Rowing Canada Aviron Launches the 2026–2027 Canada Coach Development Program
- May 11, 2026
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is moving forward to engage Canadian coaches nationwide with the voting support of the RCA membership. RCA thanks the membership for their commitment to supporting the development of coaches across the country.
Together, the rowing community is dedicated to prioritizing coaching development and building relationships that enhance the quality of coaching and diversity within the coaching community. Increasing the number of experienced and skilled coaches requires a special investment and commitment from all partners across Canada. Through collaboration with expert mentors, RCA will share the knowledge and expertise that supports and sustains coaches at all levels of the pathway.
Introducing the RCA Canada Coach Development Program
The RCA Canada Coach Development Program is a national initiative designed to strengthen the coaching pathway from community to high performance. The program focuses on mentorship, technical development, and inclusive learning opportunities that empower coaches to grow within their local clubs, provincial programs, and national teams.
This initiative is part of RCA’s Special Investment Fee Program, which aims to enhance the quality of coaching and diversity within the Canadian rowing community. By 2032, RCA’s goal is to increase the number of skilled coaches across all provinces, improve technical consistency nationwide, and elevate international performance outcomes.
Meet the 2026–2027 RCA Mentors (Confirmed Now through March 2027):
RCA is proud to introduce the first group of mentors who will guide and support coaches across the country. These mentors bring decades of experience from club, university, and national team environments, and will play a key role in shaping the next generation of Canadian coaches.
Mentors:
- Al Morrow, Former Olympic Coach
- Allison Ray, Director of Rowing, Womens Head Coach Oakland Strokes, CA
- Ben Jackson, RCA Senior Men’s Pathway Coach
- Carol Love, Former National Team Coach
- Christine Wilson, Head Coach of Girls Rowing, Kent School, CT
- Dane Lawson, RCA Senior Women’s Pathway Coach
- Katie Bahain-Steenman, RCA U23 NextGen Coach
- Lauren Fisher, RCA Lead Men’s Coach
- Michelle Darvill, Former Canadian and Netherlands Olympic Coach
- Phil Marshall, Row Ontario High Performance Director
- Richard Paterson, Saskatchewan High Performance Director
- Terry Paul, Rowing BC Director of Performance
- Tom Morris, RCA Lead Women’s Coach
In addition to their role as mentors in our Mentorship program, these individuals will lead a series of webinars throughout the year, sharing insights on topics such as team development, technical fundamentals, practice management, and long-term planning.
“I am really looking forward to sharing ideas with coaches on how we can all be better,” shares Al Morrow. “I have been very fortunate to not only work with a huge range of athletes and coaches for many years, but also have lots of tips on how coaches may be able to improve their effectiveness as they coach on a daily basis.“
Upcoming Webinars
The RCA Canada Coach Development Program will kick off with two webinars in May and June, featuring established Canadian coaches sharing their experiences and technical expertise.
Webinar 1: Thriving at Coaching Peer Support and Shared Standards
Led by Michelle Darvill and Christine Wilson, this session will explore the coaching journey of two accomplished Canadian coaches. Participants will gain insight into leadership, mentorship, and the evolution of collaborative coaching in Canadian rowing.
Registration closes: May 25
REGISTER HERE
Webinar 2: Coaches as Effective Communicators for Technical and Training Outcomes
In June, Canadian Olympic Coach Al Morrow will lead a session on communication strategies to advance technical and training goals and assist athletes in their performance goals.
Registration closes: June 22nd
REGISTER HERE
Stay Tuned: Mentee Applications Opening Soon
Later this month, RCA will open applications for the RCA Canada Coach Development Program, inviting coaches from across the country to apply for mentorship opportunities. The program will include streams for community, regional, and performance-level coaches, ensuring tailored support for coaches at every stage of their development.
Applications will be available to coaches with diverse experience levels and backgrounds, with a focus on building inclusive and sustainable coaching networks nationwide.
Additional Learning Resources
To support ongoing learning, RCA encourages coaches to explore the following resources:
- RCA Indoor Rowing Videos
- RCA On Water Sweep and Sculling Instruction Videos
- Canadian Rowing Model Technique Summary
- Canadian Rowing Model Technique
Investing in the Future of Canadian Coaching
The RCA Special Investment Fee Program underpins this initiative, ensuring that resources are directed toward meaningful coach development opportunities. In 2026–2027, this investment will support:
- Hosting the in-person RCA National Conference with enhanced learning and networking opportunities
- Delivery of in-person clinics and virtual webinar series tailored to community coaches
- Honorariums for experienced mentor coaches
- Support for individualized development plans for Made in Canada Coaches
- Bursaries to activate development plans and mentorship opportunities
These investments will help RCA achieve long-term outcomes, including:
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A growing pool of skilled coaches across all provinces
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Increased representation of women and equity-deserving coaches in performance environments
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Improved technical consistency across all levels of rowing in Canada
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Enhanced international performance of Canadian development teams
Looking Ahead
There is much more on the horizon for Canadian coaching. RCA will continue to expand mentorship opportunities, deliver targeted learning experiences, and strengthen the national coaching network.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming webinars, mentorship opportunities, and the launch of the RCA Canada Coach Development Program application process.
