Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is inviting athletes and coaches across the country to learn more about para rowing, explore classification opportunities, and take the next step toward national team development.

Para rowing provides competitive rowing opportunities for athletes with physical and visual impairments through adapted equipment and individualized approaches that support athletes at every level of the sport. Whether you’re new to rowing, returning to competition, or already competing at your local club, there are pathways available to help you get involved and progress.

Understanding Para Rowing Classification

Classification is an important part of para rowing competition. It helps ensure fair racing by grouping athletes based on how their impairment impacts rowing performance.

Para rowing is open to athletes with eligible physical and visual impairments, including impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, hypertonia (spasticity), ataxia, athetosis, and visual impairments.

Athletes are classified into one of three sport classes based on how they use their bodies to row:

• PR1 athletes have no effective use of their legs and limited trunk function. They race in fixed-seat boats using a trunk support strap for stability.

• PR2 athletes have functional trunk and arm use but no effective use of their legs. They also compete in fixed-seat boats.

• PR3 athletes have functional use of their legs, trunk, and arms, allowing them to use a full rowing stroke in a sliding-seat boat. Athletes with visual impairments compete in the PR3 sport class.

Examples of eligible impairments may include spinal cord injuries, limb deficiencies, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, joint limitations, and visual impairments. Eligibility is determined through the formal classification process.

Athletes interested in competing should begin the classification process as early as possible. Domestic classification opportunities are available at major national events. If you’re unsure whether you may be eligible, completing the Para Rowing Expression of Interest form is a great first step.

Complete the Para Rowing Expression of Interest

RCA is seeking athletes interested in exploring competitive para rowing opportunities and building toward future national team programming.

By completing the Para Rowing Expression of Interest form, athletes can connect with RCA’s performance pathway and receive information about future development opportunities, classification support, and training initiatives. Coaches are also encouraged to support interested athletes through the process and help identify potential para rowers within their clubs and communities.

Race at the Canadian Henley Regatta

The Canadian Henley Regatta is one of Canada’s premier rowing events and provides a valuable opportunity for para athletes to gain racing experience in a performance environment.

Held annually every summer in St. Catharines, Ontario, the regatta attracts competitors from across Canada and internationally, offering athletes the chance to race alongside some of the sport’s top competitors. RCA is encouraging para athletes to register and compete in the para rowing events at Henley as part of their ongoing development.

Development Opportunity for Athletes and Coaches

Athletes who complete the Expression of Interest form and participate in racing at the Canadian Henley Regatta may be considered for an invitation to a para rowing development camp held in conjunction with the event. To be considered for this camp, please complete the form by June 30^th, 2026.

In addition to athlete development opportunities, coaches supporting participating athletes may also have the chance to engage with RCA staff and contribute to the continued growth of para rowing across Canada.

Whether you’re an athlete exploring a new challenge or a coach looking to support emerging talent, now is the time to get involved. Complete the Expression of Interest form today and take the next step in your para rowing journey.