FGPC Outrigger OC1 Programs
For the Spring/Summer of 2023, FGPC offers Beginner, Recreational, Intermediate, and Performance level OC1 programming. All programs require enrollment in our OC1 Paddling Access Membership.
Beginner OC1 1x Weekend Series (4 sessions)
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 manoeuver 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 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 2 – Sunday, April 23
- No beginner class will be offered in May 2023
- Option 2: Sunday, June 4 – Sunday, June 25
- Option 3: Sunday, July 2 – Sunday, July 30
- No class on Sunday, July 9
- Limited to 4 participants per session
- $180.00
- Coaches: TBA
Click here to register for this program
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 through June, and July through September. This weekly session is accompanied by an FGPC coach for safety and instruction; paddlers will learn new techniques as well as have opportunities to improve their existing skills in a safe but fun and social environment.
This program is offered on Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- April – June
- Wednesday, April 5 – Wednesday, June 28
- Limited to 6 participants
- $150.00
- Participants must have prior OC1 experience
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- July – September
- Wednesday, July 5 – Wednesday, September 27
- Limited to 6 participants
- $150.00
- Participants must have prior OC1 experience
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- OC1 Access Membership mandatory
- All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff
Please click here to request registration in this program
Click here for information and registration for Recreational level Dry Land Training
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 on Thursdays from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, from April through June, and July through September.
- April – June
- Thursdays (weekly), 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- Thursday, April 6 – Thursday, June 29
- Coach: Matt Tancon
- 3 minimum participants, 8 maximum
- $150.00
- Thursdays (weekly), 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- July – September
- Thursdays (weekly), 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- Thursday, July 6 – Thursday, September 28
- Coach: Matt Tancon
- 3 minimum participants, 8 maximum
- $150.00
- Thursdays (weekly), 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- OC1 Access Membership mandatory
- All registrants for this program must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff
Please click here to request registration in this program
Click here for information and registration for Intermediate level Dry Land Training
“Solo Performance” 1X 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.
- April – June
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, June 24
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- 3 minimum participants
- $195.00
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- July – September
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Saturday, July 1 – Saturday, September 30
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- $195.00
- Saturdays (weekly), 11:00am – 12:30pm
- OC1 Access Membership mandatory
- All registrants must be vetted by FGPC coaching staff
CLICK HERE to request registration for this program for new participants.
Click here for information and registration for Performance level Dry Land Training
FGPC Team Boat Outrigger Programs
Paddler participation in programs will now follow a new commitment-based model, with a minimum weekly workout recommendation for entry into programs.
All team programs (2x per week) are $300.00 for six months of paddling (1x and 3x per week options may be available upon request), with weekly training plans and input from FGPC coaches.
Daytime Recreational Outrigger Series
- Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Tuesday, April 4 – Friday, September 29 (52 sessions)
- Limited to 36 registrations
- $300.00 for 2x per week; $200 for 1 x per week
- Coaches: Bill Hilton, (Brian Neill), (+1 FGPC stern)
- Practice Expectation
- Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week
Click here to register for this program
Click here for information and registration for Recreational level Dry Land Training
Evening/Weekend Recreational Outrigger Series
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Sundays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- Sunday, April 2 – Wednesday, September 27
- 2x per week: 52 sessions
- 3x per week: 78 sessions
- Limited to 36 registrations
- 2x: $300.00, 3x: $450.00, 1x: $200
- Coaches: John Thomas, Nathan Pritchard, Paul Bucci
- Practice Expectation
- Minimum 1x team boat program practice per week
CLICK Here to register for this program
Click here for information and registration for Recreational level Dry Land Training
Other FGPC Coached OC Programs
- Aloha Paddlers
- Lima Mahina
- MS Warriors
- Water Foxes
- Carla’s Monday OC6
For paddlers returning to or interested in joining the following programs, please CLICK HERE 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 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 5:30 pm to to 7:00 pm and Saturday mornings from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- Tuesdays, 5:30 pm to to 7:00 pm, Saturdays, 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, September 30 (53 sessions)
- Limited to 36 registrations
- $300.00
- 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
Click here to request registration for this program
Click here for information and registration for Intermediate level Dry Land Training
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 or two major international races 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 & Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Sundays 8:30am – 12:00pm
- April – September
- Limited to 36 registrations
- $70.00 monthly, on a recurring contract (up from $50 due to adding third practice)
- Coach: Marcus Krieger
- Practice Expectation
- Minimum 3x team boat program practice per week
- 2x weekly small boat practice
- 2x weekly gym workout
For new registrants for the Performance Outrigger Racing Series, please click here
Existing participants will be rolled into the new season.
Click here for information and registration for Performance level Dry Land Training
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.
- Saturdays, 9:30am – 11:00am
- Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, September 30 (25 sessions)
- Practices will be cancelled for the following events:
- Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival – July 8
- Vancouver Island International Dragon Boat Festival – August 26
- Practices will be cancelled for the following events:
- Limited to 48 registrations
- $125.00
- Coach: TBA
- Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, September 30 (25 sessions)
Click here to register for this program
Click here for information and registration for Recreational level Dry Land Training
NEW for 2023: FGPC Greenhorn Dragon Boat Team (mixed), Saturdays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am – 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 5-6-week series of practices culminating in one of Vancouver Island’s three signature dragon boat races.
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.
- SPRING Greenhorn Team 1
- Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, May 6 (6 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
- $145.00
- Coach: TBA
- SUMMER Greenhorn Team 2
- Saturday, June 3 – Saturday, July 1 (5 sessions)
- includes registration in FGPC’s annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival weekend of racing over the 8-9 July weekend, with plenty of entertainment, food and beverages and lots of 500M dragon boat racing!
- Limited to 22 registrations
- $175.00
- Coach: TBA
- SUMMER Greenhorn Team 3 (4 sessions)
- Saturday, July 22 – Saturday, August 19
- includes registration in FGPC’s annual Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival weekend of racing over the August 27 – 28 weekend in Victoria, with plenty of amenities and the chance to try a variety of dragon boat race formats, including 100M, 500M, and the exciting flag relay championships.
- Limited to 22 registrations
- $175.00
- Coach: TBA
FGPC Dragon Boat Teams
- FGPC Dragon King (mixed), practices TBA
- FGPC Fairway Express (mixed), practices TBA
- FGPC Gorge Us Gals (womens), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- FGPC Momentum (mixed), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- FGPC Snogard Dragons (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- FGPC Team Phoenix (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- FGPC Vic Vixens (womens), Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
- FGPC Weilong (mixed), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- Snappin’ Dragons (womens), practices TBA
- Paddlers of the Fifth Moon (mixed) practices TBA
For those looking to connect with any of the above Dragon Boat teams (either new or returning paddler) for Spring 2023, please complete our Dragon Boat Paddler request form here.
Dry Land Training
Recreational Dry Land Training
These coached 10-week strength programs supplement the Introductory and Recreational 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 WF 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.
“Intermediate” Dry Land Training
These coached 10-week strength programs supplement the Intermediate OC programs. This option is ideal for those who have learned the basics of strength and conditioning in the gym and are ready to move toward intermediate lifts, while refining sport-specific exercises. As with all WF 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.
“Performance” Dry Land Training
These coached 10-week strength programs supplement the Performance OC 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 WF 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.