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Outrigger Canoe Training

FGPC and COVID-19

FGPC’s 2020 fall/winter season is affected by COVID-19, and program changes should be expected. CLICK HERE for details about how FGPC is addressing programs and events for the coming season.

FGPC OFFERS OUTRIGGER (OC) PROGRAMS, clinics and events for novice, recreational and competitive paddlers.

Outrigger canoe crews consist of six paddlers, with a “stroke” paddler in seat one and a “stern” paddler in seat six.

Outrigger paddlers seek out and adapt to a variety of water and weather conditions in order to achieve maximum hull speed and “glide.” With an experienced stern and paddling crew, outriggers can surf and manoeuvre in protected waters and the open ocean.

Stay tuned as we continue to update our website with information for the new paddling season.

Here’s a look at the OC programs at FGPC.


Coached Outrigger Programs

FGPC Evening/Weekend Recreational 

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Cost: $375 for 3X weekly; $300 for 2X weekly; $210 for 1X weekly; a variety of gym training programs and facility access is available to registered FGPC paddlers for the winter / summer seasons. Prices range from $12.50 to $77.50 per month (plus tax) for FGPC members only. Contact FGPC’s front desk for more information after you have completed your paddling program registration.

Head Coach: TBA

Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00-2:00 pm.

A fun and supportive environment for paddlers who enjoy paddling outrigger canoes. While participants will have opportunities to race, the focus is on building skills and enjoying time on the water.

Interested in joining the program? Click here to begin the process: complete this online form


FGPC Daytime Recreational

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Cost: $300.00 for 2X weekly; $210.00 for 1X weekly; a variety of gym training programs and facility access is available to registered FGPC paddlers for the winter / summer seasons. Prices range from $12.50 to $77.50 per month (plus tax) for FGPC members only. Contact FGPC’s front desk for more information after you have completed your paddling program registration.

Head Coach: Brian Neill

Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:15 pm to 2:15 pm

For non-9-to-5ers and retired people who want to challenge themselves with progressive distances, from protected waters to middle distance (10km) open water pieces.  We will include some drills and technique training in our sessions and will feature guest coaches once in a while to up our game.

Interested in joining the program? Click here to begin the process: complete this online form


FGPC Intermediate

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Cost: $375 for 3x weekly; this program also offers gym and/or amenities access provided by FGPC’s Waterfront Fitness facility at pricing that ranges from $12.50 per month (amenities only) up to $77.50 per month (full program access) plus GST. Alternatively, a dedicated dry-land training session is available for this program for $27.50 per month, which also provides amenities access for the duration of the program (or $42.50 per month with towel service). Contact FGPC’s front desk for more information after you have completed your paddling program registration.

Head Coach: Patrick Linden | Consulting Coach: Laci Bujdos | Team Leads: Paul Agate, Mike Rowley

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00 am-11:00 am.

For paddlers who want to train and race outrigger canoes but can’t commit to the more consuming requirements of the competitive program. The focus will be on competing in races across Vancouver Island throughout the fall, winter and spring, with an off-island goal race during the summer.  Call or email info@fgpaddle.com for details.

NOTE for new and returning registrants: registration in the Intermediate Outrigger program requires authorization from the program’s coaches for all new paddlers. For paddlers new to the program, please complete the registration form and we will set up a meeting between you and the program coaches.  Click here to begin the process: complete this online form


FGPC Outrigger for Dragonboaters + Premier

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Cost: $210 for 1x per week; This program offers gym and/or amenities access provided by FGPC’s Waterfront Fitness facility at pricing that ranges from $12.50 per month (amenities only) up to $77.50 per month (full program access) plus GST. Alternatively, a dedicated dry-land training session is available for this program for $27.50 per month, which also provides amenities access for the duration of the program (or $42.50 per month with towel service). Contact FGPC’s front desk for more information after you have completed your paddling program registration.

Head Coach: Matt Tancon

Practices on Saturdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

For the dedicated dragon boat racer who wants an extra practice in outrigger canoes to improve their fitness and on-water skills during the summer dragon boat season. Practices will be in outrigger canoes and participants will learn new stroke mechanics and skills to compliment their dragon boating.

NOTE for new and returning registrants: Registration requires authorization from the program’s coaches for all new paddlers. For paddlers new to the program, please complete the registration form and we will set up a meeting between you and the program coaches.  Click here to begin the process: complete this online form


FGPC Gorge Outrigger Competitive Program

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Cost: $375 for 3 x weekly crew training (plus additional small boat workouts). Strength and cardio training are also requirements of this program, along with time trials and other performance measures. This program offers gym and/or amenities access provided by FGPC’s Waterfront Fitness facility at pricing that ranges from $12.50 per month (amenities only) up to $77.50 per month (full program access) plus GST. Alternatively, a dedicated dry-land training session is available for this program for $27.50 per month, which also provides amenities access for the duration of the program (or $42.50 per month with towel service). 

Head Coach: Laci Bujdos | Team Leads: Lynn Stokes, Jason Easton

Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Sundays from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

For the serious racer. The comp program attends many races throughout the province and the Pacific Northwest and typically attends one or two major international race per year. Participants are expected to train a minimum of three times per week with the crew, as well as independent OC1 training. Call, or email Marcus Krieger for details – marcus@fgpaddle.com

NOTE for new and returning registrants:  requires authorization from the program’s coaches for all new paddlers. For paddlers new to the program, please complete the registration form and we will set up a meeting between you and the program coaches.  Click here to begin the process: complete this online form.


Simply Rec Outrigger Program

Cost: $210; a variety of gym training programs and facility access is available to registered FGPC paddlers for the winter / summer seasons. Prices range from $12.50 to $77.50 per month (plus tax) for FGPC members only. Contact FGPC’s front desk for more information after you have completed your paddling program registration.

Head Coach: Marcus Krieger

A program for those who are looking for a casual Friday morning paddle from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Originally a dragon boat crew, Simply Rec has taken to the distance oriented nature of outrigger canoes. In this program you will learn the basics of the outrigger stroke, and how to work as a crew to safely navigate the Gorge waterway and Victoria Inner Harbour.

Complete this form to get more information or register.


NOTE: club-wide “huli drills” are required by all paddlers, generally in the later summer / early fall of each year.  Each program, paddler and crew must record a successful huli drill with designated FGPC staff. Ask program coaches or boathouse staff about scheduled dates. For independent programs, please book with the office soon to get these done during during warm weather.


Are you new and want to learn to outrigger?

Want to try outrigger canoeing in relaxed, 1.5 hour classes? The Fairway Gorge Paddling Club believes that the best introduction to paddling is to blend new paddlers into experienced crew boats to accelerate learning and give newcomers a more intense and accurate immersion into the sport. Limited seats are available in each scheduled program, and newcomers are required to book available spaces in advance. All instructors, paddles and PFDs (“life jackets”) are provided.

Aside from a few minutes of paper work and a $15 drop-in fee, all that’s required is enthusiasm and a willingness to try new things. Enrolments are limited and advance registration is required; call 778.432.3472 to secure your spot.  All ages (13+) are welcome. All participants must sign digital waivers, provided to you when you register.

Drop-in sessions are designed to give non-paddlers and dragon boat paddlers who are curious about outrigger the chance to try the sport in a fun and safe environment. Participants who wish to continue can join FGPC’s recreational summer and winter season outrigger curricula.

Participants will be taught the basics of the stroke, seat roles, crew blend and huli recovery during their pre-booked drop-in appointments.

All participants must register in advance. Contact the office at 778.432.3472 to secure your spot.


Small boat storage

2020 Personal Boat Storage: limited personal boat storage spaces come available occasionally. Please call the boathouse 778.432.3472 to be wait-listed for small boat storage space.


FGPC Waterfront Fitness Membership for Paddlers Registered in FGPC Programs

Tier 1:

FGPC AMENITIES ONLY. FGPC registrants will be eligible for a preferred rate of $12.50 PER MONTH (plus tax)

FGPC AMENITIES ONLY includes use of washroom and shower facilities, as well as access to day lockers during practice times only. No pro-rating is available for this subscription. No towel service.

Tier 2:

FGPC GYM BASIC. FGPC registrants will be eligible for a preferred rate of $27.50 PER MONTH (plus tax)

FGPC GYM BASIC includes unsupervised use of gym equipment as well as dedicated paddlers’ only classes in addition to washroom and shower facilities, as well as access to day lockers during practice times only. No pro-rating is available for this subscription. No towel service. Paddlers may only attend program classes specific to their program (if offered; minimum enrolment requirements apply).

Tier 3:

FGPC GYM PLUS. FGPC registrants will be eligible for a preferred rate of $42.50 PER MONTH (plus tax)

FGPC GYM PLUS includes unsupervised use of gym equipment as well as dedicated paddlers’ only classes in addition to washroom and shower facilities, as well as access to day lockers during practice times only.

Pro-rating is available for this subscription and towel service is included.

Tier 4:

FGPC GYM PLUS X 2. FGPC registrants will be eligible for a preferred rate of $52.50 PER MONTH (plus tax)

FGPC GYM PLUS X 2 includes unsupervised use of gym equipment as well as dedicated paddlers’ only classes in addition to washroom and shower facilities, as well as access to day lockers during practice times only.

Pro-rating is available for this subscription and towel service is included.

Tier 5:

PREMIUM ACCESS MEMBERSHIP. Cost: $77.50 PER MONTH (plus tax)

PREMIUM ACCESS MEMBERSHIP includes all “tiered” membership services as well as unlimited access to the class schedule. Pro-rating is available for this subscription and towel service is included.


Valid FGPC subscribers must confirm their eligibility for preferred pricing at the facility’s front desk. Subscribers of preferred pricing tiers (e.g. 1 to 5) must be enrolled in FGPC paddling programs before setting up monthly gym subscriptions. Minimum subscription is 3 months. No pro-rating is available for Tier 1 and 2 preferred pricing options. There is currently a waiting list for premium access memberships; however, if you are a registered paddling program member in a club crew program enrolled in a 2x per week program, you can subscribe for an FGPC Premium Access Membership without queuing in the waiting list. Please contact the gym’s front desk for more information.

All gym members are required to purchase an entry fob for $10 (this is refundable if you cancel your memberships and return the fob). Fobs must be used to access the gym.

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