Author: Erik Ages

The International Va’a Federation’s (IVF) Board has been reviewing the sustainability and viability of running a World Championship every year. It has identified some weaknesses in the current schedule and begun discussion of two new options. The IVF Board wants to give member federations the opportunity to provide feedback as they move forward to make the IVF and our sport stronger and more sustainable. The IVF Board has identified two alternate options to our current schedule. To analyze these options, please view the summary of the options here.  This document goes over the rational, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. 

CORA would like input from OUR members before we submit feedback to the IVF. As you go through this survey, please take the time to think about your personal situation as well as the development possibilities for the country along with the organizational demands and possible organizational change that may be required within CORA to fulfill your suggestions. Change is needed, change takes time, change takes people, and often funding. 

As you put forth your feedback, please be solution-focused. 

This survey is anonymous if you choose it to be. As we have many forward-thinking members, we would like the opportunity to follow up on suggestions made here. In order to do that, we have provided a space for you to provide your name and email address if you so chose. 

Survey will remain open until September 4th 11:59am. 

If you hit submit then have a brainwave worth of ideas or had more you wanted to say. fear not, you can always email us at ivf@canadianoutrigger.ca and we’ll gladly accept your suggestions. 

Once again, here’s the link for the survey. 

Coaches for 2026 Singapore IVF World Sprints: CORA is seeking experienced coaches to prepare Canada’s elite national teams for the Singapore IVF World Sprint Championships in 2026. 

Positions Available for the following divisions: 

• Elite Men Coach
• Elite Women Coach
• Elite Under 19 Men Coach
• Elite Under 19 Women Coach

Position Categories:  Contractual
Application Deadline:  21 July 2025
Email Applications To:  info@canadianoutrigger.ca

Coaching Responsibilities

• Review athlete applications for relevant gender division/s in preparation for the Calgary Trials (September 20-21 2025) leading to team selection for World Sprints (Singapore 2026).
• Athlete Selection – Initial selection of athletes who will proceed from elite trials and potential selection to the national team in each coach’s respective division.
• Training Program Development – Create training program tailored to the timeline for Singapore sprints for the division for which the coach is responsible.
• Competition Preparation – Plan and oversee training camps, coordinating logistics and travel in consultation with CORA’s IVF Program Manager.
• Athlete progress monitoring through performance measures (time trials and other testing).
• Team Building – Work to build a cohesive, communicative,supportive team atmosphere among the athletes competing for a seat and forming the final team in the coach’s division.
• Collaboration & Reporting – Each coach will report to the CORA High Performance Committee and work closely with the CORA IVF Program Manager to maintain compliance with IVF regulations and CORA standards.

Qualifications

• Coaching Background.
  Several years’  coaching experience in outrigger canoeing or a related paddling sport at a significant level for high-performance teams.
• Technical Expertise.
  Thorough knowledge and effective application of training principles, methodologies and racing strategies, for individual and crew development with a comprehensive knowledge of sprint outrigger canoe racing.
• Leadership & Communication.
  Proven ability to lead athletes, manage team dynamics and resolve conflicts.
• Certifications and Other Requirements.
  The below certifications are required. Coaches may, at the discretion of the committee, be permitted to attain missing qualifications, at the coach’s expense, if they are completed prior to the September time trials.
  • Emergency First Aid (St. Johns, or equivalent)
  • Safe Sport – Coaching Association of Canada
  • NCCP Making Ethical Decisions – National Coaching Certification Program
  • Coaches who work with U16 athletes, must undergo a Canadian Criminal Record Check. 
• Desirable Certifications
  The below certifications are desirable. Applicants are requested to indicate which certifications they hold.
  • Other NCCP courses including the core outcomes
  • NCCP Coaching competencies
  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card – Transport Canada (required if operating a coach boat)
    
• Working with J19 and younger crews
  Coaches who work with the J19 and under athletes must have a minimum of two years working with athletes in that age class and demonstrate an understanding of the safety requirement for working with junior athletes in water sports. These applicants must be knowledgeable of the CORA Junior Paddler Safety Policy and Procedures. 

Availability

Coaches must be willing to commit their efforts from July 2025 (to initiate recruitment of athletes to the Calgary Trials in September), to attending the trials on September 20/21 2025 and performing the selection and training of crews for Singapore in August 2026.

Coaches’ Compensation

CORA has prepared an outline budget of $6,800 to cover delivery of services outlined in the job description, including travel costs to the September 2025 selection camp in Calgary.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate how they will work within this budget specific to the division (e.g. elite women or U19 men, as examples) for which they have been retained. Any additional expenses outside of this amount (for example, the running of additional camps) will be considered by the CORA Board on a case by case basis.

An Independent Contractor Agreement will be put in place for each selected coach.

Application Process

Please submit the following by 21 July 2025 to info@canadianoutrigger.ca:

1. Cover Letter (detailing coaching philosophy, general experience).
2. Curriculum Vitae (coaching background, achievements, certifications). Please ensure you address all required criteria.
3. A presentation of your plans to work within the budget set by CORA; you must indicate the division you wish to be considered for (e.g. elite men or U19 women for example).
4. Provide two professional references

Important Exclusion
Coaches cannot select or coach their own age/gender division if they themselves wish to compete. 

CORA is considering applicants for Singapore Sprints in 2026; RFPs for future coaching projects will be issued separately.