By Wendy Train
It all started with the banquet and awards dinner.
The Awards Dinner
I slipped into the back of the Balmy Beach Canoe Club’s paddling banquet expecting to stay only a few minutes, but the energy in the room pulled me in immediately. It was more than a formal ceremony—it was a joyful celebration of talent, teamwork, and pride. Members of all ages cheered for award winners and laughed at lighter honours like Outstanding Volunteer, Best Dressed, and Best Swimmer. When the evening turned to the upcoming National Championships in Nova Scotia, the coaching team invited me to join the trip as a volunteer. It was a generous, exciting invitation—and the start of an unforgettable journey into the paddling world.
First Impressions
My first experience at a Regatta, was at the 2023 National Sprint Canoe and Kayak Championship and it was electric. Even the rain could not dull the excitement of 29 BBC paddlers ready to race. I was welcomed warmly by club leaders, introduced to the history and national significance of the sport, and struck by the handcrafted wooden awards and gleaming trophies that reflected a legacy of national, Olympic, and Paralympic excellence. Just as memorable were the volunteers who kept everything running smoothly and the strong bond between the paddling community and Canada’s waterways. Although I arrived as an outsider, I quickly felt that I belonged.
Why I Chose to Volunteer
After years in education, I have always been drawn to places where people lift one another up. In the paddling section, I saw the quiet work behind every race—from setup and registration to safety on the water—and I wanted to be part of it. Volunteering became more than helping; it became a meaningful way to support athletes and families and to contribute to a community where people can thrive.
A Strong Sense of Community
What stays with me most is the warmth of this community. Children, parents, coaches, volunteers, and seniors all come together with a shared desire to help one another succeed. In every kind of weather, there is encouragement, laughter, and a helping hand close by. The atmosphere feels like a family gathering by the water—welcoming, generous, and full of quiet pride. Paddling builds not only skill and discipline, but also confidence, empathy, and connection.
The Balmy Beach Canoe Club reflects the values I cherish most: inclusivity, service, perseverance, sportsmanship, and community. It celebrates something deeply Canadian—the beauty of our waterways and the opportunities they offer to challenge ourselves, support one another, and build lasting connections. That spirit of warmth, purpose, and shared effort is what keeps drawing me back.
Respectfully,
Wendy Train