I represented Team Canada at the IDBF World Championships as part of the Premier crew. Thank you Darwin for everything you've done to get me to this point in my paddling career. I've heard time and again from the coaches that it's my technique they like above all, and I have you to thank for that.

- Jordan H.

Making the National Team wasn't an individual effort, as I couldn't have done it without the support, motivation and example of the committed, passionate people I knew  -- and who continue to motivate and inspire me many years later and many miles away. You were our leader and guide, and you remain the first and best dragon boat coach I've ever had.

- Jordan H.

When I first joined OCC (Oil City Crew), I was on the recreation team, and our coach taught us the basics of paddling. Darwin was the head coach, primarily working with the premier team, who were the best of the best. As I immersed myself in dragon boat racing and got more involved, I got to know Darwin and learned so much.

Under Darwin's tutelage, my paddling technique and knowledge of the sport grew immensely. He's a personable, patient, and firm but fair coach. He worked with our crew and me to develop our technique and pushed us when we needed it. His feedback is always honest and to the point. When he praises you, it's because you've earned it. After practice, I got to know him better and found him to be easy to talk to with a great sense of humor.

I've since stopped paddling after the birth of my child, but to me, Darwin is and will always be "Coach!"

- Wayne L.

Training with Darwin has completely transformed the way I understand my body and its connection to the water. He’s helped me redefine how my body functions as a unified system—how each movement transfers energy into boat speed with precision and purpose.
What sets him apart is his holistic approach. He doesn’t just focus on body mechanics; he also teaches blade mechanics and the mental state required to perform at your best during a race.
His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, relatable examples makes learning both accessible and empowering.

With Darwin, it’s never just “watch and repeat.” It’s “this is what it looks like, and here’s how it should feel in your body.” That level of detail and clarity has made a lasting impact on my technique, confidence, and overall performance.
Also, he thinks he’s funny—which is adorable. Let’s just say his jokes could use a bit of the same refinement he brings to paddling technique.

- Dace S. Team Canada Dragon Boat Para Team, IDBF World Champion 2025

I have been working with Darwin for close to a year, both as a dragonboat paddler and a coach and the experience has been excellent. 

I have been paddling for approximately 23 years, and I have been coaching corporate and club teams for about 20 years. 

I have been lucky enough to attend both indoor and outdoor camps lead by Darwin, both as a paddler and a coach over the last year As a paddler, I can honestly say that I have learned more from Darwin in the last 10 months than I learned from any other paddling coach. Darwin has a way of explaining concepts and breaking things down in a way that resonates with me. I have attended several camps over the years with some high-level coaches leading the sessions. I took more away from Darwin’s sessions than others I attended. He keeps things light and is very personable while getting the most out of the athletes he is working with. He is great with both novice and experienced paddlers alike. 

As a coach, I have attended a few of Darwin’s camps and sessions with my club team, as an observer. Just by seeing Darwin lead these sessions, I learned how to communicate what my team needs to do to bring their paddling to the next level. My confidence in the knowledge I have gained and the method that Darwin uses when teaching attendees of his clinics, has brought my coaching abilities to the next level. I am a certified personal trainer and hold NCCP coaching certifications in ringette and softball and have attended many clinics and courses over the years to enhance my knowledge and as well keep my certifications up to date. Darwin ranks near the top of all instructors I have worked with throughout my career. 

Before I met Darwin, I was on the verge of walking away from the sport I loved. The lessons he taught me have led to several epiphanies that completely transformed my paddling. He didn't just teach me how to paddle; he helped me fall back in love with it.

His guidance was the key to unlocking my potential. I can confidently say I wouldn't have made the national team without his support. The insights he shared didn't just transform my own performance; I've even been able to apply his coaching principles to raise the level within my home team as well.

His approach is grounded in respect, honesty, and a relentless belief in your potential. Because he meets you where you are and pushes you just enough, his humble leadership creates an environment where you feel confident to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow faster than you ever thought possible.

- Nicole S., Dragon Boat Coach and Team Canada Dragon Boat Para Team, IDBF World Champion 2025.

I’m in my seventh season of paddling — almost exclusively in the back half of the boat. All these years, every stroke felt more or less the same. Fluid and fast. Always fast! Staying in time with a quick, splashless return took all my focus, but that focus rendered no guarantees. I thought maybe my paddle was too long. Or my arms, though strong, somehow too weak.

Balancing knowledge and humour, Darwin clearly and shamelessly demonstrated whole-body mechanics. Step by step he got us thinking about how connectivity, posture, tension, and torque can build up the energy needed to maximize our stroke from the catch through the release. 

“Boom!” It clicked. I’m a machine now — or at least know how to behave like one. I'll just need more practice. 

- Julie S.

As someone fairly new to the dragon boating sport I wasn't sure what to expect from a paddle clinic - but Darwin completely exceeded my expectations. He was extremely knowledgeable, he broke down the technique in a way that was easy to understand and apply, and I noticed real improvements in my stroke. I started to understand the importance of the power coming from the legs and through the core rather than the arms, as well as learning what a good catch looks and feels like. 

Darwin's sense of humor and energy made the sessions fun and engaging, which kept the whole team tuned in and motivated.

After working with Darwin, our team saw real improvement, not only in our technique but also in our results, placing one division higher than we have in the past at out first Dragon Boat Festival of the season.

Highly recommend working with Darwin if you're looking to take your team to the next level!!

- Corina C.

I am not new to the sport of Dragon Boat.  I have had many wonderful opportunities during my 20 plus years.
Coach Darwin is very knowledgeable, experienced and committed. He wants to see us succeed. 

- Sharon L.