Whether you have dreams of winning an Olympic medal or simply want to enjoy the pleasures of nature, the West Rouge Canoe Club has something for you. We have changed our registration format based on age group (High School/University and Adult) and program (Outrigger and Paddle ALL as separate program forms). Please browse through our Programs to determine which program best fits your paddling objectives.
Please note, all registration forms can be found under our Registration tab.
Summer Camps and Counselor-In-Training
(New paddles from WRSRA!)
The West Rouge Canoe Camp and Dragon Boat Camp are designed for boys and girls ages 6 to 16 that are looking for a fun and active summer full or sports, games and on-water activities.
We are excited to announce that we will be offering Dragon Boat camp for 4 weeks in the 2010 season at Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering! This camp will offer the same activities as the Rouge site, but with the added bonus of Dragon Boat…North America’s fastest growing water sport!
Don’t miss out…This camp has limited spots available! Sign up now!
But I have never done any boating before?!?
All canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boat sessions are designed as an introduction and they feature water and boat safety skills, various stroke techniques, and boat handling.
What kind of boats will I use?
We have pleasure canoes, war canoes, sprint canoes and kayaks, mini kayaks, penguins and dragon boats.
Will I be on the water ALL day?!?
We also play games including beach volleyball, scavenger hunts, capture the flag, basketball, dodge ball, soccer, relay races, sand castle building, crafts, and West Rouge’s famous favourites: Pickle and Bump!
The emphasis at Camp is placed on team building and skill development. We provide a fun, safe, and non-intimidating environment where your child will be encouraged to participate and succeed. Friday afternoons are reserved for a fun regatta where the campers will have a chance to display their new skills in friendly competition. For those campers who especially enjoy themselves, there is also the opportunity to participate in regional inter-club regattas held on most Saturdays until mid-August.
What is the Counselor-In-Training or CIT program?
The CIT program has grown out of our former LIT or Leader-In-Training program. The CIT program is now an application based program for campers 13 years of age and older who are interested in taking on more responsibility while at camp. In the program, CITs will assist the camp counselors with the campers and daily camp activities. Individuals that pass this program will receive 25 community service hours. This experience will be valuable for individuals that are looking to challenge themselves in a position of responsibility and those that are considering future work with children or as a camp counselor. This program allows youth to build on their leadership and teamwork skills while developing their paddling skills (no experience necessary!). We train our CITs in areas we feel are important to becoming a good counselor, such as communication, problem-solving, responsibility, leadership, and professionalism. Anyone who applies to become a CIT and does not qualify will automatically be enrolled in our Senior Camp program for the chosen week.
What do CITs receive at the end of the program?
CITs receive 25 hours of community service to put towards their high school requirement and a certificate of completion. We will also happily provide reference letters.
How long is the CIT program?
The CIT program is a week long program run only at our Rouge Beach location. We offer the program during all of our weeks to accommodate our CITs summer schedule. CITs are only required to complete one week, however, CITs are welcome to return to the program, try something different at our Dragonboat program, or join our club's Youth Canoe/Kayak Development program if they are interested in further developing their paddling skills.
What if my child is 13 years of age or older and does not want to be a CIT?
We now offer a SENIOR CAMP, for campers who do not want to apply to become a CIT. This program will provide a more age-appropriate camp experience for older campers. Campers will have various paddling sessions, and off-water programming will be more flexible to suit the needs of the group each week. This program also offers Senior campers 5 hours of community service to put toward their high school hours, as Senior campers will be asked to assist younger campers with boat carrying, etc.
What is the difference between Atom, Junior, and Senior Camp?
This year we have introduced age categories on our registration forms to help us create age appropriate groups before the chaos of Monday morning arrival! Each group will have age appropriate activities suited to their developmental and physical abilities. As always, we will remain flexible in our abilities to group friends or siblings (or separate them if necessary!) even if the ages do not directly line up with the age groups
For more information or to register, please call (905) 767-3330 or e-mail us at camp@westrougecc.org.
Bantam Program - $135/week (tax included) OR $340/summer (tax included), 7 weeks available
(Please note, our full-day (9 am - 4pm) Summer Camp Program is described above.)
Our Bantam program is run weekly for 7 weeks throughout the summer. This program is offered to persons ages 8-14 to provide an introduction to paddling. It is designed for those who are new to the Club and can only commit to one or a few weeks during the spring and summer season. The program involves learning all aspects of water safety, how to paddle a singles, doubles, or 4-man canoe and kayak, as well as how to paddle the larger team boat, the War Canoe. Participants will also go in our 20-person Dragon boats and play games to enhance skill development. All equipment will be provided. The program runs from July 5th to August 20th. Practices are held on Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at our Frenchman’s Bay Site. For those who wish to continue paddling for the remainder of the season, we will offer a fall program at an additional fee.
Canoe/Kayak High School Novice - $395/season (tax included), 2 sessions per week in the spring and 8 summer weeks available
The bulk of this program is run in July and August, Monday through Friday from 8 am – 10 am. Spring practice dates will also be available (times will be announced). This program is for paddlers ages 15 – 18 to provide a foundation for paddlers to build upon their skills. The program involves learning all aspects of water safety, how to paddle a singles, doubles, or 4-man canoe or kayak, as well as how to paddle the larger team boat, the War Canoe. Participants will also have the opportunity to go in our 20-person Dragon boats. All equipment will be provided. This program takes place at our Frenchman’s Bay site. Spring practice dates will be available and announced. For those who wish to continue paddling for the remainder of the season, we will offer a fall program at an additional fee.
Adult Learn to Paddle - $340 (tax included), 10 two-hour sessions
Our Adult Learn to Paddle program is designed for adults who would like to learn how to canoe or kayak in our sprint-style boats. In small groups, participants will work with coaches to learn the basics of water safety, boat handling, and paddling techniques in both canoe and kayak. Participants may also have the opportunity to try our 14-person War Canoe. This is also a great cross-training opportunity for athletes in other sports, including Dragon boat. All equipment will be provided through our Frenchman’s Bay site. This program will take place on Thursdays at 6:30 pm.
War Canoe Program – $255/season (tax included), 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks
Our War Canoe Program is offered to members ages 14 – 24 for our High School and University Division and 25 + for our Adult Division. This program emphasizes team building at a competitive level. Paddling skills are taught with personal fitness and team building being an integral part of the program. All equipment will be provided. Practice schedule to be announced in early spring. The program will run for 12 weeks.
Canoe/Kayak Development Program – $510/season (tax included), 5 sessions per week for 20 weeks
Our Canoe/Kayak Development Program is offered to members ages 14 – 24 for our High School and University Division and 25+ for our Adult Division. This program is for those looking to take the next step into competitive Canoe/Kayak and Dragon Boat racing with a more advanced emphasis placed on water safety, equipment care, skill development, team spirit and fun. Participants train in singles boats, doubles, fours, and a 14 person War Canoe, with the option of also doing Dragon Boat. All equipment will be provided. This program offers participants the option of choosing 5 practices per week to attend, of the 10+ practices offered through our High Performance program. Starting in mid-June, participants may be involved in regional inter-club regattas held on most Saturdays until mid-August. They may also attend Divisional Championships, and Ontario Championships.
Canoe/Kayak High Performance Program - $650/season (tax included), 10+ sessions per week for 20 weeks
Our High Performance Program is designed to meet the needs of the Club's most serious athletes over the ages of 14, with the highest degree of paddling experience and whose objective is selection to either the Provincial or National Team. Paddlers will attend Provincial and National Team Trials. Goal setting is stressed and reviewed regularly, with emphasis placed on skill development, technique, personal fitness and nutrition. The program runs from mid-April through to the end of August. An additional fall program will be announced in mid-summer. Participants have unlimited access to all Club programs and should expect to attend 10+ Canoe/Kayak sessions per week at our Frenchman's Bay site. Members will participate in regional regattas held on Saturdays until the end of August. They may also attend Divisional Championships, Ontario Championships and National Championships.
High School Recreational Dragon Boat Program - $225 (tax included), 2 sessions per week for 10 weeks
Our High School Dragon Boat Program is a new program to the club in 2010. The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for high school students to continue paddling in a fun, relaxed atmosphere after their high school season is over. Participants will have the option of attending two regattas during the season (fees not included). Coaching staff will work with participants to improve their technique, increase their endurance and overall fitness levels, and provide a fun, positive, and enjoyable paddling experience for all paddlers. This program will take place at our Frenchman’s Bay location. Practices will begin in late June, times and dates to be announced.
Adult Dragon Boat Recreational Program - $175/season (tax included), 1 session per week for 20 weeks
Our Dragon Boat Recreational Program is offered to paddlers ages 25+. It is an introductory program designed to teach basic paddling skills. All equipment will be provided. Membership includes 1 FREE entry into a select Dragon Boat Festival. All other festivals will be chosen at the discretion of the coach and attending participants will be responsible for the associated fees. Members will have the opportunity to train and race in one of the fastest growing water sports in Canada, including the always exciting Pickering Dragon Boat Challenge during the Frenchman’s Bay Community Festival on June 5th, 2010. The program runs from May through September. Practices will be held on Wednesday’s at 6:30 at our Frenchman’s Bay site. The Dragon Boat Recreational Program offers an excellent way to improve aerobic fitness, coordination and meet new people.
Adult Dragon Boat Development Program – $340/season (tax included), 2 sessions per week for 20 weeks
Our Adult Dragon Boat Development Program is offered to paddlers ages 25+. It provides fitness touring paddling for adult members, as well as competitive opportunities. Personal fitness and team building are an integral part of dragon boat paddling. All equipment will be provided. Members will have the opportunity to train and race in one of the fastest growing water sports in Canada, including the always exciting Pickering Dragon Boat Challenge on June 5th, 2010. Membership includes FREE entry into the Pickering Dragon Boat Festival. The program runs from May through September. Practices are held on Monday's and Wednesday's, times to be announced, at our Frenchman’s Bay Site. The Adult Dragon Boat Development Program offers an excellent way to improve aerobic fitness, coordination and meet new people.
Adult Outrigger Program - $395/season (tax included), 2 sessions per week for 19 weeks
Our NEW Outrigger Program will allow paddlers to experience our newest type of boat – an OC-6. A 6-person outrigger is designed for various water conditions, including big waves, and is most commonly seen in Hawaii. This program will allow a group of 5 paddlers (must be 18+) to join with an assigned coach/steersperson to take on the adventure of Outrigger. During the spring season, crews will be paddling in Frenchman’s Bay, working on their skills. Upon passing an on-water test, crews will be allowed to venture into Lake Ontario during the summer months, depending on water temperature. Practices will be 1.5 hours long, each crew getting a practice on a week night and one on Sunday. Limited spots available, so sign up now to take on our newest adventure! The season will last 19 weeks, from May to September.
EVERY BOAT! EVERYBODY!
Paddle ALL is a project introduced By Canoe/Kayak Canada. It is a program aimed at promoting Individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport of Sprint Canoe/Kayak and Dragon Boat.
This season we have two 6-week sessions available for the Paddle ALL program. Participants can sign up for one 6-week session for $90 (tax included) or combine the sessions for a total of 12 weeks for $160 (tax included). Participants will try out our canoes, kayaks, and dragon boats during their 2 hour session held on Sundays.
Jr. Dragon Boat Challenge Program
The West Rouge Canoe Club’s 8th annual competition enables young people, ages 11 to 14 to paddle in a team boat called a Dragon Boat against other community teams in a fun and enthusiastic environment. The boat consists of a 41 foot, open racing canoe, propelled by 20 paddlers and is steered by a standing coxswain.
The program fosters teamwork, individual confidence, and social development. Instructed by national ranked athletes and coaches, the paddlers will gain an understanding of the fundamental movements of our sport as well as water safety requirements.
All equipment, including boats, paddles, and Personal Floatation Devices (P.F.D.’s) will be supplied. All programs follow OPHEA regulations.
The $25 fee per participant will include equipment rental fees, training and coaching, 4 instruction/practice sessions, race fees, event t-shirt and a B.B.Q. lunch at the regatta on June 13th, 2010.
Participants are also invited to bring their family members down to watch the races and take part in our Family Day activities, including use of our kayaks and canoes, fun races, volleyball tournament and free 1 hour babysitting by our summer staff.
If your organization is interested in being a part of the 8th Annual Jr. Dragon Boat Challenge Program please do not hesitate to contact us at info@westrouge.
The Event Flyer can be found here.
Request for Sponsorship
The West Rouge Canoe Club (WRCC) is asking organizations to support the WRCC’s 2010 Jr. Dragon Boat Challenge Program through financial contributions, prize donations and/or provisions of service.
Please review our event Sponsorship Package and Event Flyer.
If you are interested in sponsoring our 2010 Jr. Dragon Boat Challenge and/or require further information please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@westrougecc.org.
The West Rouge Canoe Club is once again pleased to offer an exciting and competitive Dragon Boat program! Located on the South-East corner of Frenchman’s Bay, our facility offers parking and change rooms, and all equipment, including paddles and life jackets, will be supplied.
Due to the nature of our club, you will also have the opportunity to enrol in cross-training programs in our sprint canoes and kayaks, giving you an edge up on your competition by improving your dragon boat technique and teaching you to find a better connection with the water.
Please review our packages below and call (905) 767-3330 or e-mail info@westrougecc.org with any further questions or to book your practice times. We are also happy to customize packages specifically for your team!
We are also happy to customize packages specifically for your team!
General Rental Package - $65/hr + HST
These sessions include boat and equipment rental.
General Seasonal Package - $1850 + HST
This package includes boat and equipment rental for a maximum 30 practices between May and September.
High School Dragon Boat Special! - $300 + HST
This package includes up to 10 dragon boat practice sessions with equipment rental. Entry in the Ontario High School Championships on June 6th is the responsibility of the participant.
Community Dragon Boat Festival Special! - $600 + HST
This package includes 4 practice sessions with a qualified coach, AND entry into the Pickering Dragon Boat Community Festival on June 6th.
**Subject to scheduled event dates
High Performance Coaching - $75/hr + GST
Standard Coaching - $50/hr + GST
Steering - $30/hr + GST
If you have a team but are lacking a coach, we can provide you with a professional, knowledgeable, motivating, and experienced leader to run your practices!
Do you rent boats?
WRCC does rent out our dragon boats on a seasonal or per session basis and is a great way for local businesses and community groups to develop team building while enjoying the great outdoors. For more information visit our Dragon Boat Rental Packages. However, we do not rent out our canoes, kayaks, or outriggers. To try out our fleet of canoes and kayaks visit our Calendar of Events and look for our Open House dates.
Who can join?
Whether your interest is in summer camps for your children, recreational paddling, flatwater racing, dragon boating or adventure racing the West Rouge Canoe Club has a program that is right for you.
Would you recommend this sport to children?
Yes, if you'd like them to spend the summer doing something healthy with positive and helpful role models and friends in an outdoor setting. The whole family can, and often does get involved.
My kids are already involved in summer activities, what's so special about paddling?
Youth at WRCC work with experienced coaches whose goal is to help the paddlers develop confidence and skills at his or her own rate. The emphasis is on safety, personal development and fun. The focus on individual goals makes paddling well suited to young athletes with developing ability, co-ordination and strength. Members can paddle in crew boats and singles, so it's both a team and individual sport. Those who wish to try racing have many chances during the summer, no matter what their ability level.
What's the best age to start paddling?
Some children begin as early as age 6 within our weekly Summer Camp Programs. Others have joined in their mid-50's. WRCC provides introduction programs to suit all ages.
Do I have to buy my own equipment? No, the Club provides all paddling equipment including boats, paddles and PFD's. It is suggested that you bring a change of clothes or towel, water and protection from the sun. We also suggest that competitive paddlers purchase their own paddles and lifejackets for consistency and availability.
Do I have to race? No, some members are not interested in racing and would rather just experience the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle in a fun and knowledgeable environment.
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