From the moment Erin Sisk signed up for her local Learn to Row program and took to the water for the first time, she was hooked.

Her journey to becoming a Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) umpire began with a deep passion for the sport, one that continues to inspire her involvement today.

Introduced to rowing in middle school when her parents signed her up, Erin quickly embraced the competitive side of the sport. Before long, she was training up to ten times a week. Early mornings, time on the water, and the strong sense of teamwork kept her fully engaged.

 “I truly owe it to my parents,” said Erin. “They were the ones driving me to those early morning practices, showing up at regattas, and always having meals and snacks ready between practices or long competition days. They gave me the opportunity to pursue something I loved, and I’m so grateful for that.”

During her time as an athlete, Erin Sisk found herself increasingly curious about the role of umpires. “I’d be sitting at the start line, wondering who they were, what it took to fill that role, how decisions were made so quickly and fairly, and everything happening behind the scenes,” she recalls.

As she got older, Erin stayed deeply connected to the sport, turning her attention to coaching Learn to Row programs for both juniors and adults. This experience only deepened her passion for rowing.

Outside of the boathouse, Erin pursued a career in education and private childcare, consistently seeking opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.

After years of competing and coaching, Erin felt a strong desire to give back to the sport that had shaped so much of her life. That’s when longtime umpire Donna Bliss planted a seed: Why not try officiating?

Erin loved the idea and soon began working toward her Level 1 certification, officiating at local regattas across the Maritimes. “It combined my passion for rowing with my interest in leadership, fairness, and learning,” she says.

Since stepping into the umpiring world, Erin has embraced every aspect of the role. Being part of the umpiring team has given her a fresh perspective on the sport, and she continues to learn something new each time she steps onto the course.

Working with the veteran umpires quickly became one of Erin’s favourite parts about the position. “They’re always so generous with their knowledge, and it’s amazing to be part of such an open, supportive, and community-driven group of people. Everyone is there for the same reason – to make racing fair, fun and safe. That shared purpose really fuels me.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering trying out umpiring, Erin said, “If you’re even a little curious, try it! You don’t need to know all the rules right away — there’s excellent training and mentorship available. If you love rowing and want to stay connected in a meaningful way, umpiring is a fantastic path. You’ll grow your understanding of the sport, develop new skills, and be part of an encouraging and passionate community.”

Interested in becoming an umpire? Learn more about how you can get involved HERE.