Please note: programs may be prorated on a monthly basis if late-entry seats are available; if seats are sold out no late registrations can be accepted but waitlisting will be offered.
FGPC Outrigger OC1 Programs
For the Spring and Summer of 2025, FGPC offers Beginner, Recreational, and Performance level OC1 programming.
Beginner OC1
These classes provide coached sessions for paddlers who are new to OC1 (outrigger “solo” canoe) paddling. Participants will learn paddling and safety techniques, and how to manoeuvre and steer as well as dock and launch. They will also learn the navigation rules of the Gorge waterway. Each participant will graduate with the self-rescue skills (huli drill) required to use FGPC’s fleet of solo boats. Paddlers who graduate from solo beginner classes can progress to other FGPC OC1 classes over the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons.
- Sundays, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
- Option 1: Sunday, April 6 – Sunday, April 27 (4 sessions)
- Option 2: Sunday, May 4 – Sunday, May 25 (4 sessions)
- Option 3: Sunday, June 1 – Sunday, June 22 (4 sessions)
- Option 4: Sunday, July 6 – Sunday, July 27 (3 sessions)
- No class on Sunday, July 13
- Limited to 4 participants per session
- Price:
- 3 session classes: $160.00
- 4 session classes: $180.00
- Coaches: TBA
Recreational OC1
The Recreational OC1 series is available to FGPC paddlers who have graduated from the beginner series or who have self rescue records on file with FGPC. A maximum of 6 spots are available for this program from April – June, and 6 spots again from July – September. Paddlers will learn new techniques as well as have opportunities to improve their existing skills in a safe, fun and social environment.
- April – June
- Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday, April 2 – Wednesday, June 25
- Limited to 6 participants
- $160.00
- Participants must have prior OC1 experience
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Wednesday, April 2 – Wednesday, June 25
- Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm
- July – September
- Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday, July 2 – Wednesday, September 24
- Limited to 6 participants
- $160.00
- Participants must have prior OC1 experience
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Wednesday, July 2 – Wednesday, September 24
- Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm
All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff
Performance OC1 WEEKLY series
The Performance OC1 training series places experienced paddlers in a weekly advanced session designed to challenge the abilities and develop the potential of each participant. Practices are weekly on Saturdays from 11:00am – 12:30pm, from April through June, and July through September, with practice cancellations when the Performance OC program is attending races. All new candidates will fill out a form prior to receiving a registration link from FGPC’s head coach.
- April – June
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, June 28
- $160.00
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- July – September
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Saturday, July 5 – Saturday, September 27
- $160.00
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff
FGPC Team Boat Outrigger Programs
Paddler participation in programs follow a commitment-based model, with a minimum weekly workout recommendation for entry into programs.
All team programs (2x per week) are $315.00 for six months of paddling (1x per week options may be available upon request), with weekly training plans and input from FGPC coaches.
Daytime Recreational Outrigger Series
Experience outrigger paddling in a relaxed setting. Led by friendly and knowledgeable instructors, this program is perfect for non-nine-to-fivers, beginners and anyone looking to enjoy the water at a leisurely pace. Our program focuses on introducing you to the basics of paddling technique, safety and boat handling. No previous experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm and a love for the outdoors!
Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Tuesday, April 1 – Tuesday, September 30
- Limited to 45 registrations
- $315.00
- Coaches: Bill Hilton, Sue Trant
Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week
New – Wednesday Daytime Recreational Program
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!
Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Wednesday, April 2 – Wednesday, September 24
- Limited to 24 registrations
- $210.00
- Lead Coach: TBA
Evening Recreational Outrigger Series
Experience outrigger paddling in a relaxed and enjoyable setting on weekday evenings. 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!
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- Wednesday, April 2 – Monday, September 29
- Limited to 36 registrations
- 2x: $315.00, 1x: $210.00
- Coach: Nathan Pritchard, Susie Curnow
Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week
Sunday Recreational Outrigger Series
Experience the adventure of outrigger paddling on a Sunday afternoon. 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!
Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Sunday, April 6 – Sunday, September 28
- No practices on Sunday, July 13, August 24
- Limited to 24 registrations
- $210.00
- Lead Coach: Mary Rowles
Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week
Other FGPC Coached OC Programs
- Aloha Paddlers
- Lima Mahina
- MS Warriors
For paddlers returning to or interested in joining the following programs, please click on the button below to submit a form that will help us connect you with the program coach or manager.
Intermediate Outrigger Series
The Intermediate Outrigger program is for paddlers who want to improve their paddling abilities and compete in outrigger races on the island. The program’s focus will be on competing in races across Vancouver Island and lower mainland throughout the spring, summer and fall, with some winter events. Intermediate OC sessions run on Tuesdays from 5:30pm – 7:00pm and Saturday mornings from 11:00am – 1:00pm.
Tuesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Saturdays, 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Tuesday, April 1 – Tuesday, September 30
- No practices from Saturday, December 21 – Tuesday, December 31
- Limited to 45 registrations
- $315.00
- Coaches: Patrick Linden, Matt Tancon
Program Expectation
- 2x weekly team boat program practice, with additional recommended OC1 and gym workouts
Daytime Intermediate Outrigger Series
The Intermediate Outrigger program is designed for paddlers looking to elevate their fitness, refine their technique, and develop their racing skills. This is intended as an add-on daytime option for the Intermediate OC program, but stand-alone registrations are available.
Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Thursday, April 3 – Thursday, September 25
- Limited to 36 registrations
- $105.00 for current IM paddlers ($210.00 for stand-alone registrations)
- Coach: Patrick Linden
Program Expectation
- Supplementary or standalone weekly team boat program practice, with recommended OC1 and gym workouts (not included in program fees)
Performance Outrigger Racing Series
For the serious racer, this is FGPC’s podium-focussed performance training series. Paddlers will train three times a week in crews, with one weekend practice and two weekday evening sessions. The performance program attends many races throughout the province and the Pacific Northwest, and typically attends one major international race per year. Participants are expected to train a minimum of three times per week with the crew, as well as mandatory independent OC1 and gym training. All performance candidates will fill out a form prior to receiving a registration link from FGPC’s head coach.
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Sundays 9:00am – 12:00pm
- April – September
- Limited to 45 registrations
- $75.00 monthly, on a recurring contract
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Practice Expectation
- Minimum 3x team boat program practice per week
- 2x weekly small boat practice
- 2-3x weekly gym workout
Existing participants will be rolled into the new season.
Dragon Boat Programs
FGPC Club Crews
For paddlers returning to or interested in joining one of our club crews, please click on the button below to submit a form that will help us connect you with the crew coach or manager.
FGPC Dragon Boat Training Program
Starting this April, we are excited to announce our summer dragon boat training program! This program is for paddlers of any skill, fitness or experience level. From current training dragon boaters, to paddlers who are just starting their paddling journeys, this program will teach dragon boat stroke techniques, while building fitness to prepare participants for a summer of racing.
- Saturdays, 9:30am – 11:00am
- Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, September 27
- Practices will be cancelled for the following events:
- Fairway Gorge Super Sprints – May 24
- Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival – July 12
- Vancouver Island International Dragon Boat Festival – August 23
- Practices will be cancelled for the following events:
- Limited to 48 registrations
- $190.00
- Coach: Mary Rowles
- Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, September 27
Greenhorn Dragons
Spring Greenhorn Dragons (April/May)
FGPC Greenhorn Dragon Boat Team, Saturdays, 9:30am to 11am – no experience necessary! This is the perfect program for brand new paddlers of all ages and abilities who want to dip their paddles in the water over a 8-week series of practices including one of FGPC’s signature dragon boat races – FGPC Super Sprints. If you are new to the sport and are looking to learn, this program will teach you the basics of paddling and of dragon boat racing.
Saturdays, 9:30am to 11am
- Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, May 14 (7 sessions + race day)
- includes registration in FGPC’s annual Super Sprints race on Saturday, May 24, a fun day of 200m dragon boat racing
- Limited to 22 registrations
- $155.00
- Coach: TBA
Summer Greenhorn Dragons (July/August)
FGPC Greenhorn Dragon Boat Team (mixed), Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm – no experience necessary. This 8-week series is the perfect program for brand new paddlers of all ages and abilities who want to dip their paddles in the water! If you are new to the sport and are looking to learn, this beginner-friendly program will teach you the basics of paddling and of dragon boat racing, with an exciting finale at one of FGPC’s signature dragon boat races – the Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival.
Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Saturday, July 5 – Sunday, August 24 (7 sessions + two race days)
- Includes registration in FGPC’s annual Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24
- Limited to 22 registrations
- $155.00
Coach: TBA
Paddle Erg Classes
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, FGPC paddle erg classes offer a full-body workout that combines the fitness and technique of paddling with the precision of indoor paddling-specific ergometer training. Engage your core, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance as you paddle through progressive workouts. Improve your technique and paddle your way to increased fitness!
- April – June
- Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am (April 9 – June 11)
- $160.00
- Limited to 6 registrations
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- June – September
- Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am (July 9 – September 10)
- $160.00
- Limited to 6 registrations
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
Dry Land Training
Dry Land Training
These coached strength programs supplement all of our paddling programs. This option is ideal for those who are experienced with strength and conditioning in the gym, with sessions having increased training volume, focused on both compound lifts and sport-specific exercises. As with all Waterfront Fitness and FGPC programs, there will be a careful eye on technique in order to continue building strength without compromising range of motion, translating to overall performance improvements on the water.