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2024 Spring/Summer Paddling Program Guide


Please note: programs can 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 2024, FGPC offers Beginner, Recreational, Intermediate, and Performance level OC1 programming. All programs except Beginner require enrollment in our OC1 Paddling Access Membership.


Beginner OC1 1x Weekly Daytime Series

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 7 – Sunday, April 28
    • Option 2: Sunday, May 5 – Sunday, May 19 (3 sessions)
    • Option 3: Sunday, June 2 – Sunday, June 23
    • Option 4: Sunday, July 7 – Sunday, July 28 (3 sessions)
      • No class on Sunday, July 14
  • Limited to 4 participants per session
  • Price:
    • 3 session classes: $160.00
    • 4 session classes: $190.00
  • Coaches: TBA

Recreational OC1 1x Weekly Daytime Series

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.

This program is offered on Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Spring Recreational OC1

  • Wednesdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • Wednesday, April 3 – Wednesday, June 26
  • Limited to 6 participants
  • $160.00
  • Participants must have prior OC1 experience
  • Lead Coach: Marcus Krieger

Summer Recreational OC1

  • Wednesdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • Wednesday, July 3 – Wednesday, September 25
  • Limited to 6 participants
  • $160.00
  • Participants must have prior OC1 experience
  • Lead Coach: Marcus Krieger

All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff

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Intermediate OC1 1X Weekly Series

The Intermediate OC1 training series places paddlers in a weekly session designed to challenge the abilities and develop the potential of each participant, supplementing the skills and fitness gained from the Intermediate OC6 program. Practices are weekly April through June, and July through September.

Winter Intermediate OC1

  • Schedule: TBA
  • Limited to 10 participants
  • $160.00
  • Lead Coach: Matt Tancon

All registrants for this program must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff

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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. All new candidates will fill out a form prior to receiving a registration link from FGPC’s head coach.

Saturday, April 6 to Saturday, June 29

  • Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • Limited to 15 participants
  • $160.00
  • Lead Coach: Marcus Krieger

Saturday, July 6 – Saturday, September 30

  • Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • Limited to 15 participants
  • $160.00
  • Lead Coach: Marcus Krieger

All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff

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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 2 – Friday, September 27
  • Limited to 48 registrations
  • $315.00 for 2 sessions per week
  • Lead Coach: Bill Hilton

Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week

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Evening Recreational Outrigger Series

Experience outrigger paddling in a relaxed setting. Led by friendly and knowledgeable instructors, this program is perfect for 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.

Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

  • Monday, April 1 – Monday September 30
  • Limited to 36 registrations
  • $315.00
  • Lead Coach: Nathan Pritchard

Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week

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Weekend Recreational Outrigger Series

Experience the adventure of outrigger paddling in a relaxed setting. Led by friendly and knowledgeable instructors, this program is perfect for 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.

Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm

  • Sunday, April 7 – Sunday, September 29
  • Limited to 24 registrations
  • $210.00
  • Lead Coach: Mary Rowles

Practice Expectation: Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week

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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.

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Evening/Weekend Intermediate Outrigger Series

The Intermediate Outrigger program is for paddlers who want to train and compete in outrigger races, but cannot commit to the full requirements of the Performance program. The program’s focus will be on competing in races across Vancouver Island throughout the spring, summer and fall. 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 2 – Saturday, September 28
  • Limited to 36 registrations
  • $315.00 for 2x per week (prorated as season progresses)
  • Coaches: Patrick Linden, Matt Tancon
  • Practice Expectation
    • Minimum 2x team boat program practice per week
    • 1x small boat practice per week
    • 1x gym workout per week

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Thursday Daytime Intermediate Outrigger Series

An add-on daytime option for Intermediate OC, or for racing-level paddlers not participating in the main IM weekday evening/weekend program.

Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:30am

  • Thursday, April 4 – Thursday, September 26
  • Limited to 36 registrations
  • $105.00 ($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)

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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 additional 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 and Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Sundays 9:00am – 12:00pm

  • April – September
  • Limited to 36 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
  • 2x weekly gym workout

Existing participants will be rolled into the new season.

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Dragon Boat Programs


FGPC Spring/Summer Dragon Boat 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.

This is the perfect place to start training in dragon boats! If you are new to the sport and are looking to learn more before you join a team, this program will give you a crash course in dragon boating in a safe and fun environment.

Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm & Saturdays, 9:30am – 11:00am

  • Wednesday, April 3 – Saturday, September 28
  • Limited to 48 registrations
  • $265.00 (1x available for $190.00)
  • Coach: Erik Ages, TBA

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FGPC Greenhorn Dragons

FGPC Greenhorn Dragon Boat Team (mixed), Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm – 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, 11:00am – 12:30pm
    • Saturday, April 6 – Saturday, May 25 (8 sessions)
    • includes registration in FGPC’s annual Super Sprints race on Sunday, May 7, a fun day of 200m dragon boat racing
    • Limited to 22 registrations
    • $155.00
    • Coach: TBA

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FGPC Dragon Boat Teams

  • FGPC Dragon King (mixed), Mondays & Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm
  • FGPC Fairway Express (mixed), Mondays & Thursdays 7pm to 8:30pm
  • FGPC Gorge Us Gals (womens), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • FGPC Momentum (mixed), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • FGPC Snogard Dragons (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
  • FGPC Team Phoenix (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • FGPC Vic Vixens (womens), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • FGPC Weilong (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
  • Snappin’ Dragons (womens), practices Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm – 7pm
  • Paddlers of the Fifth Moon (mixed) practices Tuesdays & Thursday 7pm to 8:30pm

For those looking to connect with any of the above Dragon Boat teams (either new or returning paddler) for Spring 2024, click on the button below to complete our Dragon Boat Paddler request form here.

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Paddle Erg Classes

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, FGPC paddle erg classes offer a full-body workout that combines the power and technique of paddling with the precision of indoor paddling-specific ergometer training.

Engage your core, strengthen muscles, and boost cardiovascular endurance as you paddle through progressive drills over each series of classes. Improve your technique and paddle your way to increased fitness!

April – June

  • Tuesdays, 7:15pm – 8:15pm (April 9 – June 11)
  • Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am (April 10 – June 12)
  • Thursdays, 7:15pm – 8:15pm (April 11 – June 13)
    • $160.00
    • Limited to 6 registrations
    • Coaches:
      • Tuesday: Erik Ages
      • Wednesday: Marcus Krieger
      • Thursday: TBA
  • June – September
    1. Tuesdays, 7:15pm – 8:15pm (July 9 – September 10)
    2. Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am (July 10 – September 11)
    3. Thursdays, 7:15pm – 8:15pm (July 11 – September 12)
      • $160.00
      • Limited to 6 registrations
      • Coaches:
        • Tuesday: Erik Ages
        • Wednesday: Marcus Krieger
        • Thursday: TBA

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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.

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