Para Program

Para Canoe & Kayak Program

Burnaby Canoe & Kayak Club offers Para canoe and kayak programs for individuals with physical disabilities who are interested in paddling for recreation, fitness, or competition.

Para canoe and kayak is an inclusive paddle sport where athletes use adapted equipment and techniques to paddle sprint canoes or kayaks. The sport is part of the Paralympic Games and provides opportunities for athletes of all ability levels to get involved in paddling and sport.

Our Para program focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and flexible environment where athletes can learn to paddle, develop skills, improve fitness, and be part of the Burnaby Canoe & Kayak Club community.

Who Is the Program For?

Our Para canoe and kayak program is open to individuals with physical disabilities who are interested in:

• Learning to paddle
• Recreational paddling
• Fitness and training
• Competitive paddling
• Trying a new sport
• Being part of a team environment

No previous paddling experience is required.

Flexible Program Structure

Because every athlete has different goals, schedules, and equipment needs, our Para program is flexible and individualized.

Athletes may train:

• One-on-one with a coach
• In small groups
• Alongside club programs when appropriate
• Recreationally or competitively

Our coaching staff will work with each participant to build a program that fits their goals and experience level.

What is Para Canoe?

Para canoe is a discipline of sprint canoe/kayak designed for athletes with physical impairments affecting the lower body, trunk, or limbs. Athletes compete in either kayak (KL) or canoe (VL) classifications depending on their impairment and function.

Para canoe is a Paralympic sport and provides a pathway from introductory paddling all the way to provincial, national, and international competition.

Interested in Joining the Para Program?

Because our Para program is flexible and customized for each participant, we ask that interested individuals contact us directly so we can learn more about your goals and how we can support your involvement in paddling.

To inquire about the Para Canoe & Kayak Program, please contact:
programcoordinator@burnabylake.com

We would be happy to connect with you and discuss how to get started.