Join us at the Ottawa River Canoe Club for our Special O programming aimed at promoting participation in the sport of sprint Kayak for individuals living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

This is a weekly progressive, competitive paddling program for individuals looking to build on their already developed rec kayaking skills. Athletes will complete workouts in their boats each session. They will then have the opportunity to use their skills learned in training in a race format through regattas over the summer months - this is best suited for youth who have been on the water before and want to move their boat faster and build their paddling endurance.

Coaches will work with athletes to develop their fitness and technique and build each athlete’s confidence on the water. Athletes will learn about paddle selection, boat preparation, warm-up, cooldowns, and training, and eventually, they will have the opportunity to test their skills on a racecourse striving for personal bests and finally having the ability to experience the thrill of a race day at local regattas in the Ottawa area! Ausome Ottawa-trained volunteers and staff will support this program, and we are excited to be working together on this again.