It’s always a perfect time be a beginner paddler at Fairway Gorge Paddling Club.
Our seasons run from April to the end of September, and from the beginning of October to the end of March, but many of our programs are designed to allow beginners to “jump in the boat” at any point in the year.
We offer programs in outrigger canoe and dragon boat that are perfect for beginners.
Outrigger Canoe
For outrigger canoe we offer the following programs that are perfect for new paddlers:
- Beginner OC1: This is a 4 session course with a maximum of 4 registrants that provides basic training in the single-seat outrigger and gives the paddler the skills necessary to take the canoe out on the Gorge Waterway with confidence.
- Daytime Outrigger (V12): This program has 2x per week practices for the casual and recreational paddler in a double hull 12-seater outrigger, and always welcomes new paddlers. The program is very popular and almost always sells out.
- Daytime Outrigger Wednesday only (V12): Experience the adventure of outrigger paddling on a beautiful Wednesday morning. Led by our experienced instructors, this program is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to enjoy the water at a relaxed pace. You’ll learn the fundamentals of paddling technique, safety, and boat handling in a fun and supportive environment. No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a love for the outdoors!
- Sunday Outrigger (V12 and OC6): For those who are not available during the week and love paddling in the daylight, this is the recreational paddling for you.
- Weekday Evening Outrigger (V12 and OC6): Experience outrigger paddling in a relaxed and enjoyable setting on weekday evenings (5:30pm to 7:00pm). Led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors, this program is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to explore the water at a leisurely pace. You’ll learn the fundamentals of paddling technique, safety, and boat handling in a supportive environment. No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a love for the outdoors!
OC1 (single seat outrigger canoe)
OC6 (six seat outrigger canoe)
V12 (double hull 12 seater outrigger canoe)
Dragon Boat
For beginner dragon boat paddlers, there are many options:
- Our Dragon Boat training program meets once or twice weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays and is a great place for beginners to learn all the basics and make some great new friends.
- FGPC’s Greenhorn Dragons is the perfect program for brand new paddlers of all ages and abilities who want to dip their paddles in the water over a series of practices culminating in one of Vancouver Island’s three signature dragon boat races.
- FGPC offers free dragon boat open house events every Spring and Summer to introduce new paddlers to the fun and camaraderie of dragon boat paddling.
Once you get the paddling bug and want to get involved with more competitive programs, we have loads of opportunities for both outrigger and dragon boat! See our Paddling Program Guide for more details.
Kayak/SUP Access Membership
We offer a non-coached Kayak and SUP access membership that offers up to 90 minutes per day of access to a kayak or a stand up paddle board (SUP) for the cost of $77.50+GST per month. We require each kayak paddler to undergo a one hour orientation which provides the basics needed to take our docile kayaks out on the usually calm water of the Gorge. It’s a great deal compared to renting a kayak. There is a 3 month commitment minimum for this membership.
