Here in Western Australia, we’re lucky to have amazing weather that’s perfect for water sports.
Paddling is a fun, healthy outdoor activity that every child can enjoy and succeed in!
Upcoming Paddle Squad sessions
Click to register your child for this fun introductory course. If they love these sessions, they are then fully prepared to join a Paddle Squad.
Events
List of events in Photo View
Are you a rover, a racer – or both?
Paddle Squad is all about getting kids paddling – and it’s not all about competition. Our sessions are about fun, fitness and having a go. Once you complete the induction course, you can choose to follow one of these pathways:
Rovers
Rovers are our fun-loving adventurers who enjoy paddling for fitness, making friends, and discovering exciting water places!
Racers
Racers are those who enjoy competing and performing, being part of a team and collaborating with others to achieve their goals.
Or choose both! We encourage you to try each one!
Join the squad
On the water, everyone is equal, no matter their ability or fitness level!
Joining Paddle Squad is simple and welcoming. We’ve created an inclusive program to cater for everyone, with heaps of support and guidance along the way. We have partnered with Rebound WA to include supports for physical disabilities, with para-adaptive kayaks and training. We also have boats for carers if required, just let us know what you need to get out on the water with us!
Open to all kids 8 – 15 Paddle Squad combines fitness and fun on the water. With fast action team games that will keep you active and adventure sessions that will inspire and enlighten.
There’s also end of semester chasers – a fun day out on the whitewater for some high adrenaline action end of semester one, and a Riverbend Camp at the end of semester two.
Paddle Squad Program Outline
Paddle UP
4-week introduction and basic skills courses for those new to paddling.
Get in the flow and discover a love of paddling
Gain the skills, confidence and knowledge to get you out paddling safely.
- fun games and challenges.
- water safety, rescue and confidence.
- fitting lifejackets
- craft familiarisation.
- Basic paddling skills – backwards, craft control, stopping and changing direction.
Join a squad
Choose your squad and set your goals.
Semester one: (appx Feb – June)
Semester two: (appx August – November)
Rovers
The focus is on building fundamental movement skills, water confidence, physical coordination, and self-confidence.
- fun games and challenges.
- River exploration adventures.
- River conservation education.
- Treasure hunts etc.
Racers
The focus is on developing a range of sport specific skills including working as a team in a paddling squad and preparing for racing in an event.
- fun games and challenges.
- River conservation education.
- Skill building.
- Team building.
- Competition preparation.
Get in the Foam Zone
Whitewater sessions – end of semester one chaser (July – water permitting)
Whitewater sessions for some high adrenaline action!
Walyunga National Park
Riverbend Camp
End of semester two chaser (November – early December)
You won’t even realise you’re not using your phone!
Camp open to Paddle Club, Paddle Squad and Paddle WA Club Juniors.
Canoe Polo Carnivale
End of Year Challenge
Battle it out on the Swan
What better way to promote paddling and our Paddle Squad than an end of year Canoe Polo Carnivale in the heart of the City?
City workers can stop by for lunch and watch our Squads vie for the Urban Splash trophy.
Elizabeth Quay is the perfect backdrop and vantage point to enjoy our beautiful weather and watch all the action of these fast paced and exciting 10-minute games and barrack for your favorite Squad!
Paddle Squad is proudly supported by:
Our grateful thanks to the following for their support and assistance with the development of a safe and inclusive space for Paddle Squad
Welcome to the water
For young juniors starting out we use sheltered bodies of water like rivers or sheltered bays and lakes. As the paddler grows and develops, we provide opportunities for paddling white water and coastal environments.
Our Paddle UP course covers all the basics, including water safety and basic paddling skills with fun games and team exercises.
Getting started
If this is the start of a journey for you and your child(children) we suggest you don’t buy a kayak at first. We provide all the equipment to get you started.
Your first purchase may be a life jacket, later on you can think about a suitable craft and paddle, once they are settled into a squad. In the meantime, we have craft for them to use.
Parents Role
Paddling, like all community sports, relies on parents to play a vital role in supporting their child as they begin this journey.
But don’t worry—we’re here to help you every step of the way! Before you know it, your child will confidently manage these tasks on their own or with the support of fellow Squad members.
Preparing for Each Session
At the beginning of each session, it’s your responsibility to help your child get ready. This includes:
- Selecting and properly fitting their life jacket.
- Choosing their craft and assisting with setup, if needed.
- Picking a paddle that suits their height.
Session End
At the end of the session, please assist your child in cleaning and packing away the gear.
We invite and encourage you to join in and be an extra set of “eyes on the water”
How to join
if you’ve never paddled before, begin your journey with this.
Paddle UP
Cost: $70.00 plus GST
Ages: 8 – 15 years
Duration: 4 sessions
When: Fridays 4.30pm to 6.00pm
Venue: Maylands
Wear clothes comfortable for paddling. Shoes that can get wet – water shoes with a soft flexible sole are recommended. Dress appropriate for the weather (eg hat if hot, thermal top if cold). Bring water to drink while paddling.
The sessions are focused on fun, games and challenges. Paddlers will learn how to get in and out of their craft and build confidence in being on or in their craft and in the water. They will develop basic paddling skills like paddling backwards, craft control, stopping and changing direction. They will be able to fit their own life jacket and much more.
If after the Paddle UP they love paddling, they can join a Paddle Squad.
Paddle Squad Membership
Joining Paddle Squad requires either a Paddle WA Club membership or Paddle WA direct membership. This ensures you are fully covered with insurance whenever you are paddling – all day, every day – anywhere in the world. This insurance is one of the many benefits of memberships, to find out more, click here.
Please note: A guardian/parent becomes a member so that your child (children) can become a member. For non-paddling parents/guardians there may be an opportunity to become a volunteer member at some clubs. You can find a club here.
All our clubs (except Sea Kayak Club WA) accept junior memberships. Some clubs also run junior programs. Juniors can be involved in their club program as well as Paddle Squad or choose to do one or the other.
We encourage families with junior paddlers to join one of our clubs. It’s an awesome way for juniors to learn the ropes, make new friends, and have heaps of fun on the water!
If you prefer not to join a club, you can still participate in the collective Paddle Squads as a direct member for Paddle WA.
Once you have decided which membership suits you the best, you can then enroll in Paddle Squad.
Rovers and Racers Squads
Cost: $160.00 plus GST for 14 sessions (semester one)
Ages: Rovers: 8-15 | Racers 10-15
Duration: 14 weeks (semester one) 18 weeks (semester two)
When: Fridays 4.30pm to 6.00pm
Venue: Maylands
Financial assistance is available under the Kidsport Voucher program. Ask us how.
Find a paddling club near you
Help find your local club. All clubs have different facilities and fees. We suggest you take the time to investigate which one suits your needs best.
