IndoorDragon BoatTrainning
Paddling in winter? Absolutely.
Paddling tank — Paddle ergs
When winter sets in, training doesn’t stop.
At H2o, we have developed a comprehensive indoor training program that allows you to keep paddling all winter long, in a controlled, safe environment perfectly suited for progression.
Thanks to access to an indoor dragon boat pool and a specialized ergometer studio, you develop your technique, physical fitness, and consistency until you return to the water in spring.
Why paddle indoors?
- The paddling tank is equipped with full-length mirrors, allowing you to watch yourself paddle and adjust your posture and stroke in real time.
- The space between paddlers is larger than in an outdoor boat, which allows the coach to move easily and provide personalized technical corrections.
- Winter training helps maintain fitness, coordination, and rhythm, ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the outdoor season.
- It also helps to maintain team spirit throughout the winter, strengthen the bonds between paddlers, and keep a strong group dynamic until returning to the water.
Season 2026-27
Indoor Training — Community Division
Montreal - Parc Jean Drapeau
Are you already part of a H2o team in the community division, or would you like to join the club?
This program is designed to help you stay active, improve, and paddle all winter long, in a motivating and structured environment.
Combo Formula
Alternating Paddling tank / Ergometers
Our Combo formula is based on an effective weekly alternation:
One week in the Indoor Paddling Tank, focused on technique and synchronization
One week in the ergometer room, focused on power and endurance
This alternation maximizes the benefits of winter training and optimally prepares the body for the on-water season.
Time Slot Selection
Monday 6pm H2o Comm
- Mixed Team, accessible to beginners
- from November to April, 2027
- 1x per week: Monday 6:00pm to 7:00pm
- Coach: Vincent Bonami
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
Monday 8 PM H2O Comm
- Mixed Team, beginner-friendly
- from November to April, 2027
- Once a week: Monday 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Coach: Vincent Bonami
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
Thursday 6 PM H2O Comm
- Mixed Team, beginner-friendly
- from November to April, 2027
- Once a week: Thursday 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Coach: Josée Charbonneau
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
The full indoor training schedule for 2026-27 will be available in September 2026.
Season 2026-27
Indoor Training — SPORT Division
Montreal - Parc Jean Drapeau
You are already part of an H2o team in the SPORT division, or you are engaged in a performance pathway with the club? This program is designed to maintain a high level of physical fitness, refine technique, and preserve team cohesion throughout the winter in a structured, demanding, and performance-focused environment. The indoor season is actually the ideal time to join our Sport program and fully commit to the project.
Combo Format
The Combo format – SPORT Division is designed to meet the demands of high-level performance.
Training sessions last two hours and systematically include a physical preparation session in the gym, in addition to specific paddle work.
The structure is based on a targeted weekly rotation:
One week in the Indoor Paddling Tank, focused on technique, synchronization, and paddle stroke quality
One week on the ergometer room, focused on power, endurance, and consistency, combined with muscle strengthening circuits
This format allows simultaneous development of individual performance, team cohesion, and physical robustness, while optimally preparing the body and crew for the water season and competitive goals.
Time Slot Selection
Tuesday 6 PM Senior A/B
- Mixed Team
- from November to April, 2027
- 1 x week: Tuesday 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Coach: Dan Schmouth / SQ Nguyen
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
The full indoor training schedule 2026-27 will be available in September 2026.
Season 2026-27
Unlimited Ergometers Subscription
Montreal - Parc Jean Drapeau
This package gives you access to an unlimited number of 60-minute training sessions, on a flexible plan, on the following ergometers:
Dragon boat ergometer (P-erg)
Rowing ergometer
Kayak ergometer
Canoe ergometer
An excellent complement to on-water training, ideal for staying fit, working on technique, and accumulating volume during the indoor season. Accessible to all levels.
General Information
How it works
Simple and flexible:
You book your ergometer
You come to train according to your availability
Unlimited P-ERG subscription
- from November to April, 2027
- 2026-27 schedule coming soon
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
The full indoor training schedule for 2026-27 will be available in September 2026.
Olympic Basin, Jean Flag Park
Practical information – Athletes’ district
Our activities take place at Jean-Drapeau Park Athletes’ Quarter, an exceptional site dedicated to water sports.
Paid parking near
Access by metro : station Jean-Drapeau, about 10 minutes walk (see route)
Bixi station on site
Full changing rooms available
Training takes place at Olympic Basin, a safe body of water built for 1976 Montreal Olympics, now recognized as an international caliber installation.
FAQ
General Questions
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our activities. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us — we will be happy to answer you.
The dragon boat is a team water sport originating in China, with traces dating back more than 2,000 years.
Practiced worldwide today, it relies on coordination, synchronization, and team spirit.
Teams paddle aboard a long, stable vessel decorated with a dragon head and tail, steered by a helmsman at the back and paced by a drummer at the front.
A dragon boat measures about 12 meters (40 feet) and mainly comes in two formats: the standard boat, which can accommodate up to 20 paddlers, and the 10-paddler boat.
Accessible and easy to learn, dragon boating is a unifying sport that emphasizes fun, collaboration, and team performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people make up a team?
A team generally consists of 22 people:
20 paddlers
1 steersperson (who also acts as coach)
1 drummer
Teams can be mixed, female, or male. In mixed teams, a minimum of 8 men is required to participate in competitions.
The steersperson-coach is included in your package.
Yes, dragon boat is a very easy sport to learn, accessible to all age groups and all fitness levels. The boats are wide, stable, and safe, and activities are always conducted under the supervision of certified coaches.
In competition, the sport is organized into different divisions so that everyone can progress at their own pace: the community division for beginner and intermediate levels, and the sport division for more advanced and performance-oriented paddlers.
Whether your goal is to discover the sport, stay active, or aim for high-level competition, the H2o club offers a team and support tailored to your profile.
How to Dress for a Dragon Boat Activity
To fully enjoy your dragon boat experience, it is recommended to avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and becomes uncomfortable when wet. Instead, opt for technical garments made of lycra or nylon. On cooler days, wearing sports underwear (base layer) is strongly advised to keep warm.
For footwear, choose an old pair of espadrilles or sport sandals that can get wet.
Essentials for Warm Weather
Cap or scarf to protect your head
Sportswear (avoid cotton)
Sunscreen
Sandals or sports shoes
Reusable water bottle
Essentials for Cold Weather
Beanie or scarf to cover your head
Sportswear (avoid cotton)
Nylon coat and pants (windbreaker)
Sandals or sports shoes
Reusable water bottle
Yes! ☔️ Dragon boat is a water sport… so getting a little wet is part of the fun!
In case of light or moderate rain, the activity goes on as planned.
Only severe thunderstorms can jeopardize the activity. In the presence of electrical storms, the activity is temporarily suspended for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, until conditions become safe again.
Yes. We provide paddles as well as personal flotation devices (PFDs) to all participants.
For the regular development of a club member, it is however recommended to get your own paddle and PFD, mainly for reasons of comfort, fit, and convenience during regular training sessions.