WHO WE ARE
Latitude 48 Paddling Club is a non-profit outrigger paddling club that was founded in 2016 by coaches and leaders in the Victoria outrigger and dragon boat paddling community of British Columbia. Our mission is to teach and grow the sport and culture of outrigger paddling in Victoria BC. We commit to cultivate and perpetuate the values of respect, fairness, fun, friendship, work ethic, sportsmanship and competition to our members and to the greater paddling community.
Latitude 48 respectfully acknowledges and thanks the Lekwungen speaking Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations on whose traditional and occupied territorial waters we paddle, train, and play. These Indigenous peoples have traversed these waters for thousands of years and we are grateful for their historic and continuing stewardship of these waters and surrounding lands.
Latitude 48 also gratefully acknowledges the ancient Austronesian speaking peoples the islands of southeast Asia who originally developed outrigger canoes and used them to migrate as far as Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. Canoes continue as a pillar of the culture and sport communities in Polynesian island nations throughout the Pacific. The outrigger canoe is a uniquely responsive, versatile and brilliantly designed watercraft that we are lucky to enjoy today in British Columbia.
PROGRAMS
HORIZON
March 1st, 2025 - August 31st, 2025
Welcome to L48 Horizon! This recreational program was created for people who love to be on the water in a fun, supportive environment. Paddlers will have the opportunity to participate in some local races if they choose, but the focus is on fun, camaraderie, skill development and positive canoe culture. Whether you are brand new to paddling or have years of paddling experience, you’ll love getting on the ocean with Corey and Barb!
Coach: Corey Teramura
Schedule: Saturdays 10:30am and Tuesday 4:30pm
Racing: Sure... if you want to!
Program Fees: $300 for six month season (1x per week option available for this program). Paddlers that have completed a successful OC1 recovery and have demonstrated competency in boat handling, have access to club OC1s and OC2 at no additional cost.
*Paddlers will need a yearly CORA membership at $30 in order to participate.
MERIDIAN
March 1st, 2025 - August 31st, 2025
This group of keen, fun paddlers is ideal for either eager new paddlers or experienced paddlers wanting to train and race but without the commitment required for the competitive team. Paddlers will develop skills in 1 person and 6 person outrigger canoes from coaches with years of training, racing and coaching experience. There are many opportunities to race for paddlers that are interested but fun and fitness are the primary goals of this program.
Coaches: Jim Pearson and Simon Wing
Training Schedule: OC6 Wednesday @ 6pm and Saturday @ 9am
Racing: This program regularly participates in local and provincial races.
Program Fees: $300 for six month season
Paddlers that have completed a successful OC1 recovery and have demonstrated competency in boat handling, have access to club OC1s and OC2 at no additional cost.
*Paddlers will need a yearly CORA membership at $30 in order to participate.
COMPETITIVE
March 1st, 2025 - August 31st, 2025
This program is for paddlers looking to train and race at a competitive level. Paddlers work to build fitness and develop their skills in all water conditions, from flatwater stroke efficiency to surfing. Paddlers don’t need a lot of experience or a high level of skill to join provided they have a growth mindset and a desire to learn and push their paddling limits. Paddlers joining this program are expected to prioritize training sessions with their teammates, race on Latitude 48 crews during the season and be accountable to the coaches and teammates.
Coaches: James Hill and Melanie Conard
Training Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday @ 6pm and Sunday @ 9am.
OC1 training is incorporated into some of these sessions but also expected outside of regular practices particularly during racing season. One OC1 workout is provided each week as part of the training program.
Regular OC1 time trials are part of crew selections.
Racing: The competitive team competes in local, regional and international races through the spring, summer, and fall.
Program Fees: $300 for 6 month season
Paddlers that have completed a successful OC1 recovery and have demonstrated competency in boat handling, have access to club OC1s and OC2 at no additional cost.
*Paddlers will also need a yearly CORA membership at $30 in order to participate.
INTRODUCTION TO OUTRIGGER
March 16th, March 17th, April 5, April 13, 2025
You’ve seen our boats on the water, in the gorge and the harbor, and thought “that looks so fun”! Well....it is! Here is your opportunity to give it a try and learn the basics. The Introduction to Outrigger is a series of 1.5 hour sessions that will introduce you to outrigger canoe paddling. You’ll learn all about the boats, the paddling stroke, and how to navigate the Victoria inner, middle and outer harbor. Come to one or all four!!
Paddles, lifejackets and all the equipment you will need to learn will be provided.
At the conclusion of this course, you will have the option to come out to a practice with either the Horizon or Meridian team to see how it feels to paddle with an experienced crew!
This program is coached by a team of coaches with years of experience coaching and paddling outrigger. We love the sport and are excited to introduce new people to Outrigger Paddling.
This program is FREE. Attend one or all four sessions. There will be some repetition between the four sessions, so newcomers aren’t left behind but folks attending all 4 will learn new skills each time.
Space per course is limited to 10 per so please only sign up to the sessions you are certain to attend.
PRIVATE COACHING
Latitude 48's coaches are available for one-on-one or small group coaching to both members and non-members. Our coaches have experience coaching and racing with dragonboat and outrigger teams from novice all the way up to world competition level. L48 coaches can bring a unique perspective to your training and provide insight into how to achieve your paddling goals, whatever they may be.
Cost:
$50 for 60-90 minute session, $75 for two people
*Non-club members that need access to an OC1 will pay an additional $20
Thanks for submitting!