THE STORY BEHIND SAGWAN
Filipino roots. A life around the water.
Sagwan is the Filipino word for paddle. It connects where this story began with the work we do together.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE PROGRAM
Coached by Nico.
Physician. Paddler. Coach.Simple guidance.
Thoughtful progression.
I’m Nico—a Filipino physician, dragon boat paddler, and coach based in Canada. Sagwan Athletics brings together my passion for paddling, teaching, and helping a crew develop together.
My approach starts with understanding the movement. We build the capacity to repeat it, develop strength and power, and connect those qualities through coached practice on the water.
I want paddlers to know what to do today, understand the reason behind it, and feel comfortable asking for help. The training should be clear enough to follow on your own, with coach support when it matters.
The programs on this site provide coaching and training education. They do not establish a doctor–patient relationship or provide individual medical care.
THE LONGER VIEW
A home for paddling
and the work behind it.
The winter training program is our first online offering. The vision is a connected home for land training, on-water coaching, practical articles, and eventually a physical place for paddlers to train.
Today, start with the existing program and the Journal. New services will appear here when they are ready.
Explore the training