Sidney teen to represent Canada at world paddling championships

Sidney teen to represent Canada at world paddling championships

Published 5:45 am Monday, July 6, 2026

Paige Emanuel qualified to represent Canada after winning national time trials. (Photo courtesy of Katy Emanuel)

Paige Emanuel qualified to represent Canada after winning national time trials. (Nikhil Nikhil/Peninsula News Review)

A 14-year-old Sidney paddler is preparing to represent Canada on the world stage after qualifying for the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Singapore this August.

Paige Emanuel will compete in the U16 and U19 women’s V1 500-metre sprint events after earning the fastest times in both age categories at the Canadian national time trials in Calgary last September.

The world championships, one of the largest international outrigger canoe competitions, are expected to attract about 3,500 paddlers from around the world. Course familiarization begins Aug. 16, with racing scheduled from Aug. 22 to Aug. 31.

“I’ve been paddling for just over two years,” Paige said.

She trains five to six times a week on the Gorge with Fairway Gorge Paddling Club, where she joined last fall after previously paddling with other local clubs.

Although Singapore will be her first world championship, Paige said, she’s looking forward to the experience. “I’m excited,” she said. “It’ll be fun.”

Paige qualified by winning both the U16 and U19 divisions at the national time trials shortly before turning 14.

More recently, she was named the second-fastest female paddler in Canada across all women’s age divisions at the national championships held at Burnaby Lake in May, competing against athletes much older than herself.

Her mother, Katy Emanuel, said Paige’s rapid rise has exceeded expectations.

“I’m incredibly proud of her and what she’s done in such a short time,” she said. “I want to support her in all her dreams and successes with this sport.”

Paige first became interested in competitive paddling after participating in BC Summer Games qualifying events about two years ago. Katy suggested the sport because the family lives near the water and thought it would be a fun activity.

“It was qualifying for the BC Summer Games that got her interested in more competitive paddling,” Katy said.

Recognizing her potential, coaches helped prepare Paige for national competition through private coaching and additional outrigger training

Beyond competition, Katy hopes the trip allows her daughter to meet athletes from around the world and experience different cultures.

“There will be a cultural night, so that’ll be neat to see culture from all the countries shared,” she said.

While a medal would be welcome, she said the family’s focus is on the experience.

“Ultimately, I just want her to have fun,” Katy said. “It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about going, trying your best.”

Following the world championships, Paige will attend the Canadian Sport School next year while continuing to compete. She is also preparing for the BC Summer Games in sprint kayak later this summer.

The family is seeking sponsorship to help offset travel expenses for the trip to Singapore, although Paige has already received financial support through a grant covering her airfares.