Victoria, BC – March 13, 2026 – Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Bont Rowing, a global leader in high-performance rowing footwear. This collaboration will support the Senior Women’s National Team, aligning two organizations committed to innovation, precision, and performance on the world stage.

Members of the Canadian Women’s Eight raced in Bont Rowing shoes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the crew captured the silver medal. The partnership builds on that success, ensuring Canada’s top female athletes continue to benefit from world-class equipment designed to enhance speed, efficiency, and comfort.

“Watching the Canadian Women’s Eight compete in our shoes on their way to Olympic silver in Paris was an incredibly proud moment for our team,” says Kathleen Hextell, Global Sales and Brand Manager, Bont Rowing. “At Bont Rowing, athletes shape our innovation, and our partnership with Rowing Canada’s Women’s Program ensures their insights drive our product evolution. In a sport where the foot-to-boat connection directly improves performance, every decision we make is grounded in biomechanics and anatomically correct design.”

Born and operated out of Sydney, Australia, Bont Rowing is dedicated to producing the world’s most technically advanced and anatomically correct rowing shoes. Backed by more than 40 years of experience manufacturing high-performance sports footwear, Bont Rowing remains the only rowing shoe company that puts athletes’ feet first, every time.

“We are excited to deepen and formalize our partnership with the Rowing Canada Women’s Program and look forward to working closely with the athletes and coaches,” says Alex Malone, CEO, Bont Cycling. “Athlete feedback forms a significant part of our development process and continues to inspire our next generation of rowing products.”

Founded on a dedication to precision engineering, Bont Rowing designs and manufactures its own carbon-based footwear, maintaining complete control over materials, fit, and performance characteristics. The company’s mission is simple: to create equipment that allows athletes to move more efficiently and make boats go faster.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to elevating performance through innovation,” says Tom Morris, RCA National Women’s Lead Coach. “Having worked with Bont Rowing’s products for a while now, their focus on athlete-driven design and technical excellence strongly aligns with our goal of providing Canada’s national team athletes with the best tools to perform at their peak.”

About Bont Rowing
Bont Rowing is a global leader in high-performance rowing footwear and equipment, dedicated to helping athletes maximize power transfer and boat speed through superior fit and biomechanics. As part of Bont Cycling, an innovator in carbon performance footwear, Bont Rowing applies decades of manufacturing expertise and athlete-driven design to the specific demands of rowing. Designed with an anatomically correct last and advanced carbon technology, Bont Rowing shoes deliver exceptional connection, efficiency, and durability for rowers at every level, from club athletes to Olympic competitors. Bont Rowing products are used by leading rowing programs, clubs, and national teams worldwide.

To learn more about Bont Rowing, visit bontrowing.com.
 
About Rowing Canada Aviron
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is a non-profit organization recognized by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of rowing in Canada. RCA represents registered members of all levels and ages across Canada, whether they row for recreation, health and fitness, or competition.
 
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Colleen Coderre, Communications Lead
Rowing Canada Aviron
T: 613-530-6217
E: coderre@rowingcanada.org
 
Cassie Turkstra, Communications Coordinator
Rowing Canada Aviron
E: cturkstra@rowingcanada.org