Youth Programs
Youth Competitive Canoe & Kayak Programs
Burnaby Canoe & Kayak Club offers youth sprint canoe and kayak programs for athletes aged 7 and up, from beginners learning to paddle to athletes training for competition.
If you are new to paddling, we recommend starting with one of our Introductory Programs before joining our competitive programs.
All athletes must purchase an annual club membership, which includes insurance and membership with Canoe Kayak BC and Canoe Kayak Canada.
Program Structure
Our youth programs follow a two-tier training structure designed to support athlete development and progression in sprint canoe and kayak.
Youth Competitive
- Up to 3 sessions per week
- Focus on skill development, fitness, and introduction to racing
- Ideal for athletes developing their paddling skills and training habits
Performance Squad
- Up to 6 sessions per week
- Designed for athletes training and competing at a higher level
- Supports athletes pursuing provincial and national competition
Athletes are placed in the appropriate group in consultation with our coaching staff to ensure the best training environment for their goals and experience level.
One Team Training Environment
All youth athletes train together on the water, creating a strong team environment that supports:
- Team culture and friendships
- Consistent coaching
- Long-term athlete development
- Smooth progression between program levels
Year-Round Seasonal Training
Our competitive programs run year-round and are divided into four equal training seasons:
- Winter: January - March
- Spring: April - June
- Summer: July - September
- Fall: October - December
This seasonal structure allows families flexibility while supporting continuous athlete development.
Long-Term Athlete Development
All programs are aligned with the Canoe Kayak Canada Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and Canadian Sport for Life. Athletes develop fundamental skills first and progress toward higher levels of training and competition over time.
Our goal is to help every athlete find the right balance of training, competition, and enjoyment in the sport.
For more info contact programcoordinator@burnabylake.com
