2026
Youth Paddling Programs

Paddle Academy Beginner (Sat 9-11am)
Intermediate (Mon+Wed 4-6pm, Sat 9-11am)
Junior Racing Team (Mon+Wed 4-6pm, Sat 9-11am)

Session 2 (April-June) In Progress

Youth Program Philosophy

The San Diego Canoe & Kayak Team youth program provides safe, fun, and progressive paddling opportunities for young athletes, from their first time stepping into a boat through advanced racing development. 

The goal of the program is to develop:

  • Strong foundational paddling skills

  • Confidence and safety on the water

  • Athletic development and fitness

  • Personal responsibility and discipline

  • Positive sportsmanship and teamwork

Across all levels, athletes are expected to follow SDCKT safety standards, code of conduct and contribute to a supportive team culture.

These standards include:

  • Proper use of PFDs and safe paddling practices

  • Respectful behavior toward teammates, coaches, and other paddlers

  • Care and responsibility for club boats and equipment

  • Positive attitudes and encouragement of teammates

While athletes often times train in different groups based on experience and ability, all participants are part of one unified team — the San Diego Canoe & Kayak Team. Developing a strong, supportive team culture is a core goal of the youth program. There will also be days all athletes train together so younger paddlers can learn from examples set and be inspired by older participants. And aspire to the next level.

The program is designed so that every athlete, regardless of level, contributes to the same shared club environment built on teamwork, accountability, and enjoyment of paddling.

Youth Development Pathway

The SDCKT youth program is organized into three progressive levels:

  1. Paddle Academy (Beginner) - Introduction to paddling and watercraft skills

  2. Intermediate Squad - Skill development and structured training

  3. Junior Racing Team - Advanced training and competitive racing preparation

Each level introduces increased expectations for skill, independence, fitness, and commitment.

Minimum Age: 8
Typical Age*: 8–12
Frequency: Typically 1 session per week

Paddle Academy is the entry point for youth paddlers and is designed for athletes with little or no prior paddling experience.

The program introduces youth to the fundamentals of paddling while emphasizing safety, teamwork, and enjoyment on the water.

Athletes will learn to paddle a variety of craft including:

  • Kayak

  • Surfski

  • Canoe

  • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

  • Prone paddleboard

Instruction focuses on developing the foundational elements of paddling technique:

  • Proper setup and body position

  • The four phases of the stroke:

    • Setup

    • Catch

    • Drive

    • Exit

  • Steering and directional control

  • Maneuvering techniques such as back paddling and draw strokes

Participants also learn the basic expectations of being a member of SDCKT, including:

  • Understanding club safety rules and PFD usage

  • Properly carrying boats (two people per boat)

  • Respecting and caring for club equipment

  • Understanding what it means to be “paddle ready”

The Paddle Academy environment emphasizes fun, curiosity, and building confidence, while introducing youth to the paddling community and the values of SDCKT.

Advancement Standard
Paddle Academy → Intermediate Squad

Athletes must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Paddle 500 meters in each craft without stopping

  • Demonstrate steering and maneuvering skills

  • Maintain directional awareness and environmental awareness

  • Show responsible behavior with club equipment and safety practices

  • Remount understanding

Successful completion of these skills indicates readiness for more structured training.

II. Intermediate Squad

Typical Age: 12–16
Frequency: Up to 3 sessions per week

Intermediate Squad is the next stage for youth paddlers who have developed foundational skills and are ready for more structured training.

The focus shifts toward improving technique, developing fitness, and learning how to follow structured workouts.

Athletes in Intermediate Squad will develop:

Technical Skill

  • Strong paddling fundamentals in canoe and kayak

  • Improved stroke efficiency and body mechanics

  • Understanding of paddling terminology such as:

    • Squaring the blade

    • Positive blade angle

    • Leg drive

    • Rotation

  • Remount a Surfski (at minimum). K1 and C1 methods introduced.

Video review may be used to help athletes evaluate and improve their technique.

Training Concepts

Athletes begin learning structured training concepts including:

  • Heart rate and effort zones (Z2–Z5)

  • Interval training

  • Endurance development

  • Race pacing

  • Body weight and possible weight training.

  • ERG sessions.

Athletes will also learn how to read and execute written workouts as well as basic stopwatch and time-tracking technology.

Environmental Skills

Athletes develop confidence paddling in different environments:

  • Flatwater

  • Wind

  • Ocean conditions

Club Participation

Participation in club races and events is encouraged and may be expected as athletes progress.

Athletes will assist in maintaining club equipment and facilities and help take care of shared use areas (i.e. boathouse, compound, rinse area, gym, trash, and restroom).

Advancement Standard
Intermediate Squad → Junior Racing Team

To qualify for the Junior Racing Team, athletes will need to meet one of the following standards:

  • 6:45 in the 1000-meter with turn

  • 33 minutes in the club race time trial

  • 1:05 in the 200-meter

In addition to performance benchmarks, athletes must demonstrate:

  • Consistent attendance and training effort

  • Ability to follow structured workouts

  • Positive attitude and teamwork

  • Responsibility with equipment and preparation

Meeting these standards makes an athlete eligible for consideration for the Junior Racing Team.

Final promotion decisions will be made by the coaching staff based on readiness, athlete goals, and alignment with the expectations of the next level.

III. Junior Racing Team

Typical Age*: 13–16 
Frequency: Minimum of 3 sessions per week

The Junior Racing Team represents the highest level of youth training within SDCKT.

Participation is voluntary and intended for athletes who demonstrate both the ability and desire to pursue higher-level paddling performance. Participation is also bi-lateral as athletes can choose to step back into intermediate.

Athletes entering this level should already demonstrate:

  • Strong paddling fundamentals

  • Training discipline

  • Responsibility and independence

  • Commitment to team culture

Training focuses on:

  • Advanced stroke mechanics

  • Growth, strength, speed and endurance development

  • Race tactics and strategy

  • Wash riding and drafting

  • Downwind paddling and ocean racing skills

  • High-performance fitness development

  • Garmin-level in-workout, post-workout tracking and data capture to assist in weekly distance goals.

  • Added familiarity and age appropriate use of gym and weight training.

Athletes in the Junior Racing Team may train in multiple paddling disciplines.

The specific discipline focus will depend on:

  • The athlete’s interests and goals

  • The expertise of the coaching staff

  • Available training opportunities

Possible disciplines include:

  • Surfski and ocean racing

  • Sprint canoe and kayak racing (C1, C2, C4, K1, K2, K4)

  • Other competitive paddling formats

Training typically occurs three times per week, including both flatwater and ocean sessions when appropriate.

The goal of this program is to prepare youth athletes to compete in local, national, and international competitions.

Expectations for Junior Racing Team Athletes

Athletes in the Junior Racing Team are expected to demonstrate leadership and maturity within the club.

Expectations include:

  • Arriving on time and paddle ready

  • Properly preparing boats and equipment

  • Listening attentively during team meetings and workouts

  • Following training instructions and giving full effort

  • Efficiently cleaning and storing equipment after practice

  • Helping teammates when needed

  • Maintaining a positive attitude and supporting the team environment

  • Consistent attendance at practices.

  • Elevated expectations of maintaining club equipment and facilities.

Athletes may also participate in trial practices with the Senior Racing Team, where coaches evaluate readiness based on technical ability, effort, responsibility, and maturity.

Our main aim is to provide the following:  

  • Instruction in Aquatic Open Water Safety & Drowning Awareness  

  • Lifesaving & First Aid Skill Development  

  • Competitive Sport Activities   

  • To Increase Fitness and be Involved in an Active Lifestyle  

  • Enjoyable Social Activity for Children & Parents 

  • Platform and Pathway to Future Junior and Senior Racing Team Participation

I. Paddle Academy (Beginner)

Membership

  • The following is for each 3 month session:

    Paddle Academy Beginner Squad Membership
    $225 per paddler
    Saturdays ONLY - 9am to 11am, Fun curriculum based sessions.

    Intermediate Squad Membership
    $425.00 per paddler
    Mondays (4pm to 6pm), Wednesdays (4pm-6pm) and Saturdays (9am-11am) - Intermediate Squad athletes focus on building on their Paddle Academy skills as they develop for the Junior Paddling Teams.

    Junior Racing Team Squad Membership
    $425.00 per paddler
    Mondays (4pm to 6pm), Wednesdays (4pm-6pm) and Saturdays (9am-11am)

  • Ages 9 to 17 years

    • Access to SDCKT amenities including Boat House and Weight Room (w/ Coach supervision). 

    • Saturday Academy Activities  

    • Aquatic Water Safety & Paddling Award Training 

    • Use of club paddle equipment (w/ Coach supervision)

    • Participation Awards  

    • Insurance Coverage for all approved SDCKT & ACA Activities

    • Comprehensive Training Program with Professional Coaches

    • Teamwork, friendships, and after-school social opportunities outdoors and on the water.

  • Step 1 - Join the American Canoe Association, in order to get an ACA Membership Number. 

    https://www.americancanoe.org/login.aspx

    Step 2 - Create an account with Paddleguru and in the "Search for a Race" Tab enter in "SDCKT Team Membership".

    https://paddleguru.com/

    Step 3 - Register on Paddleguru (Youth Paddle Academy Beginner Squad or Youth Paddle Academy Intermediate Squad) and sign the ACA Insurance Waiver Form - found at the bottom of the page.

    Step 4 - Attend a Paddle Academy Day (Sat.) and provide proof of Swimming Proficiency (this can be done by providing a letter from a Swim Coach, MBAC Instructor, Junior Lifeguard Instructor, etc. This can also be achieved by performing a 50 meter - out and back - buoy swim at the club house during the 1st Paddle Academy Day you attend.)

Session 2 (April-June) In Progress. Inquire to join

Contact Details

San Diego Canoe and Kayak Team

1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA, 92109

Paddle Academy & Membership Coordinator

-Clarke Graves- Email: coach1@sdckt.net

Paddle Academy Days and What to Expect

Paddle Academy Days are held each Saturday morning from 9-11am with every skill group having an Instructor with one or two assistants. The Instructor is responsible for the education, training and organization of the group.
On Paddle Academy Days all children assemble at the San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team’s Clubhouse 8:45am, 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of 9:00 am, and should be wearing their paddle shirts, paddle shorts, hat, sunscreen, optional wetsuit top and bring their water bottle. The Paddle Academy Instructor will call for attendance at 9:00 am and mark off an attendance sheet before a 30 minute group warm up. Each skill group has a skill pathway table to follow and develop towards. Paddle Academy is about having fun while learning water safety and Paddling Skills through technique drills, fitness, theory, games and relays. At the conclusion of the day’s activities children are again checked off the attendance roll before they leave their group. Activities generally run for 1.5hrs - 2hrs depending on conditions. Children are not to leave the Clubhouse or its surrounding area until collected by the adult responsible for them.

  • Orientation Days

    First Saturday of Paddle Academy includes a Family Orientation and Q&A Session to discuss the upcoming session. During the orientation families will be provided with a Program Overview Handbook, assisted with sign-ups/payments, and paddlers will be able to take their swimming proficiency test.

  • Introduction Days

    During Introduction Days, instructors guide paddlers through the introduction of paddling crafts (Paddleboard, SUP, Canoe, and Kayak), the correct technique for each craft, and any additional paddling and water safety skills.

  • Activity Days

    A collection of activities, such as: Obstacle Courses, Relays, adventure paddles, etc. which help paddlers practice and perform their paddling skills.

  • Challenge Days

    Paddlers attempt to pass the respective Paddling Skill Awards: 

    - Lifesaver Award

    - Water Safety Award 

    - Stand-Up Paddleboard Award 

    - Canoe Award

    - Kayak Award  

    If a paddler is able to pass their Paddle Skill Award then they are eligible to advance to the next skill level.

  • "Friday Night Lights" Series

    Organized - Fun - Competitive Events on one Friday Night per month: 

    Races, Relays, Obstacles, etc. for the Paddlers to showcase their skills to their families and friends.


  • Closing Days

    - Award Ceremony for successful passing of Skill Awards

    - Overall “Friday Night Lights” Series Point Score Winners


All-Around Paddler Award

All-Around Paddler Award Summary

The All-Around Paddler Awards is an award structure built upon 4 skill level proficiencies that recognizes individuals who demonstrate well-rounded paddling skills and a strong commitment to water safety. To achieve these awards, participants must successfully pass a series of assessments that showcase their proficiency in multiple watercraft disciplines, as well as their ability to respond to emergencies and ensure safety on the water.

  • This assessment ensures that participants are familiar with essential water safety principles, including understanding environmental hazards, proper gear usage, and emergency response protocols.

  • Participants must demonstrate proficiency in water rescue techniques, including the ability to perform self-rescue and assist others in distress. If the participant is above the age of 12, then knowledge of basic first aid and CPR is also assessed.

  • Focuses on the paddler’s ability to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) in a variety of conditions, testing stability, paddling technique, and navigation in open water.

  • Assesses the participant’s ability to operate a surfski/kayak, including effective paddling, maneuvering in different water conditions, and performing essential safety maneuvers.

  • Evaluates the paddler’s skill in canoeing, focusing on paddle techniques, and the ability to navigate and perform maneuvers in varying water conditions.

Award Criteria:

To earn the All-Around Paddler Award and advance to the next skill level, individuals must demonstrate competency and safety in each of the assessments listed above, reflecting their versatility and capability in handling a range of paddling activities. This award not only highlights technical skill but also emphasizes the importance of safety awareness and readiness for various water conditions. Once all four Award Levels are achieved, the participant is then eligible to advance to the SDCKT Development Racing Team - the next step in the pathway to the SDCKT Junior Racing Team.