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.
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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
INTRODUCTION TO OUTRIGGER
March 22nd, April 12th, April 26th @ 12:30pm
You’ve seen our boats on the water, in the gorge and the harbour, 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 harbour. Come check it out!
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.
These sessions are FREE!
Space is limited to 10 per session so please only register for the session you are certain to attend.
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Small Boat Speed & Skills Program
March 9th to May 25th, 2026
Perfect for paddlers looking to level-up their small-boat game. This 12 session program will help paddlers improve their small boat skills, gain comfort in various water conditions and get faster. Each session will start with a skills/technical discussion followed by guided workout. If there are waves, the group will focus on gaining confidence and building skills in the bumps.
Coach: James Hill
Practice Times: Monday @ 5:30pm
Program Fees:
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$125 for Latitude 48 members currently registered in another L48 program
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$175 for Non-Latitude 48 members
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Drop in $25 per session payable on arrival and subject to boat availability
New Youth Rate!
ALL NEW JUNIOR RATE of $200 for paddlers 14-18 years old that sign up for one of our regular OC6 programs including Horizon, Meridian and Competitive.
HORIZON
February 28, 2026 - August 29th, 2026
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 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, Barb and Richard!
Coach: Corey Teramura, Barb McColl and Richard Mass
Regular Practice Times: Saturday 10:30am, Tuesday 4:30pm
and now for the sun lovers….Mondays at Noon!!!
Racing: Sure... if you want to!
Program Fees:
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$320 for six month season (full member).
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$240 One day per week
*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
February 28, 2026 - August 29, 2026
This program is ideal for either eager new paddlers or experienced paddlers wanting structured training and some racing but without the commitment required for the competitive team. Paddlers will develop skills primarily in 6 person canoes from experienced coaches. Some opportunities to train in 1 person or 2 person canoes will also be included. Interested paddlers have multiple racing opportunities throughout the season.
Coaches: Jim Pearson and Simon Wing
Practice Times: Wednesday @ 6pm and Saturday @ 9am
Racing: There are plenty of opportunities in the spring, summer and fall to take part in local racing.
Program Fees: $320 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 an annual Canadian Outrigger Racing Association membership in order to participate.
COMPETITIVE
March 1st, 2025 - August 30th, 2026
This program is for paddlers looking to train hard and race often. 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 their coaches and teammates.
Coaches: James Hill and Melanie Conard
Practice Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday @ 6pm, 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: $320 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 need an annual Canadian Outrigger Racing Association membership in order to participate.
*Paddlers will also need a yearly CORA membership at $30 in order to participate.
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 raging from novice to athletes competing internationally. 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
Please email us at Latitude48paddling@gmail.com with requests.
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