Club History
Quinte Paddling Club began with deep roots in Dragon Boating, racing proudly under the names Quinte Top Gunnels and Great Lake Paddlers. As our membership grew, so did our vision. What started as a single‑sport club has evolved into a vibrant, multi‑discipline paddling community offering opportunities for every type of paddler—from first‑timers to seasoned athletes.
To open our doors wider to the community, we launched the Get On The Water program, a five‑week summer series that invites participants to try everything we offer: kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP), outrigger canoeing (OC6 and OC1), and Dragon Boating. This program has become a cornerstone of our club, introducing new paddlers to the sport and helping them discover where they feel most at home on the water.
In 2022, we expanded again with the addition of our OC6 program, held Monday and Wednesday evenings out of Victoria Park. This fast‑growing sport has quickly become a member favourite, offering a unique blend of teamwork, rhythm, and speed.
While our Competitive Dragon Boat Program continues to excel—training year‑round and striving for excellence on the national and international stage—our club is equally committed to providing accessible, enjoyable paddling experiences for everyone. Our long‑standing Recreational Dragon Boat Team has been paddling together for more than 16 years. Their weekly Tuesday practices focus on fun, fitness, and community, with the goal of participating in a few local festivals each season.
Today, Quinte Paddling Club is proud to offer a full spectrum of paddling opportunities. Whether you’re looking to compete, stay active, learn a new skill, or simply enjoy time on the water, there’s a place for you here. Our members span all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—but we’re united by a shared love of paddling and the joy of moving forward together.
Meet Our Coaches
Cheryl Shannon
Cheryl Shannon is a world‑class athlete and coach in the sport of Dragon Boat, bringing both elite experience and a deeply supportive coaching philosophy to the Quinte Paddling Club. A competitor at the Club Crew World Championships 6 times, Cheryl has also earned selection to Team Canada 8 times, including her first appointment as a National Team steer—a testament to her exceptional technical skill, leadership, and calm command on the water.
Cheryl is a Dragon Boat Canada‑Accredited Level 2 Coach and is on track to complete her Level 3 certification by the start of the 2026 season, further strengthening the high‑performance foundation she brings to our athletes.
Her passion for coaching comes from a genuine love of helping paddlers grow. Cheryl’s athlete‑centered approach focuses on building confident, technically strong crews while fostering a positive, inclusive team culture. Whether she’s refining stroke mechanics, developing fitness, or preparing athletes for competition, she thrives on the moment a paddler achieves something they once thought was out of reach.
Cheryl believes deeply in Dragon Boat as a community‑building sport—one that brings people together, encourages teamwork, and offers a fun, challenging way to stay active. As coach, she is dedicated to guiding our athletes toward a successful, rewarding season both on and off the water.
Miles LeClair
Miles LeClair has been part of Quinte Paddling Club since the very beginning, contributing as both a dedicated paddler and a trusted coach across multiple programs. With more than two decades of experience in the sport, Miles brings a deep working knowledge of dragon boating and has collaborated closely with National Team coaches to help prepare crews for international competition. He also served three years as a member of the club’s Board of Directors, contributing to long‑term planning and community growth.
He values the community spirit that defines our club and is passionate about creating welcoming, supportive environments where paddlers of all levels can grow. Miles is especially committed to helping local community festivals thrive—events that not only bring people together but also raise funds for important local causes while giving athletes the chance to compete close to home.
You’ll find Miles on the water every Tuesday evening leading our Recreational Club Crew Dragon Boat program, and throughout the season he’s often in the OC6, enjoying the teamwork and rhythm of outrigger paddling.
For Miles, the club has always been about connection. He’s made lifelong friends through paddling, including meeting his wife during her first year in the sport more than 13 years ago. As he looks ahead to the coming season, Miles is excited to continue building a welcoming, community‑driven environment and to support paddlers of all levels as they grow in confidence and skill.
Facility and Equipment
The Quinte Paddling Club offers a diverse selection of watercraft for its members, catering to various preferences and skill levels. Here’s a summary of the club’s offerings and facilities:
Watercraft Availability:
- Kayaks: 10 in total
- Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP): 8 available
- Outrigger Canoes (OC):
- OC1 (for 1 paddler)
- OC2 (for 2 paddlers)
- OC6 (for 6 paddlers)
- Dragon Boats:
- 2025 Champion Standard 20-paddler boat
Equipment Provided:
- Personal floatation devices (PFDs)
- Paddles suitable for each type of watercraft
- Leashes
- Safety kits
Facilities:
- Location: 35 Keegan Parkway in Belleville, situated right on the Bay of Quinte.
- Winter Training Facilities:
- Gym
- Pool paddle tank
- Outdoor Storage:
- Storage container
- Secure enclosed area with kayak racks
- Boat Storage: Available to members
- Docking Facilities:
- Dragon boats located both at the paddling club and Victoria Harbour
- OC6 docked at Victoria Harbour, located just west of the club at the mouth of the Moira River