RCA NextGen Fall Update
- Rowing Canada Aviron
- Nov 7, 2025
Items in this update:
- Athlete Pathway Support
- Athlete tracking and monitoring
- Monthly Workout Challenge
- 2026 NextGen Selection Documents
- Coaching Pathway Support
We encourage athletes to share their performance goals with their coaches to ensure they receive appropriate support in preparation for future selection opportunities. You can also find additional support through your Provincial Rowing Association, and we recommend that you reach out to explore regional opportunities.
To further assist athletes and coaches, performance target tables will be included in each Selection Process document. These tables outline key characteristics that have consistently contributed to success at the corresponding stage of the High-Performance Pathway. Athletes aiming to compete in age group events should work toward meeting these targets while identifying and addressing any performance gaps.
Finally, we encourage athletes to adopt a multi-year approach to goal setting and development, ensuring that essential progression steps are not overlooked.
Athlete Tracking and Monitoring
Over the coming year, CrewLAB will continue to evolve, offering enhanced functionality to support an integrated approach to athlete development. This evolution will enable a deeper understanding of athlete needs and improve connectivity across the pathway, fostering a stronger sense of community among athletes and coaches who are training in different locations.
Important: All seasonal ergometer submissions for the September 1 – November 30, 2025 period must be submitted through the CrewLAB App.
Review the National Assessment and Monitoring Strategy HERE
Getting Started with CrewLAB:
Athletes:
- Download the CrewLAB app and create a free account
- Join the RowingCanada NextGen team: HERE
- Submit your training and testing results
- Use the link on the calendar page to submit your 2k and 6k data
Coaches, if you would like to see training and test results for athletes in your program, we suggest you start to use CrewLAB with your own club. It is free to set up and easy to use.
For questions, contact Chuck McDiarmid at cmdiarmid@rowingcanada.org or visit crewlab.io.
NOTE: RCA will continue to use the NextGen Portal in “Microsoft Teams” as a means of sharing and storing information specific to athlete development. Including training programs, SSSM resources, and other critical information.
Monthly Workout Challenge
RCA’s NextGen Program will implement a monthly workout challenge throughout the 2025–26 season. While participation is not required, it provides program coaches with additional insights that may support athlete invitations to programs and selection activities. The monthly challenges offer athletes an opportunity to compare their performances with peers across the country, fostering connection and community within the NextGen pathway. Each challenge can be completed as part of an athlete’s regular training program or during designated “on-your-own” training time. Athletes are encouraged to check in with their coaches to ensure the sessions are integrated appropriately within their broader team training plans.
Workout challenges can be found in the CrewLAB Calendar.
2026 NextGen Selection Documents:
Documents are currently being worked on with the goal of sharing by October and November.
Coach Pathway Support
Coaches, if you are working with athletes who aspire to make the national team, please reach out to RCA’s NextGen Team. Along with general guidance, RCA can connect you with coaches and service providers who have success in athlete development. Creating stronger coach connections and support will strengthen our coach and athlete pathway. We also encourage you to connect with your Provincial rowing association to see what opportunities exist for you and the athlete group you work with.
