Welcome to VI Paddling! We are proud to be one of the largest paddling clubs on Vancouver Island and home to many great teams in communities across our island paradise. We currently have a large variety of teams from youth to senior, beginner to high performance, and women’s and mixed.
VI Paddling Recreational Teams
VIP Wild
VI Paddling’s first women’s rec team established in 2019. These ladies of all ages love to practice hard to be as competitive as they can be while maintaining a strong social connection within the team.
Gorge-O-Saurus
A brand new, fun mixed crew for all ages and experience.
Comox Wave Cutters
This team is great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Comox Wave Makers
VI Paddling’s learn-to-race dragon boat program for the Comox Valley.
VICTORIA – SMOKE ON THE WATER
VI Paddling’s learn-to-race dragon boat program for Victoria.
Nanaimo – Maffeo Maulers
VI Paddling’s learn-to-race dragon boat program for Nanaimo.
Dragon Riders Youth Team
Dragon Riders was established to provide opportunities for youth in the Comox Valley to experience one of the fastest growing team sports.
Island Breaststrokers
Island Breaststrokers are a vibrant group of breast cancer survivors, aged 40-80. We paddle to show that rigorous, regular exercise plays a critical role in helping those who are living through breast cancer return to an active lifestyle.
Navy Dragon Anchors
Our team comprises of Military serving and retired /DND Civilians and family and friends of both. We strive for excellence as a team both on and off the water.
Gorging Dragons Alumni
We welcome relatively fit seniors with a competitive spirit, who want to improve their paddling abilities, and are willing to put in the work and practice attendance to make that happen. We may be old, but we love being fast, and showing those young paddlers who’s boss!
Hope Afloat Canada
We welcome anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as women with any other cancer diagnosis, practicing out of the Comox Valley.
Slegg Titans
The Slegg Titans is one of VIP’s corporate teams comprised of Slegg Building Materials employees.
No Drama Llamas
The Llamas were founded as a means to bring different departments of an organization together for a fun team building, get-to-know your co-workers exercise. It morphed into a team of people from all over the city who enjoyed being together and working hard to cross the finish line.
Route 22
Route 22 began its journey as a team for BC Transit employees from across the company to get to know each other and for team building. The crew is comprised of different divisions, departments, and staffing levels: Service people, transit operators (drivers), supervisors, directors, admin support, and Vice Presidents are all represented.
Mighty Mermaids
Women’s recreational team with a focus on those of us over 50 was born. Lead by a 50+ woman with world class competition experience and a great sense of humour, this team will surely be a force to be reckoned with.
Flying Dragons
Flying Dragons is a recreationally competitive women’s dragon boat team, formed in 2006, training out of Comox. The focus of the team is to ‘be as competitive as we can be’ while maintaining the spirit of the sport and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of the team.
Prevailing Wins
Prevailing Wins is the Comox Valley’s only mixed competitive Dragon Boat Team. Our aim is fitness, fun and participation in dragon boat festivals. New members welcome!
River Spirit
Since its inception in May of 2003, River Spirit has grown considerably; welcoming Breast Cancer Survivors and Associates and practicing out of Campbell River. Our team is well known all over the Island for its camaraderie and team spirit!
PANDA
PANDA is a dynamic women’s dragon boat team making waves in Nanaimo, BC. More than just a racing crew, the Pandas are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment where women of all experience levels can discover the joy of dragon boating. Empowering Women on the Water: The Panda’s believe that dragon boating is for everyone.
VI Paddling Competitive Teams
Flat Out (Breast Cancer Survivor)
Flat Out trains to attend the Canadian National Championships every odd year to try and qualify for the Club Crew World Championships held every even year.
Gorging Dragons – Premier
Premier high-performance program – mixed and gender crews (ages 18-48)
Gorging Dragons – Senior B
Senior B (ages 49-59) high-performance, mixed and gender crews.
Gorging Dragons – Senior C
Senior C (Ages 59+) High performance – mixed and gender crews.
Gorging Dragons – Senior D
Senior D (Ages 70+) training for men and women.
