The Collingwood Paddling Club welcomes you to another exciting season. If you’re a returning paddler or joining us for the first time, you are now part of a supportive, inclusive and inspiring community where our focus is on personal growth, camaraderie, having fun and above all a great paddling experience. As a member of the Dragon Boat program, you also have access to a full range of on-the-water programs offered by the Collingwood Paddling Club. Our club operates with clear policies and processes to make your experience smooth and rewarding.
The Collingwood Sidelaunchers are the CPC’s dragon boat community. We are made up of participants of all ages and abilities. We hold practices on water with our Dragon Boat Canada qualified coaches on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:15pm-8:00pm (weather permitting) from May until late September. We also offer a more relaxed and social practice without a coach most Sundays from 9:00-10:00am.
Dragon Boat program members participate in practices, training, and regattas throughout the season. The club emphasizes good sportsmanship and participation. Regattas are an exciting and engaging way to put skills and sportsmanship together as a team. Regardless of whether you paddle for fun or fitness, or whether you like to race, dragon boat paddling is an excellent way to improve fitness, be outdoors and enjoy the company of like minded-people on Collingwood’s historic harbour. We hope you join us when we put our PADDLES UP!
In addition to the full benefits of a Collingwood Paddling Club membership – Open Paddle, Masters Paddling, Endurance Paddling, we are offering a wider range of Dragon Boat programs this year – hopefully there is something that interests you.
Sidelaunchers Orientation “Learn to Paddle” - Back by popular demand
Are you new to Dragon Boat, or you did it a long time ago but really would like a refresher? This program is for you! We are offering three 2 hour coached sessions to introduce you to dragon boat. Program dates are: May 20, May 27, and June 3rd. A make up date of June 10 is possible should weather require one. Each session will take place on a Wednesday night from 6:30–8:30pm. Enrolment is limited. Participants will be taught dragon boat safety, paddling skills, and will be familiarized with the Collingwood Dragon Boat program. The coach will conduct a skills assessment and make recommendations as to next steps. At the end of the three sessions we hope you decide to join our dragon boat teams, either for competitive or recreational paddling.
Cost: $75 for the 3 week Learn-to-Paddle Program. Enrolment is limited.
If you have questions, please contact sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com
Sidelaunchers Dragon Boat Teams
We hope to be on the water by the beginning of May! Weather permitting, we will continue to paddle through September / early October.
Registration Code Required:
For our returning Collingwood Dragon Boat paddlers and experienced paddlers new to the Collingwood program only. Please contact us at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com to request a code.
New paddlers should register for the Sidelaunchers Orientation program. If you are an experienced dragon boat paddler from another club or have some dragon boat experience, reach out to sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com and we will recommend the best fit for you.
2026 Sidelauncher Dragon Boat Teams
Team Georgian: Cost $550 per paddler
Focus on athlete development toward competitive racing
Includes
mandatory Spring Training Clinic (May 30)
attendance at Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival (June 20), Hamilton Waterfest (July 4), and a third regatta in September (TBD)
Team focused practice on Mondays / Combined Club Boats on Thursdays
Six additional practices (TBD) to replace holiday Mondays missed
Team Huronic: Cost $400 per paddler
Focus on recreational racing and skills development
Includes (optional) attendance at Barrie Dragon Boat Festival (August 15)
Team focused practice on Mondays / Combined Club Boats on Thursdays
If you require additional information or clarification, please contact: sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com
Dragon Boat Experience - NEW this Season!!
You’ve heard about it and thought about it – you’re curious about dragon boating but aren’t ready to make a commitment. We have the answer! Join us in a two-hour Dragon Boat Experience. No experience or equipment required – we provide PFDs and paddles.
Imagine the exhilaration of padding in unison with your crew, taking in the beauty of Collingwood Harbour as you glide across our magnificent waterfront. This unique activity is suitable for all – individuals, small groups, or larger groups looking for a team-building activity. The emphasis is on communication, coordination, and working together to achieve a shared goal. You will also enjoy some fascinating stories about Collingwood’s waterfront history.
Our experienced, certified, and well-trained team will make this a truly enjoyable experience. So sign up and show up – all participants are guaranteed to have an amazing time.
Dates: Choose One! Wednesday, June 17 or Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $30 per paddler
Do you have a group (minimum 14) who would like to share this experience at an alternate time? Contact us at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can arrange!
Questions? Interested paddlers should contact sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com