Investing in the people who strengthen our paddling community
At Champion Adventures & Coaching, we believe the future of sea kayaking depends on people who are willing to keep learning, challenging themselves, sharing knowledge, and supporting others.
The Champion Adventures & Coaching Professional Development Scholarship & Training Subsidy was created to help reduce financial and access barriers to professional development. Each year, Champion Adventures & Coaching will provide financial support to an individual or individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to their development and to contributing positively to the sea kayaking community.
The scholarship will be applied directly toward an eligible professional development opportunity delivered through Champion Adventures & Coaching Ltd.
What Does the Scholarship Support?
Funding may be applied toward professional development opportunities offered through Champion Adventures & Coaching, including:
Sea kayaking skills development
Advanced skills development
Instructor and coach development
Mentorship opportunities
Certification and non-certification training
Other professional development opportunities agreed upon with Champion Adventures & Coaching
The specific opportunity will be determined in consultation with the successful applicant and based on their goals, experience, and appropriate next steps.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from paddlers and leaders at a variety of stages, including:
Developing paddlers
Aspiring or current instructors
Guides and coaches
Trip leaders
Emerging leaders
Experienced paddlers developing new skills
You do not need the highest certification level or the longest paddling resume. We are interested in where you are going, not simply where you have already been.
What Are We Looking For?
We want to understand your journey, goals, and how this opportunity could support your development.
Applicants will be asked to consider:
What do you want to learn or develop?
Why is this the right next step for you?
What do you hope to gain from training with Champion Adventures & Coaching?
What barriers currently make this development difficult to access?
How will your development allow you to contribute to the paddling community?
Scholarship Support
The successful applicant will receive either full tuition for an appropriate program or a subsidy toward an eligible Champion Adventures & Coaching professional development opportunity.
Support may include:
Course or training fees
Mentorship fees
Coaching programs
Other approved professional development opportunities
The scholarship is not redeemable for cash, cannot be transferred, and must be used within the timeframe established by Champion Adventures & Coaching.
Our Approach to Development
We believe professional development is about more than collecting certifications. Strong paddlers, instructors, guides, coaches, and leaders develop through experience, reflection, mentorship, challenge, feedback, and time on the water.
Every person's path will look different. For one recipient, the next step may be advanced technical skills; for another, instructor development, leadership, decision-making, confidence, or coaching skills.
Our goal is to support someone who is ready to take a meaningful next step in their development.
Access & Financial Barriers
We particularly encourage applications from individuals who may not otherwise have easy access to professional development because of:
Geographic barriers
Limited access to experienced mentors
Work or time commitments
Limited local training opportunities
Being early in their paddling or instructional journey
Other circumstances affecting access to development opportunities
Financial need is one consideration, but it is not the only one. We are ultimately looking for someone who demonstrates potential, commitment, curiosity, and a desire to contribute.
Application & Selection
Applications close: October 15, 2026
Successful applicant announced: October 30, 2026
Training must be completed by: End of the 2026/2027 season
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Development goals
Commitment to learning
Potential for growth
Contribution to the paddling community
Financial need and access barriers
Thoughtfulness of the application
Applicants will not be selected solely on certification level, years of experience, or resume. We want to support someone for whom this opportunity can make a meaningful difference.
Learn. Develop. Give Back.
Strong paddling communities are built by people who are willing to learn from others, share what they know, and create opportunities for those who come next.
Champion Adventures & Coaching is proud to invest in that process.
If you're ready to take your next step, we want to hear from you.