Youth Canoe/Kayak Team
The RIVERSPORT Youth Canoe/Kayak Team gives kids the opportunity to race in Olympic-style canoe/kayak competitions – fun, exciting and a great way to get involved in one of America’s fastest growing water sports.
The RIVERSPORT Youth Canoe/Kayak Team is co-ed and open to youth ages 8+. Youth get on the water in rec kayaks to get started, then move up to racing canoes (kneeling) or kayaks (seated). Kids who are interested in whitewater slalom can also learn the basics of this sport in RIVERSPORT’s whitewater center – first on calm water, then in gentle rapids as their confidence and skills grow.
Our youth paddlers compete in regional and national events in both sprint and slalom and have an opportunity to see the sport at its highest level as RIVERSPORT hosts international race events.
Practices are held after school and on weekends in the Boathouse District located downtown at the Oklahoma River. Cost starts at $100 per month.
Canoe/Kayak Open House
Meet the coach Janusz Zebracki and learn about RIVERSPORT’s new Canoe/Kayak team for both sprint (flatwater) and slalom (whitewater). This interactive open house for kids ages 8+ and their parents will take place in the McClendon Whitewater Center. Kids can try flatwater kayaking and, for those ready to take it up a notch, beginner-level whitewater kayaking. We’ll teach kids everything they need to know – and have all the info for parents. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to paddle!
Meet at the front entrance to the Whitewater Center, 800 RIVERSPORT Drive at 9:30a, orientation will take place on the 2nd Floor of the Whitewater Center in an assigned conference room:
October 21 and 28, 10a – 12p.
Meet the Coaches
Janusz Zebracki
Director of Competitive Paddlesport
Janusz Zebracki
Director of Competitive Paddlesport
Creating future Olympians is the philosophy driving Coach Janusz Zebracki as he moves to Oklahoma City to create a new competitive kayaking program at RIVERSPORT in the Boathouse District. But his first job is introducing kids to the sport.
A native of Krakow, Poland, Zebracki has been a coach in the Olympic sport of Canoe Slalom in Poland for over 20 years, first serving as the Junior Head Coach, U-23 Head Coach and later the Head Coach of the Senior Canoe Slalom Olympic teams. Zebracki has coached the Poland Senior Team at three Olympic Games and numerous World Championships. Before becoming a coach, Zebracki was a member of the Polish National Team in Canoe Slalom.
“We are introducing children to the water in a safe and entertaining way. Students may not know which discipline they would like to pursue, so we want them to try everything” Zebracki said. “We have a world-class river for flatwater paddling and a world-class whitewater kayaking facility right in the heart of Oklahoma City, and there is no better place for young kayakers to train.”
A 20-year coaching veteran in the sport of canoe/kayak in Poland, Zebracki has coached at all levels of the sport from kids just getting on the water to Olympians competing at the Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Olympic Games.
Raegan Coffey
Director of Recreational Sports
Raegan Coffey
Director of Recreational Sports
Raegan Coffey is the Director of Recreational Sport for RIVERSPORT OKC. Raegan is an Oklahoma City native who spent her childhood on the lakes of Oklahoma. From living in Durango, Colorado for a handful of years she was introduced to the sport of whitewater stand-up paddle boarding and the entire river culture. From there she ran summer camps and clinics on the alpine lakes of the San Juan Mountains teaching others how to paddle. The water has been a staple in her life and she believes sharing that passion with everyone in the Oklahoma City community is extremely important. She has spent the last seven years getting others out of their comfort zone and active on the Oklahoma River. There is something for everyone on the water and in sport, from all ages and walks of life. RIVERSPORT has created the opportunity to bring something very special to Oklahoma City and Raegan is always looking for creative ways to get individuals involved with what we do!