Youth/U24 Program Inaugural Season Wraps Up
Our Family Paddle on June 23
What an incredible first season!
On June 23, Inlet Spirit Paddling Society proudly celebrated the completion of our inaugural Youth/U24 Dragon Boat Development Program, marking the end of an unforgettable three-month journey of learning, teamwork, and achievement.
From athletes who had never stepped into a dragon boat before to a team that proudly stood on the podium twice, this group exceeded every expectation. Throughout the season, our youth paddlers developed confidence, built lasting friendships, and embraced the values of commitment, respect, and teamwork that define our club.
Their hard work was rewarded with an outstanding competitive season as team, "Inlet Storm," earning a:
🥇 Gold Medal at the Inlet Spring Regatta
🥉 Bronze Medal at the Vessi 500 Championships
While the medals are something to celebrate, they tell only part of the story. Watching these young athletes grow both on and off the water has been the true highlight of the season.
This program would not have been possible without the dedication of Coach Linda Corcoran, whose enthusiasm, patience, and commitment helped create an environment where every paddler could succeed. Thank you, Linda, for investing your time, knowledge, and passion into our youth.
Gold medal at Inlet Spring Regatta
Reflections from Youth Captain Marcus Farmer
As the inaugural season came to a close, Youth Captain Marcus Farmer reflected on what made the program so special.
“It has been amazing seeing everyone in the boat, whether new to paddling or not, put in some incredible work and dedication to make this first season a success.”
Marcus also shared his favourite memory from the season—a moment that perfectly captured the team's hard work and determination.
“My favourite memory from this season has got to be us coming across the line in our final race at Inlet Spring Regatta having no idea if we even medaled. We came back up off the dock to find out we won our division with an incredible time! It was awesome to see everyone's reaction to such a successful first regatta as a team.”
We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of the parents and families who supported the program every step of the way. From transportation and encouragement to cheering from the shoreline, your support made this initiative possible.
The season concluded with a wonderful celebration. Our youth athletes and their families gathered at Pajo's Fish & Chips to celebrate an amazing first season. We are incredibly grateful to Pajo's for their generous community support in helping make this celebration possible.
The festivities continued with a Family Paddle on June 23, where two full dragon boats took to the water together. It was a fantastic outing filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of smiles as parents, siblings, and friends experienced the excitement of dragon boating (and racing) alongside our youth paddlers.
We couldn't be prouder of everything this group has accomplished. They have laid the foundation for what promises to be an exciting future for youth dragon boating on Burrard Inlet.
To commemorate the conclusion of this milestone season, each of our 17 youth paddlers received a certificate recognizing their dedication, commitment, and accomplishments throughout the inaugural Youth/U24 Development Program. These certificates celebrated not only the medals earned and skills developed on the water, but also the teamwork, perseverance, and positive spirit each athlete brought to every practice and race.
Congratulations to every paddler on a remarkable first season. We can't wait to see where your dragon boat journey takes you next.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this inaugural program such a tremendous success. Special mention to our sponsors, Maxilite Lighting and Port Moody Legion #119. Here's to an even bigger and better season in 2027!
Bronze medal at Vessi 500
The Vessi 500 race was supported by Hasti, Maia, Megan and Wylie. We hope to see them in 2027 along with everyone else.