Initiated in 2007, the Alberta High Performance program’s objective is to give Alberta slalom athletes the opportunity to excel without having to relocate to other provinces or countries. It is an Alberta solution to excellence in slalom canoe/kayak. The program is in its second year and will continue to evolve to help the athletes meet their needs and achieve their goals.

This year Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) has confirmed the Regional Development Centers collaboration allowing more flexibility and opportunities for senior team athletes to work together across the country. Through this reciprocal understanding both ASCK and CKC support and encourage that athletes sign up with their regionally relevant HP program and therefore receive coaching at home and out-of-province.

What athletes can expect from the Alberta HP Program:

A program based at CKC Regional Development Center – Calgary, with whitewater at Kananaskis River

Each athlete enrolled in the program will receive:
 1) Comprehensive individualized yearly training plan
 2) Daily/weekly training schedule
 3) Monthly strength and core plan
 4) Workouts will be adapted to meet individuals’ needs

Coached sessions and sessions “on your own” will be planned

Google Calendar will be the main method of communicating session times itness testing – three times per year on the Kananaskis River.

AB HP Training Camps:
  1) December 16-22nd – 1wk Winter camp - Banff Park
  2) February 6-22 - 2 week (before & including reading week)
  3) Mexico Camp - Jalcomulco, MX
  4) March 18-29 – 1.5 wk Spring Break Camp – Chilliwack, BC

National and Development Team athletes are also able to attend any National training camps or RDC camps, designated for their participation. Note: CKC requires one month advance registration.
  1) DC, December 13-21;
  2) Charlotte, February 16-26;
  3) Chilliwack, March 23-30;
  4) National Team, Spain, April 16-30;
  5) Ottawa, May 20-27

Races
  1) Pool race, January, TBD
  2) March 21 - Rich Weiss Cup, March, Chilliwack,BC
  3) May 9 - Pre Trials, May, Kananaskis
  4) May 29,30,31 - National Team Trials, Ottawa
  5) August 1-2 - National Championships, Kananaskis
  6) Provincial races – TBD
  7) International races – TBD by CKC
  8) National & Dev.Team athletes will have free coaching at events CKC designates for those teams.

PLEASE NOTE: Camps will be contingent on minimum enrollment

Alberta HP athletes will:

• Create an annual “SMART” list of personal goals in consultation with the coach.
• Be committed to the HP Team as well as individual goals.
• Be respectful towards athletes, coaches and all members of ASCK.
• Abide by the ASCK Code of Conduct.
• Maintain clear lines of communication with the Coaches and Team.
• Show determination to work hard year round.
• Be flexible to schedule changes due to weather and water times.
• Show dedication by attending sessions, on time and ready to go.
• Consistently update iLog or another approved training record.
• Bring watch/water/food/proper equipment to each workout.
• Participate fully in Board approved ASCK sponsorship agreements.
• Be a student of the sport and seek to absorb as much information from all sources as possible.

Some Basic Objectives based on the Canadian Sport for Life Model:

Training to Train (learning to race)

• Ensure solid technique base
• Fitness
• Speed
• Understand fully the reason for a certain type of workout
• Learn how to prepare for racing
• Learn race tactics

Training to Compete

• Continual technical refinement
• Strength
• Working on all energy systems in a period plan
• Refine race preparation and race tactics