PADDLE ACADEMY 2025
Welcome to SDCKT’s Paddle Academy
SDCKT Paddle Academy Days are the foundation from which we build our basic aquatic and competition skills along with accreditations and awards such as the All-Around Paddler Awards.
Academy days are held every Saturday across 4 yearly Sessions: Session 1 (January - March), Session 2 (April - June), Session 3 (July - September), and Session 4 (October - December). Each Saturday session begins at 8:45am and ends at 11am. We have a few Saturday breaks throughout the year due to holidays and other events.
Each skill group has a Skill Group Volunteer Coach who is responsible for the education, training, and organization of the group during Saturday Academy Days.
Our main aim is to provide the following:
Instruction in Aquatic Open Water Safety & Drowning Awareness
Lifesaving & First Aid Skill Development
Competitive Sport Activities
To Increase Fitness and be Involved in an Active Lifestyle
Enjoyable Social Activity for Children & Parents
Platform and Pathway to Future Junior and Senior Racing Team Participation
Membership
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Amount per 3 month Session:
Youth Paddle Academy Beginner Squad Membership - $225 per Paddler
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Access to SDCKT amenities including Boat House and Weight Room (w/ Coach supervision).
Saturday Academy Activities
Aquatic Water Safety & Paddling Award Training
Use of club paddle equipment (w/ Coach supervision)
Participation Awards
Insurance Coverage for all approved SDCKT & ACA Activities
Comprehensive Training Program with Professional Coaches
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Step 1 - Join the American Canoe Association, in order to get an ACA Membership Number.
https://www.americancanoe.org/login.aspx
Step 2 - Create an account with Paddleguru and in the "Search for a Race" Tab enter in "SDCKT Team Membership".
Step 3 - Register on Paddleguru (Youth Paddle Academy Beginner Squad = $225 per paddler) and sign the ACA Insurance Waiver Form - found at the bottom of the page.
Step 4 - Attend a Paddle Academy Day (Sat.) and provide proof of Swimming Proficiency (this can be done by providing a letter from a Swim Coach, MBAC Instructor, Junior Lifeguard Instructor, etc. This can also be achieved by performing a 50 meter - out and back - buoy swim at the club house during the 1st Paddle Academy Day you attend.)
Contact Details
San Diego Canoe and Kayak Team
1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA, 92109
Paddle Academy & Membership Coordinator
-Sean Barlow- Email: coach1@sdckt.net
Paddle Academy Days and What to Expect
Paddle Academy Days are held each Saturday morning from 9-11am with every skill group having an Instructor with one or two assistants. The Instructor is responsible for the education, training and organization of the group.
On Paddle Academy Days all children assemble at the San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team’s Clubhouse 8:45am, 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of 9:00 am, and should be wearing their paddle shirts, paddle shorts, hat, sunscreen, optional wetsuit top and bring their water bottle. The Paddle Academy Instructor will call for attendance at 9:00 am and mark off an attendance sheet before a 30 minute group warm up. Each skill group has a skill pathway table to follow and develop towards. Paddle Academy is about having fun while learning water safety and Paddling Skills through technique drills, fitness, theory, games and relays. At the conclusion of the day’s activities children are again checked off the attendance roll before they leave their group. Activities generally run for 1.5hrs - 2hrs depending on conditions. Children are not to leave the Clubhouse or its surrounding area until collected by the adult responsible for them.
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Orientation Days
First Saturday of Paddle Academy includes a Family Orientation and Q&A Session to discuss the upcoming session. During the orientation families will be provided with a Program Overview Handbook, assisted with sign-ups/payments, and paddlers will be able to take their swimming proficiency test.
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Introduction Days
During Introduction Days, instructors guide paddlers through the introduction of paddling crafts (Paddleboard, SUP, Canoe, and Kayak), the correct technique for each craft, and any additional paddling and water safety skills.
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Activity Days
A collection of activities, such as: Obstacle Courses, Relays, adventure paddles, etc. which help paddlers practice and perform their paddling skills.
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Challenge Days
Paddlers attempt to pass the respective Paddling Skill Awards:
- Lifesaver Award
- Water Safety Award
- Stand-Up Paddleboard Award
- Canoe Award
- Kayak Award
If a paddler is able to pass their Paddle Skill Award then they are eligible to advance to the next skill level.
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"Friday Night Lights" Series
Organized - Fun - Competitive Events on one Friday Night per month:
Races, Relays, Obstacles, etc. for the Paddlers to showcase their skills to their families and friends.
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Closing Days
- Award Ceremony for successful passing of Skill Awards
- Overall “Friday Night Lights” Series Point Score Winners
All-Around Paddler Award
All-Around Paddler Award Summary
The All-Around Paddler Awards is an award structure built upon 4 skill level proficiencies that recognizes individuals who demonstrate well-rounded paddling skills and a strong commitment to water safety. To achieve these awards, participants must successfully pass a series of assessments that showcase their proficiency in multiple watercraft disciplines, as well as their ability to respond to emergencies and ensure safety on the water.
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This assessment ensures that participants are familiar with essential water safety principles, including understanding environmental hazards, proper gear usage, and emergency response protocols.
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Participants must demonstrate proficiency in water rescue techniques, including the ability to perform self-rescue and assist others in distress. If the participant is above the age of 12, then knowledge of basic first aid and CPR is also assessed.
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Focuses on the paddler’s ability to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) in a variety of conditions, testing stability, paddling technique, and navigation in open water.
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Assesses the participant’s ability to operate a surfski/kayak, including effective paddling, maneuvering in different water conditions, and performing essential safety maneuvers.
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Evaluates the paddler’s skill in canoeing, focusing on paddle techniques, and the ability to navigate and perform maneuvers in varying water conditions.
Award Criteria:
To earn the All-Around Paddler Award and advance to the next skill level, individuals must demonstrate competency and safety in each of the assessments listed above, reflecting their versatility and capability in handling a range of paddling activities. This award not only highlights technical skill but also emphasizes the importance of safety awareness and readiness for various water conditions. Once all four Award Levels are achieved, the participant is then eligible to advance to the SDCKT Development Racing Team - the next step in the pathway to the SDCKT Junior Racing Team.