Meet Our Staff!

Pat Lester is an experienced coach with a passion for sport and athlete development. With 13 years of coaching under his belt, Pat is currently in his 11th season as the Head Coach at the Carleton Place Canoe Club. His journey in coaching has been marked by a deep commitment to excellence and continuous learning while working with athletes up to the international level of performance.

Pat holds a Competition Development certification, showcasing his expertise in coaching. He is currently pursuing his Advanced Coach Diploma at the prestigious Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario, further enhancing his skills and knowledge in the field.

Growing up at the Carleton Place Canoe Club, Pat's love for paddling was nurtured from a young age. As a result, he developed into a National level kayaker, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. While his foundation was primarily in kayaking, Pat's coaching journey has seen him dedicate significant time to expanding his technical knowledge in canoeing. He has had the privilege of learning from some of the finest canoe and kayak coaches in the country, solidifying his expertise in both disciplines.

In addition to his expertise in flatwater paddling, Pat also boasts experience in whitewater kayaking and rafting. This diverse background allows him to bring a well-rounded perspective to his coaching practice.

Pat's coaching philosophy centers around the holistic development of athletes. He places a strong emphasis on nurturing the person first, focusing on building a solid foundation that serves as a springboard for success. By fostering personal growth, Pat aims to instill confidence, discipline, grit, and resilience in his athletes, which are invaluable qualities both on and off the water.

With his wealth of knowledge, dedication to continuous improvement, and a genuine passion for sport, Pat is a coach who strives to unlock the full potential of his athletes, empowering them to achieve their goals and become well-rounded individuals.

Ellie began paddling with the Carleton Place Canoe Club in 2010. Ellie became a full-time high-performance athlete around the age of 14, when she began training year-round and competed at various regional, provincial and national championships throughout her paddling career. Ellie began coaching in 2015, and transitioned into a full-time coaching role in 2019 after attending her first-year of university, following her time as U14 Program Coordinator she became the Program Manager at the Carleton Place Canoe Club. Ellie is certified under the NCCP as a Canoe Kids Coach and Entry-Level Competitive Coach, as well as has earned  various multi-sport certifications such as Safe Sport Training, Sport Nutrition and various others.  Ellie graduated from St. Francis Xavier University is 2022 with a degree in Human Kinetics, with a minor in Sport Management.