With visions of gum drops in their heads and a t-grip in their hands, 20 aspiring Colorado High School Cup canoeists gear up and hit the water.

As the International Canoe Federation announces gender equity in Paddlesport by 2016, the Front Range and Dawson Canoe and Kayak Coaches decided it was time to start building a National Powerhouse in Canoeing.

Our groups have been known for putting women in canoes for many years and now our efforts would count.

Coaches Nate Lord, Chris Wiegand, Sierra Jacober and Nic Borst helped instruct these enthusiastic kids for the first day of "Spring Training" as part of their daily workouts.

We feel no time is too soon to get kids fired up to enter competitions in every class paddle sport offers. Women from our area are ready to take whatever is thrown at them.

More story to follow as our team continues to grow in their experience and be a strong competitor in all canoe classes in the years to come.