Sprint High Performance

Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan (CKS) offers a structured pathway for developing high-performance sprint canoe/kayak athletes, from beginner levels to national and international competition. This development process includes local entry points, supports, competition pathway, training and sport science supports, and coaching development.

Paddling Opportunities in Saskatchewan

Community Programs & Clubs: Various schools and organizations introduce paddling to the public, supporting the early stages of athlete development (Learn-to-Paddle).

CKS Programs & Camps: CKS offers programs from beginner (Learn-to-Paddle) to specific skill development (e.g., Marathon or NAIG preparation).

CKS Member Clubs: CKS works with member clubs across the province to develop competitive sprint paddling programming across three levels:

Developing Sprint Clubs: Introductory and developmental sprint programming.
High Performance Sprint Clubs: implement year-round sprint paddling strength, conditioning, and technical programs using provincial sport services for testing and recovery.
They facilitate CKC-aligned training working towards attending national events for athlete exposure and selection for national and international competitions.

Athlete Development Pathway

Beginner (All Ages): Athletes start with Learn-to-Paddle programs focused on skill development and family participation. LTAD Stages: Active Start, Fundamentals

Introduction to Sprint (Ages 8–14): Athletes are introduced to sprint programming, developing technique and participating in beginner competitions. LTAD Stage: Training to Train

Developmental (U14–U18): Athletes join competitive squads, focusing on strength, conditioning, regional competitions and aiming for provincial team selection. LTAD Stage: Learn-to-Compete

High Performance (U17–U23): Year-round training with sport science support, attending training camps and national regattas, tracking progress and aiming for national team selection. LTAD Stage: Training to Compete

High Performance/National Team (Open): Elite athletes integrate with Canoe Kayak Canada programs and international competition cycles. LTAD Stage: Training to Win

Coach Development

Program Coach: Coaches start with introductory certifications (e.g., Paddle Canada, NCCP CanoeKids) and lead Learn-to-Paddle sessions.

Club Coach: Coaches progress to more advanced certifications (NCCP Entry-Level Competitive Coach) and support athletes in transitioning to competitive sprint paddling.

High-Performance Coach: Coaches of elite athletes acquire advanced training in sprint techniques, sport science, and multi-sport strength and conditioning (NCCP Competitive Development).

National/International Coach: Advanced certifications, participating with the National Sport Organisation (CKC). Leading athletes to national-level performance benchmarks.

Check out our Coaches & Instructors page for ways to get involved!

Training Camps

A canoe/kayak training camp is a specialized program designed to improve the skills, fitness, and technique of individuals who practice canoeing or kayaking. These camps are often aimed at athletes of various skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and can be used for both recreational paddlers and competitive athletes.

Camps focus on:

Skill Development: paddling techniques, boat handling, positioning, turning and maneuvering
Fitness: strength conditioning, endurance training, flexibility
Water Safety: rescue techniques, water navigation
Competitive Training: speed work, tactics
On-land Activities: dryland training, technical education
Personal Skills: teamwork, leadership, communication, self-confidence, respect for all participants

HP Warm Weather Training Camp

The goal of high performance Sprint canoe/kayak training is to enhance athlete performance through the successive LTAD, Training to Compete stage. Spring training camp is targeted towards athlete preparation for those whose training objectives and competition goals are aligned with performance results at the National Team Trials, the Canadian Nationals Championships and international competitions.

The camp provides an early season intensive start to training, given the short paddling season on the Prairies. This is a 4 week camp typically hosted in March/April each year in Florida, USA.

Due to the intensity of the camp, athletes are only eligible to attend the Warm Weather camp at the invitation of one of the HP Club Coaches.

Winter Testing

The objective is to gain a comprehensive view of athletic performance within our province. This testing session is crucial for identifying key focus areas and establishing seasonal performance objectives for athletes aged 14 to 21, including those in the Canada Games age category (U21). This also ensures alignment with training goals and provincial standards.

Age-appropriate tests are conducted to evaluate each athlete’s performance. The tests may include:

Chin-ups/Pull-ups
Push-ups
Rowing Ergometer Test
Standing Long Jump
1500m run (weather permitting)
For older athletes, additional weight-based tests

Testing is a one day event, taking up to approximately four hours, depending on the number of participants.

This data is instrumental in supporting CKS funding applications and programming decisions.

All eligible provincial athletes are encouraged to participate.

Information for Northern and Southern testing will be posted on the CKS website events page as well as on social media.

Sprint High Performance Governance

The CKS Sprint High Performance Committee is responsible for the management and reporting of HP/Excellence funding. The Committee consists of CKS board members as well as HP coaches and HP Club Commodores. For more information on the HP Committee, please contact the CKS Sprint Representative and/or Sprint High Performance Committee Lead.

Contact Us

Funding for HP Athletes

CKS can apply for grants on behalf of athletes to assist in their future development in the sport, such as the funding opportunities below:

Future Best

To provide financial assistance to support the developmental needs of Saskatchewan athletes who are demonstrating the potential to become a national senior team member and those who are seriously committed to attaining this status through intense training, technical development and competitive success.

Next Generation Indigenous Athlete Assistance Grant

To provide financial assistance to Indigenous athletes to excel in sport at the elite level. Elite includes being named to a provincial team, competing at a national level or other competitive levels as determined by the committee.