How do I get my daughters into competitive paddling?

Advice
#1

Hi All,

I would like to introduce my daughters (7, 10) to competitive paddling. Googling around for youth lessons near NYC hasn’t led me anywhere.

Any pointers would be helpful!

Thanks,

G.

#2

First you have to get them out of cell phones. Hopefully they aren’t there yet.

#3

No experience with youth racing, but know the NYC area pretty well:

This is in Brooklyn, a reputable historic club that does racing: https://sebagocanoeclub.org/flatwater-racing/

This is a canoe group, looks pretty serious: https://www.nymcra.org/

Kayakpro in New Rochelle deals in race boats and other equipment - run by an Olympic paddler who is extremely nice and would probably be able to steer you in the right direction: http://www.kayakpro.com/about.html
His race boats look pretty great, and I have a couple of his EZ-Vee racks which are excellent.

#4

Thank you!

#5

Contact the USCA (United States Canoe Association.)
They have a representative in each state.
I am quite sure at the Nationals they have younger age group catagories

With that said; if you are interested in just novice racing in non racing canoes, get to your closest Out door outfitting store. They should have a list of any local events.

Jack L

#6

Thank you.

#7

What do the daughters want to do?

#8

Overstreet’s question is the core one. Kids are interested in the activities their parents like.
Do you race and take the along?

#9

This is why I included the word “introduce”. They’ve watched videos and enjoy paddling. Want to try it.

#10

The Canoe Nationals are in Syracuse this summer. They are looking for volunteers to help out. Contact nymcra to find out how and where. That might be a good introduction and incentive to do some paddling as well.