A small rowing program in British Columbia is making waves—not just on the water, but in the lives of teenagers who had never imagined themselves as athletes. Thanks to the initiative of Shuswap Rowing and Rowing Canada Aviron’s CSAI program, students from the Individual Achievement Program (IAP) at Salmon Arm Secondary School have discovered the transformative power of rowing.

It all began with a conversation between passionate rowing coach David Miege and the high school’s IAP teacher, Kathleen Miege. “She told me most of her students had very limited experiences with physical education classes,” David recalled. “She was developing a special class to focus on functional movement and fun, and I immediately knew that rowing could play a role.”

To support David’s plan, the teenagers were introduced to the fundamentals of rowing in class. They learned about the parts of a boat, the components of the rowing stroke, and the unique language of the sport during a classroom-based lesson. When David and a group of volunteers arrived, they built on this foundation by guiding the students through hands-on sessions using rowing ergometers at the school. “The land-based sessions went so well that I couldn’t help but wonder how they’d feel on the water,” David said. The curiosity led to something extraordinary: the creation of a rowing opportunity for students who’d never had a chance to participate in the sport.

“For these teenagers, many of whom face significant challenges, rowing opened a door to something completely new,” David said. “To see them out on the water, finding their rhythm, their confidence, and their joy—it was more powerful than I ever imagined.”

A Boy’s New World

The impact of the CSAI program on the students in Salmon Arm has been profound, and their journeys are filled with moments of growth and triumph. Each student brought their own challenges to the water, but through the experience, they discovered new strengths within themselves.

One of the most remarkable transformations from the CSAI program was that of a vibrant teenager with Down Syndrome who had long carried a deep fear of boats and water. At the beginning of his journey, he was hesitant but curious. On land, he would eagerly join his peers on the rowing ergometers, smiling as he mimicked the motion of rowing. But when the class transitioned to the lake, his fear took over.

Standing on the beach, he clung tightly to his mother’s side, watching his classmates from a safe distance. He seemed content to observe rather than participate, yet his gaze lingered on the boats gliding across the lake. It was then that something extraordinary happened. The teenager surprised everyone when he declared he wanted to “go” with his friends out on the water. His teacher, volunteers, and peers watched in awe as he cautiously approached the boat, his courage outshining his fear.

With the support of Coach David, dedicated volunteers from Shuswap Rowing, and a peer by his side, he climbed into the coxswain seat of an adapted quad. The stability of the boat gave him confidence, and David’s enthusiastic coaching brought reassurance. As the boat glided across the water, cheers erupted from the dock, where his teacher and friends celebrated this milestone.

His smile was contagious as he steered the boat, beaming with pride. For the boy, this wasn’t just his first time in a rowing shell—it was his first time fully participating in a water-based activity. And as if to prove just how much he was overcoming, he later gestured enthusiastically for a ride in the safety boat, reveling in the movement of the water and the camaraderie of the moment.

This rowing experience became a catalyst for even greater change in his life. Upon returning to school in September, he carried with him a memory book filled with highlights, including a cherished photo of himself on a speed boat with family and friends. The boy who once feared boats now delighted in them, his newfound confidence opening doors to shared family experiences and strengthening his sense of belonging.

For Coach David, this transformation encapsulated the essence of the program. “Seeing him conquer his fear and find joy on the water was unforgettable,” David said. “It reminded all of us what this is really about—giving these kids the chance to experience something new, to discover what they’re capable of, and to create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

The ripple effects of this one experience extended far beyond the water. It wasn’t just about rowing—it was about connection, courage, and the power of inclusion to change lives.

Finding Joy in the Coxswain Seat

For one young girl who is deafblind and uses a wheelchair, the experience of rowing was equally transformative. With her Intervener—a specialized communication partner—by her side, she took a seat in the coxswain position, feeling the movement of the boat and the rush of water beneath her hands.

“The smile on her face was incredible,” David said. “She couldn’t see or hear what was happening in the same way as the others, but she could feel the rhythm of the boat and the water’s energy. For her, it was a completely unique sensory experience. Watching her joy was a highlight for all of us.”

Courage on the Water

Another powerful story comes from a girl who initially struggled with an overwhelming fear of water. When she first arrived, she stood frozen on the beach, tears streaming down her face. “She was terrified, but she also didn’t want to be left out,” David said. “Her friends were already in the boat, rowing together and having fun. That gave her the courage to take a step forward.”

With the help of volunteers, she slowly climbed into the boat, her hands trembling as she gripped the oar. By the end of the session, her fear had melted away. “She not only learned how to scull but was completely joyful,” David shared. “She went from tears to pure smiles in just a few hours. Watching her transformation was unforgettable.”

A Natural Talent

Then there’s the student who surprised everyone with his natural talent for rowing. “He picked it up faster than most adults I’ve coached,” David said. “Every time he gets in the boat, it’s like he’s been rowing for years. He has this effortless grace on the water.”

This student, who is no longer in the IAP program, continues to amaze David and the volunteers. “He’s become a symbol of what’s possible for these kids. He shows them that they’re capable of mastering something challenging, and that their potential is limitless.”

A Ripple Effect

The impact of the program extends beyond the students. It has also deeply touched the volunteers, who’ve found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping the teens. “One of our volunteers told me that working with the IAP program was the highlight of her summer,” David shared.

The program has also sparked interest in rowing throughout the community. “Salmon Arm isn’t exactly a rowing hotspot,” David said with a smile. “But this program has not only shown people what’s possible with these teenagers—it’s also raised awareness that there’s a rowing club right here in town. We’re starting to build a community around this sport.”

Looking Ahead

Shuswap Rowing is now planning to expand the program. “We’re committed to continuing our partnership with the IAP program, but we’re also looking at how we can involve more people,” David said. One exciting idea is to collaborate with an adult day program that includes graduates of the IAP. “Many of these young adults could become mentors for the current students, continuing to build their skills and confidence while giving back to the program that helped them so much.”

For David, the program is a reminder of the power of sport to create connections and change lives. “This has been an ideal way to use my passion for rowing to benefit an often-overlooked group,” he said. “The joy, confidence, and courage I’ve seen in these students is a testament to what inclusivity and opportunity can achieve. Rowing has the power to break barriers, and in Salmon Arm, it’s doing just that.”