Join A Dragon Boat Team
Dragon boat has teams that are united by different abilities, demographics, goals and special interests. Afterburn provides coaching, indoor training and also partners with paddling clubs across the GTA to operate programming for a number of different goals according to the Canoe Kayak Canada Long-Term Athlete Development model here. All programs benefit from certified trainers and coaches, with sport-specific experience and vulnerable sector screening.
The following programs cater to different goals, please fill out our interest form here and we can help get you setup!
New for 2024 are a youth program and programs operating from the downtown east side.
For other programs that paddle from our Sunnyside Paddling Club, see link here.
Learn to Paddle
Looking to try out the sport? Or want your yearly shot of adrenaline? This 5 week course sets you up to have fun, meet new people, learn to paddle and HOPEFULLY love it so much that you'll join our other crews.
Start date: May 18th, 2024
Requirements: Any age, no prior experience required
Equipment: To be provided
Practice Times:
May 18, 2024 - 1PM at Afterburn Fitness
June 1, 8, 22, 29, July 6th, 2024 - 9AM at Sunnyside Paddling Club
Races: GWN Sport Race July 13th, 2024
Cost: $180
Learn to Train
Have fun and get your paddle on in a more casual training environment!
Requirements: Any age, no experience required
Equipment: To be provided
Location: Outer Harbour Dragon Boat Club (East) OR Sunnyside Paddling Club (West)
Practice Times:
East
-Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30PM
West
-Wednesdays at 7:30PM
-Saturdays at 10:30AM
SPRING SEASON:
Start date:
East: May 2nd, 2024
West: April 29th, 2024
Races:
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Milton - May 25, 2024
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TIDBRF - June 15th and 16th, 2024
Cost: $440
SUMMER SEASON:
Start date: June 24, 2024
Races:
-
GWN Sport Race July 13th, 2024
-
GWN Challenge September 7th and 8th, 2024
Cost: $510
Youth Team
This program is new for 2024. The program will train with adult crews until program enrolment reaches 18 or more paddlers. For our first year, paddlers are encouraged to join for off-season training with our competition crew as soon as able to allow for as much fitness and technical training before we head onto the water.
Goal: Introduce youth to the sport of dragon boat
Requirements: Under 24, no prior experience needed
Season Duration: East (May 2nd), West (April 27th)
Equipment: To be provided
Practice Times:
East
-Thursdays at 6pm at Balmy Beach Canoe Club
West
-Saturdays at 9AM at Sunnyside Paddling Club
Afterburn Summer Strength and Conditioning (Optional)
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM at Afterburn Fitness
Races:
GWN Sport Race July 13th, 2024
Cost: $180 (West), $180 (East)
Competition/ Masters Crew
Compete at the highest levels of competition while maximizing a 2-3 times a week commitment on the water. Selection process in effect.
Requirements: All ages and experience levels are welcomed but candidates especially those with little experience in the gym or on the water should be highly motivated to better themselves and work hard
Start date: October 14th, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to try out even if past this date but should expect to be behind in certain concepts
Equipment: Paddlers should have their own lifejacket and paddle within the first week of on-water training in May
Practice Times: (Joint with the competition crew)
October to April:
Saturdays at 7:30AM @ Afterburn Fitness
April to September:
Wednesdays at 7:30PM @ Sunnyside Paddling Club
Saturdays at 10:30AM @ Sunnyside Paddling Club
Races:
Pickering Dragon Boat Festival – June 1, 2024
Vancouver – June 22, 23, 2024
Nationals – July 24 to 28, 2024
GWN Challenge September 7th and 8th, 2024
Cost: $~1100