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Inlet Spirit Junior Team

15–18 Years

Inlet Spirit offers a dragon boating youth program built on teamwork, respect, and personal growth. Our focus is on creating a positive, inclusive environment where youth and young adults can develop skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to paddling and community.

We believe sport should be challenging, supportive, and fun — on and off the water.

Who we are

The Inlet Spirit Youth Team exists to:

  • Introduce youth and young adults to the sport of dragon boating

  • Build physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience

  • Encourage leadership, commitment, and mutual respect

  • Create a safe and welcoming space for learning and growth

  • Foster pride in being part of a team and community

our purpose

TEAM FIRST
We paddle, train, and grow together. Every member matters, and success is shared.

RESPECT
We treat teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers, competitors, and the public with courtesy and consideration.

EFFORT & GROWTH
We value showing up, trying hard, and learning — progress is more important than perfection.

INCLUSION
Dragon boating is for everyone. We welcome diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY
We look out for one another and take responsibility for our actions, equipment, and shared spaces.

COMMUNITY
We represent Inlet Spirit with pride and understand that our behaviour reflects on our team and the sport.

OUR VALUES

team expectations

Members of the Inlet Spirit are expected to:

  • Attend practices regularly and arrive prepared

  • Listen to coaches and team leaders

  • Communicate respectfully and constructively

  • Support teammates and contribute to a positive team culture

  • Follow safety guidelines at all times

  • Take care of equipment and facilities

Competition & training

Competition is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, celebrate teamwork, and learn from experience. Winning is exciting, but effort, improvement, and sportsmanship matter most.

We train with purpose, encourage one another, and recognize that everyone develops at their own pace.

our Commitment

By joining the Inlet Spirit Junior Team, members commit to upholding this philosophy and contributing to a team environment built on trust, encouragement, and shared goals.

Together, we paddle with spirit — on the water and beyond.

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Meet Our youth Coaching Team

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Linda Corcoran

Linda Corcoran brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and care to her role as Youth Coach with Inlet Spirit.

With more than 10 years of paddling experience and eight years as a certified steersperson, Linda has spent many seasons on the water developing strong technical skills and a deep understanding of team dynamics. In addition to steering, she also drums and is comfortable in any seat within the boat. This versatility allows her to coach from a well-rounded perspective, with a clear understanding of every position and role involved in the sport.

Beyond dragon boating, Linda has dedicated 35 years working in schools as a school administrative assistant, supporting students and youth programs. She has also assisted high school dragon boat teams with scheduling, steering, and on-water support, and is a former owner and operator of a daycare, giving her extensive experience working with young people of all ages.

In 2025, Linda earned her coaching certification, building on years of hands-on experience as an assistant coach. She also holds steering credentials and drummer certification, allowing her to support youth crews in multiple roles and provide well-rounded guidance both on and off the water.

When asked why youth should take up dragon boating, Linda points to the power of teamwork:

“Dragon boating is a great team sport. It teaches cooperation, communication, and trust, while building confidence, fitness, and friendships.”

Linda is passionate about helping young paddlers grow — not just as athletes, but as teammates — and about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where youth can thrive on the water.

Youth Coach

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Denise Nelson

Denise Nelson began dragon boating in 2013 after completing breast cancer treatment, discovering the sport through Abreast In A Boat. What began as a personal return to physical activity evolved into a deep commitment to coaching, leadership, and long-term athlete development.

Certified as a Dragon Boat Canada Community Coach in 2016, Denise began coaching in 2017 and has worked with a wide range of teams, including Abreast at Rocky Point, Al-O-Wetters, Nothin’ Dragon Masters, Abreast Up the Creek, and the Draggin’ Divas. From 2018 to 2022, she also served as the Abreast In A Boat Coaching Liaison, supporting coach education and paddler development alongside AIAB Coaching Advisor Kamini Jain.

Denise has completed extensive technical training, including Right Angle Performance camps in Thailand and Tempe. She is trained in both drumming and steering, allowing her to support leadership development and teamwork within crews.

Committed to leading by example, she continues to compete as an athlete. Since 2021, Denise has raced with the FCRCC Senior C Women’s team at Club Crew Nationals and represented Canada at the 2025 IDBF World Championships in Germany.

As dragon boating continues to grow internationally, Denise believes strongly in investing in the next generation.

“Dragon boating gives youth a place to belong, learn responsibility, and build confidence as part of a team. It’s not just about paddling — it’s about learning commitment, accountability, and how to work together toward a shared goal.”

Through early engagement in the sport, Denise helps youth develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. The values learned through dragon boating — teamwork, commitment, and perseverance — stay with athletes throughout their lives, supporting success well beyond sport.

Head Coach

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Program Commitment at a Glance

Season: April – June 2026
Training: Twice weekly practices (Tuesdays/Thursday at 4:30pm)
Supplies: Paddles, PFDs and race jerseys will be provided for the season
Racing: Minimum of two race events during the season
Ages: 15–18 years
Experience: No prior dragon boat experience required
Expectations: Consistent attendance, willingness to learn, and commitment to the team

This program is designed for those 15 – 18 years of age who are ready to commit to a short, focused season and contribute to a team environment. Reliability and effort matter — showing up prepared and engaged helps the entire crew succeed.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Youth membership includes use of paddle, PFD (flotation device) and a race jersey.

    Inlet Spirit supplies the boats and coaching!

  • Cancellation of a membership is only allowed after the first training session. Once you attend two trainings, there are no refunds. The good news is, your fee will support the team.

Not sure if you will like the sport? Interested paddlers will be offered a free try-it session prior to commitment.

FREE Try-It Session

To register a youth athlete (ages 15–18) to join our Junior Team, a parent or guardian is asked to complete the contact form below. We’re happy to answer any questions and will provide a link to our registration form.

Please complete the Contact Us form below to express interest, and we’d be in touch.

You can also reach us directly at teaminletspirit@gmail.com

REady to Register?

Contact us

Interested in joining us? We can’t wait to hear from you!