NOTE!!! There are very limited openings in the kayaking program. Interested athletes who would be appropriate for the sport should register. However, participation will be limited to returning athletes and new athletes approved by the Head Coach. Prospective new athletes need to be comfortable in a single-person kayak, have the capacity to learn to control the kayak and paddle distances, and be comfortable in & around the water. Questions can be directed to the Head Coach at the above email address.
All athletes/volunteers must sign up for sport training and be approved by the Head Coach prior to attending practice.
In the sport of Kayaking, the athlete paddles through a specific water distance with the goal of achieving the best possible time. It requires fundamental abilities in order to be safe and successful.
Special Olympics Kayaking is a flatwater racing event. Unlike in the International Canoe Federation races where athletes use professional boats, Special Olympics Kayaking uses touristic-type boats. The touristic boats are more stable than professional flat-water racing kayaks. Competitions at Special Olympics have preliminary and final round races, whereas the International Canoe Federation has heats, semifinals, and final rounds.
| Coaches | Head Coach – Alan Seifert Team Manager – Jean Eisenhaur Sport Director – Tina Connolly |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Saturdays, starting May 23, 2026 Qualifiers: Mandatory Qualifier – August 1, 2026 at Washington College (Chestertown, MD) |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date: August 8, 2026 The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Kayaking.
SOMO provides athletes with paddles, boats, helmets, and lifejackets. Athletes are free to bring their own equipment, and many athletes do so. Please talk with the Head Coach about the rules before purchasing your own equipment.
SOMO provides team uniforms for use during competitions. During practices, athletes are responsible for their own athletic apparel (e.g., a t-shirt and shorts). We recommend that athletes bring a change of clothes with them just in case.
Location: Little Seneca Lake at Black Hill Regional Park (20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841)
Timing: Practice occurs every Saturday morning for 2 hours.
Activities: Athletes build endurance for paddling distances and build skills in controlling their kayaks. They also practice starts and other competition-related procedures.
Kayaking Time Trials are held at the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College (475 S Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620). Attendance is mandatory for participation in the State Competition.
The State Competition for Kayaking is held at the boathouse at Washington College in August.
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and the Time Trials in order to be eligible for Kayaking State Competition. The Head Coach may excuse a limited number of absences from practice.
Athletes participating in Kayaking may also participate in other sports as long as they can fully participate in each sport. See Guidelines for Managing Participation in Multiple Sports Policy. Athletes should seek Head Coach approval from both sports if they want to participate in more than one sport.
Kayaking is both an individual sport and a team sport. Athletes commit to attend all practices, Time Trials, and State Competition. Athletes also commit to work with the coaching staff to increase stamina, increase event distances, and increase/improve skills and techniques.
