About Us
Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club - Promoting flatwater sports and community excellence at Lake Lanier since 1994.
Why We Exist
Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Inc. is organized and shall be operated exclusively for the preservation, education and promotion of sprint canoeing and kayaking, and dragon boat competition. We offer our local community access to an Olympic Sport and to Lake Sidney Lanier in a safe way that promotes fitness, team building, personal growth, water safety and sportsmanship.
We are an established club for youth and adult water sports programs in order to foster local, national and international amateur sports competition, all of which shall be within the meaning of Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue code of 1954. Consequently, no part of its funds or the net earnings there from shall inure to the benefit of any person having personal or private interest in the activities of the Association. The Corporation shall not carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, and shall not participate in or intervene in any political agency on behalf of any candidate for political office.
Legacy & Growth
The mission of the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Inc. is to serve as a catalyst and as a legacy program of the ’96 Summer Centennial Olympic Games and to promote health, education and fitness for all ages regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion or abilities through quality flatwater/sprint canoe and kayak, dragon boat, and recreation programs while continuing the Olympic spirit by promoting excellence in our competitive teams.
The Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Inc. will seek opportunities to host events that will have an economic and social impact on the local community.
Empowerment & Excellence
Guided by our passion for competition, sportsmanship and fitness, we are committed to empowering each athlete to realize their full potential through premier coaching and excellence in our educational environment.
In honoring our Olympic roots, we strive to create an environment conducive to producing future World Class athletes and attracting the best talent in the world to train at our premier facility enabling the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Inc. to offer elite coaching and the highest quality programs to it’s local, national and international communities.
Our Core Values
Community
Building a welcoming environment for paddlers of all ages and abilities to connect and grow.
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards in athletic performance, coaching, and event management.
Stewardship
Protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Lake Lanier for future generations of athletes.
Our History
Club Founded
March 24, 1994: The club was formally founded at a meeting in the Gainesville Civic Center.
Youth Outreach
LCKC conducted its first youth outreach activities, involving approximately 60 children and a dozen plastic kayaks.
Olympic Games
The club served as the host venue for the 1996 Olympic Sprint Canoe/Kayak and Rowing competitions.
World Cup
The club hosted its first major post-Olympic international event, the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup.
National Champions
LCKC secured its first overall U.S. Sprint National Championship title.
World Championships
Hosted the ICF Sprint Canoe/Kayak World Championships, which featured 580 athletes from 66 countries—the largest at that time.
Youth League
Richardson Youth Racing League is established (Now BRL) to introduce youth to flatwater canoe and kayak racing.
Marathon Trials
May 2012: The venue hosted the U.S. Marathon Team Trials, a qualifier for the World Championships in Rome.
Homegrown Olympian
Club member Tim Hornsby competed in the London Olympics, becoming the first homegrown Olympian from the LCKC program.
Dragon Boat Challenge
LCKC launched the Gainesville-Hall Dragon Boat Challenge.
Foundation Established
The Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation was established to manage and invest in the venue.
Pan American Championships
Hosted the Pan American Sprint Canoe/Kayak Championships, serving as a direct qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Dragon Boat Worlds
Hosting the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships.
Adaptive Programs
The club expanded its Adaptive Paddling Programs with new stability docks and specialized equipment to serve athletes with mobility issues.
Join the Legacy
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's a place for you at LCKC.