Canoeing & Kayaking being developed as new sport in Dominica

The Dominica Canoeing & Kayaking Association (DCKA) is a non-profit organization established and registered 2018 with the primary role of governing and developing the sport of Canoeing and Kayaking in Dominica. Consequently, DCKA is a member of the Pan American Canoe Federation (COPAC), International Canoe Federation (ICF) and an affiliate member of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC).

The association was put together by a team of individuals who have a keen interest in the development of sports. The executive includes members of other established sporting associations in Dominica such as Cycling, Athletics, Football and the Dominica Olympic Committee. The members recognized that this sport was suitable to Dominica considering the availability of beaches, Fresh Water lakes and rivers on island. Thus, the Nature Isle is well equipped to welcome this new sport to its waters. DCKA will also promote canoeing and kayaking as a tourism product, thereby opening up this niche of sports tourism in Dominica.

President of the Association, Barry Casimir, said “By encouraging the practice of this sport on a professional level, more young Dominicans would have the opportunity to be involved in sports and Dominica’s representation at the Olympic Games would be improved.”

The association has established a Strategic Plan for 2018 – 2020 under the theme Start, Stay, and Succeed; and aims to promote and develop the sporting aspect of Canoeing and Kayaking with races such as Ocean racing, Canoe sprint and Canoe marathon.

In that regard, the DCKA will be staging its first event Sunday, December 2nd at Mero Beach from 12 noon to 6:30 pm.  The event was organized in collaboration with the Mero Enhancement Committee, and support from the Office of the Prime Minister, Fisheries Division and Dominica Olympic Committee and will focus on demonstration of Ocean Sprint Kayak Races. The event will also incorporate an aspect of Dominica’s indigenous heritage by having a Kalinago cultural group including a chief, shaman and rowers, participate in the races.

DCKA invites the general public to participate or watch the races. No prior experience will be needed as short training sessions will be done on the day.

Mr. Casimir said, “This event will be wholesome fun for the entire family with music by DJ Snow, Bouncy Castles, drinks, cultural performances and more.”

Interested persons can register at the Office of the Dominica Olympic Committee, 38 Hillsborough Street, Roseau or email [email protected].

The newly formed non-profit association expressed their gratitude to their valued partners and supporters, which include as main partners, The office of the Prime Minister and The Dominica Olympic Committee.

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7 Comments

  1. carltymas
    November 27, 2018

    Fantastic idea.

  2. UDOHREADYET
    November 26, 2018

    thats a great idea!

  3. A. George
    November 26, 2018

    this is a nice initiative.. but isnt there already a Watersports Association? Thy promote kayaking and the like at their flagship event DiveFest… just curious as to the need for two orgs.

    • indeed
      November 26, 2018

      Yes, the
      Dominica Watersports Asociation still exists and hosts the annual Dive Fest . Nature Island Dive operated Kayak and Kayak/snorkel tours to on island, local and cruise passengers, with some tours sold on the ships.
      When Dive Fest started over 20 years ago, there were triathlon races as part of the schedule, bike/swim/kayak.

  4. Fran
    November 26, 2018

    I think that’s great use your resources

  5. Bob the builder
    November 26, 2018

    I am pleased to see that Dominica is opening up itself to participation in sports other than football and cricket. for an island with little employment, sport should be used more for youth development and self advancement. Dominicans abroad participate a wide range of sports and activities and would love to be able to contribute or support such ventures on the island.

    I’m a fan of contact and combat sports as they help to develop self discipline in individuals who are less likely to get involved in anti-social activities.

  6. November 26, 2018

    I am so pleased that we are extending into a wider range of sporting activities: canoeing, cycling, fencing and the French game of boules. These “individual” pursuits – along with athletics – are a welcome addition to “team” sports, especially for those of us gifted with dyslexia.

    Afro-Caribbeans have the world’s highest incidence of dyslexia (15%) and the complicated rules of most team sports makes participation difficult. I believe I hold the world record for the most “home goals” in school football. Just as I can’t instantaneously tell left from right, I could never remember which way my team was playing.

    Incidentally, my sculpture commissioned by the City of Leeds for the millennium, comprises of four life-size figures cast in bronze on the theme of boules.

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