcement and thoughtful instruction.

 

I am CPR certified and hold my NCCP Community Canoe Kayak Coach certification, equipping me with the knowledge and responsibility to ensure a safe, structured, and high-quality experience for all participants. Whether leading drills on the dock, guiding paddling sessions on the water, or supporting campers as they try something new, I am committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences that inspire confidence and a lasting passion for sport and physical activity.​​

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Coach: Tracy Nguyen

I believe campers thrive when they're having fun, feeling supported, and given the freedom to be themselves. Summer should feel different,  looser, lighter, and full of possibility. It's a space where kids get to lead, make choices, and discover what they're capable of on their own terms. Every camper's voice matters, and I love making sure each kid feels heard and included.

 

As a teacher with 5 years in the classroom, I know how powerful it is when kids feel genuinely cared for. I bring that same warmth to Sunnyside Paddling Club every summer — because the connections we build on and off the water are just as important as the skills we develop.

 

Being on the water is a big part of who I am. I've been paddling for 4 years and dragon boating with a team for 2, and I'm a swimmer too — I'm honestly just happiest near the water! After 3 incredible summers with Sunnyside Paddling Club, I couldn't be more excited to be back helping campers grow, laugh, and fall in love with this sport.

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