Rowing for All

In July 2022, RCA was named the recipient of $885,000 in funding from the Community Sport for All Initiative. RCA has distributed this funding to the following community-level programs. 

All of these programs have an organized sport active component, are delivered with minimal to no cost to the participants, and are tailored to an equity-deserving group, but not exclusionary. 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Burnaby Lake Rowing Club

BLRC has previously partnered with Colour the Trails to offer a Learn to Row (LTR) session for members of the BIPOC community. This program provides an opportunity to learn the basics of rowing, including an exposure to on-land training and on-water rowing. Rowing is an excellent full-body sport that can be used as a relaxing recreational activity, or become a competitive pursuit. This introduction will provide the foundation for understanding and enjoying rowing, and can lead into future opportunities for those who want to continue. Programming will be offered primarily in English by multilingual facilitators. For more information contact info@burnabylakerowing.ca.

BLRC has partnered with MOSAIC to offer three week mini Learn to Rows (LTRs) for new mothers and their children. Childcare will be provided by a certified provider in the Burnaby Lake Pavilion while the mothers participate in a rowing lesson, followed by a pilates session. A small social will follow with light snacks and refreshments for both mothers and children. All sessions will be offered at no cost to the participants. Programming will be offered primarily in English by multilingual facilitators, alongside translation supports from our partner organization MOSAIC. For more information contact info@burnabylakerowing.ca.

BLRC has partnered with MOSAIC to offer three week mini Learn to Rows (LTRs) for newcomers to Canada. Participants will get to learn the basics of rowing in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We will also be offering six week rowing experiences for those participants who would like to continue rowing. All sessions will be offered at no cost to the participants. Once participants have completed a three week mini learn to row and a 6 week extended rowing experience, they will have the skills to be able to join BLRC’s youth (12-18) or adult program (19+), to continue on their rowing journey. Programming will be offered primarily in English by multilingual facilitators, alongside translation supports from our partner organization MOSAIC. For more information contact info@burnabylakerowing.ca.

False Creek Rowing Club

The False Creek Rowing Club is about encouraging people to row on Canada’s most accessible urban waterway. This grant will allow us to build consistency and depth in our organization to connect new and existing groups to the sport of rowing. Having already partnered with Rowing BC and Rowing Canada Aviron over the past two years, we have helped bring our sport to communities that did not know they were welcome. By allowing us the ability to have program support year round, it means that we can actively maintain connections throughout the year rather than starting anew each season. In delivering programming to people new to the sport, the boat this grant provides for helps create capacity that we have not previously had and encourages the sense of community that keeps people in our sport. We look forward to hearing from potential partners through our email address: questions@falsecreekrowingclub.ca.

Fort Langley Community Rowing Club

Fort Langley Community Rowing Club, in partnership with University of Fraser Valley Pride, will be offering a six week program to reduce barriers for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community at the university level to help influence involvement in sport. Participants will have a fun opportunity to participate in the Head of the Fort regatta upon program completion. Programming will be offered in English. For more information contact flcrowing@gmail.com.

Fort Langley Community Rowing Club will be offering a six week program to reduce barriers for girls and women at the university level to help influence involvement in sport. Participants will have a fun opportunity to participate in the Head of the Fort regatta upon program completion. Programming will be offered in English. For more information contact flcrowing@gmail.com.

Gorge Narrows Rowing Club

Gorge Narrows Rowing Club is offering a supportive and flexible female-only environment to encourage participation in rowing for women and girls, especially those who have had limited athletic opportunities due to cultural/religious norms, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, income, or newcomer status. The programming will introduce basic rowing technique, teamwork, water safety, and boat handling, and will build participants’ confidence and comfort with rowing and sport participation in general. The programming is offered in English. For more information about this program please contact Rachel Davis: clubmanager@gorgerowing.ca.

Inlet Rowing Club

Inlet Rowing Club is excited to provide a free rowing program in partnership with the Maple Hope Foundation, tailored to Ukrainian refugee youth (13-18 years old). The purpose of this program is to help these youth integrate with others in the community and provide safe, enjoyable, and physically beneficial ways to transition to their new home. There will be two opportunities to learn to row, one session offered in the fall (September/October) and one offered in the spring (March). For those entering in the fall, following the 12 hour learn to row course, students will be able to continue working on their rowing skills for the remainder of the season as a club member with rowing and training opportunities three times per week. The courses will be taught in English with the hope of also providing a volunteer translator. Interested parties can contact help@maplehopefoundation.org and sec.inletrowing@gmail.com for information and space availability.

Maple Bay Rowing Club

Maple Bay Rowing Club plans to provide female students ages 12-15 (grades 8 and 9) in local schools (Frances Kelsey and Quamichan Middle School) in the Cowichan Valley with an introduction to indoor rowing and on water rowing as part of their Physical Education program – eight sessions, one hour each. We hope that this will help build confidence for students who might not see themselves as athletic or who for financial reasons, may not have the opportunity to join a club program. Our coach will plan with the school staff and will transport rowing machines to the school for use in the program. To continue the program, we will provide a drop-in after school indoor rowing program at the club house in Maple Bay alongside the club junior rowing program at a minimal cost (two hours, twice a week, four weeks). In addition, we will provide two Come Try Rowing events during school time and we hope to engage National Team athletes to assist and provide mentorship to the program. We will collaborate with the Cowichan Valley School District to provide transportation for the participants.

Maple Bay Rowing Club is excited to offer newcomers an opportunity to feel part of a community close to their new home, while improving their English language skills. These sessions will focus on participants’ own wellness by actively participating in a new sport while meeting new people who can support them in their new community. We will provide four Come Try sessions, where participants can learn about the sport of rowing by trying out ergs and getting in stable rowing shells. We will have some club members prepare a light lunch and offer an opportunity to converse and socialize. Childcare will be provided if needed at the clubhouse and transportation will be provided in collaboration with the Cowichan Intercultural Society. For those who are interested, we would like to offer the participants a membership at a minimal cost to our club so that they can access our programs.

Nanaimo Rowing Club

Nanaimo Rowing Club is providing an opportunity to learn the basics of rowing, including an exposure to on-land training and on-water rowing.  Programming consists of an Introduction to Rowing session (one 4-hour), a Mini Learn to Row (three 2-hour sessions offered once per week) or a Learn to Row program (eight 2-hour sessions offered once per week).  Programming is delivered in English language. To sign up for programs, interested individuals may contact Nanaimo Rowing Club to be referred to the appropriate organization we are working with including Girl Guides, Pacific Sport, Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Centre and Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council.  To continue rowing we ask interested individuals contact Nanaimo Rowing Club by email at nanaimo.rowing@gmail.com or on the website. 

Nelson Rowing Club

The Nelson Rowing Club is offering free Come Try Rowing events in partnership with Nelson Community Services. We are targeting women and girls (9+) who are interested in being physically active, but cannot afford the cost to participate. Register on Saturday August 20 or Sunday August 21 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Nelson Rowing Club. Following your first try at rowing, register for free Learn to Row sessions (either six lessons or three lessons), and you will on your way to enjoying the beautiful sport of rowing. Programming is offered in English. Contact Dominique at 250 354 3112 for more information or check out our website: nelsonrowing.ca.

Nicomekl Rowing Club

This Winter/Spring 2022, Nicomekl Rowing Club will be offering a youth program for low-income at-risk youth in the city who wouldn’t normally be exposed to the sport. Learning to row can be a way for these youth to build their self confidence and to have an outlet to manage stress in a regulated environment. Participants will not only learn about boat handling skills, rowing technique, and team building, but they will also have the additional benefit of being outside in nature and being exposed to a vast array of wildlife. Youth are referred and will be selected by the program’s partner. The program will be delivered in English. For more information, please contact program organizer Tracey Corbett via email at traceycor1@gmail.com.

Rockies Rowing Club

Rockies Rowing Club, in partnership with CBAL Settlement Services, Bellies to Babies, ANKORS, and Operation Street Angel – Ktunaxa Nation Council, will be offering Learn to Erg/Row lessons. We will be dropping in to visit our partnered organizations with the rowing ergometers and showing interested persons how to use the rowing machine and execute the rowing stroke and involve them in some fun dryland rowing activities. Contact the rowing club at rockiesrowing.jimsmithlake@gmail.com or call Roberta at 250-421-8582 for more information.

Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club

VRDBC will be delivering Come Try days and Learn More About Rowing events until March 31, 2023. Girls and women, Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ participants, and newcomers to Canada will all be included in the programming. The events can be held at VRDBC, community centres or at partnering organizations. Details of upcoming events and how to register will be available at VRDBC.com. Please contact lisa@VRDBC.com if you would like to arrange an event for your group. These events will be delivered in English.

SASKATCHEWAN

Lloydminster Rowing Club

The Lloydminster Rowing Club, in partnership with the Lloydminster Learning Council Association, is proud to offer Community Sport for All sponsored programming for newcomers to Canada. Interested community members can email the Lloydminster Rowing Club at rowinglloyd@yahoo.com to get support in signing up. Please contact Michelle Lopez at 780 808 6967 with any questions. This program has the ability to be offered in English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Saskatoon Rowing Club

Saskatoon Rowing Club, in partnership with Saskatoon Open Door Society and various Saskatoon Public Schools, will be expanding their program offerings this fall and winter to focus on the inclusion of newcomers to Canada, girls and women, and those who are financially marginalized. We will be running indoor programming with the above groups as well as a Learn to Row (indoor) designed for girls and women with all female coaches. All programming will be run in English with the opportunity for support in French as needed. For more information, please contact saskatoonrowingclub@gmail.com.

ONTARIO

Argonaut Rowing Club

Argonaut Rowing Club, in partnership with Parkdale Collegiate Institute, have set a goal to introduce 15-20 participants from equity deserving populations (BIPOC participants, low-income participants, newcomers to Canada) to the sport of rowing and provide a clear pathway to meaningful engagement within the sport. Participants will start with an on-water Learn to Row and continue as a Learn to Train athlete throughout the winter months. Programming will be offered in English. For more information, please contact Argonaut Rowing Club at coach@argonautrowingclub.com.

Don Rowing Club

Don Rowing Club, in partnership with Peel Newcomer Strategy Group, is offering rowing programming to youth and young adults as a way to quicken their integration into the Peel community and provide an opportunity to exercise for a healthy lifestyle. Participant intake and selection will be organized through Peel Newcomer Strategy Group. Programming will offer indoor training throughout the winter months, with the possibility of on-water training sessions. Programming with be offered in English and French, and with the help of our partners we look to address and manage all language barriers. For more information please contact Don Rowing Club at info@donrowingclub.com.    

Hanlan Boat Club

For more than a decade, Hanlan Boat Club has offered a free summer rowing camp to equity-deserving teenage youth across Toronto who might not otherwise be exposed to the sport. In partnership with agencies such as the West Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, Hanlan’s summer rowing camp not only introduces campers to fundamental rowing techniques and valuable water safety skills, but also instills confidence and teaches the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance. Programming is offered in English. For more information please contact headcoach@hanlanboatclub.ca.

In partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, Hanlan Boat Club will be holding a series of five “Try Rowing” clinics for youth ages 12-17 during the fall and winter of 2022-2023. During the two hour clinic, which will be delivered in English by experienced rowing coaches and held at the Cooper Koo Family YMCA in downtown Toronto, participants will not only learn how to identify different parts of a Concept2 rowing machine and how to row on the ergometer with correct technique, but also be given a training plan that they can use on their own after the clinic has concluded. All clinics are free and membership at the YMCA is not required. To learn more, please contact Janet Bolton at president@hanlanboatclub.ca.

Kingston Rowing Club

The Kingston Rowing Club (KRC) hosted Youth Diversion for a two Come Try days this summer. Youth Diversion offers summer camps with weekly community outings for kids aged 10-15 at no cost. The outings are related to themes covered in camp; the KRC and Youth Diversion formatted a Come Try day around team building skills. This included a game of erging in sync when first learning on land, followed by crew rowing in quads and doubles, and a wrap-up talk about teamwork in sports. Programming was offered in English. To hear more about the success of this program contact Rami Maassarani at rami.a.h.maassarani@gmail.com.

The Kingston Rowing Club, in partnership with AISQU, offered a two hour Come Try day providing newcomers to Canada the opportunity to try the sport of rowing. Participants began with general water and boat safety and rowing technique on the ergometer, followed by dockside coaching and on-water rowing. We encourage those who enjoyed this opportunity to continue with the adult Learn to Row. Programming was offered in English. To hear more about the success of this program contact Ben Ravenscroft at 18blr1@queensu.ca. 

The Kingston Rowing Club, in partnership with Templeman LLP and Sanctuary, will organize junior newcomer programming three afternoons a week. Parents are welcome to the third session, which functions as a way for the kids to show parents their progress, socialize between families and the community, and increase adult physical participation. KRC looks to incorporate social supports including monthly gatherings where rowing is not the focus, but where we offer our club as a space to share stories and resources. By drawing in participants, organizers, and KRC members we seek to increase intercultural understanding between new and existing groups. Program duration will run until the end of March with a current start in December, however the start date may change depending on when the newcomers arrive in Kingston. Programming will be offered in English. For more information contact Rami Maassarani at rami.a.h.maassarani@gmail.com.

The Kingston Rowing Club and Queen’s University, in partnership with Youth Diversion, featured weekly indoor learn to erg sessions over a three month period. This program emphasized the life skills that sport provides (i.e. team building and commitment) such that physical exercise will not be the sole benefit of the program. Programming was offered in English. To hear more about the success of this program contact Rami Maassarani at rami.a.h.maassarani@gmail.com.

Kingston Rowing Club and Queen’s University Rowing, in partnership with the Association of Indian Graduate Students at Queen’s University (AIGSQ), look to continue our introduction of rowing with weekly learn to erg sessions for the months of November to March. These will be coached by our student athletes and held on campus. This structured erg program will help members build confidence and fitness before transitioning to on-water rowing in spring 2023. Programming will be offered in English. To hear more about the success of this program contact Ben Ravenscroft at 18blr1@queensu.ca.

London Western Rowing Club

London Western Rowing Club, in partnership with Stem2Stern, Western University, and Hudson Boat Works, is offering Learn to Row programming for newcomers to Canada. Participants are invited to engage in a multi-week instructional course with both indoor and on-water rowing training as well as a boat-building component. Participants can expect to enjoy an exciting new recreational sport opportunity, make new friendships, and practice English language skills. Subsidized or no-cost transport options will be provided. Interested individuals can contact London Western Rowing Club directly at clubmanager@londonwesternrowing.com or through the online registration form offered on www.londonwesternrowing.com. Programming will be offered in English with translation support from local community resource centres where available. There are no participant fees for this program.

Niagara Falls Rowing Club

Niagara Falls Rowing Club will be offering an indoor winter training program for girls and women. This rowing program, delivered mainly in English, is designed and administered for girls and women to provide a safe and fun environment for learning and training. Those interested in participating can find program and registration information at niagarafallsrowingclub.com or by calling Anthony Arcuri at 905-708-8066.

Orillia Rowing Club

The Enhanced Inclusion of Girls and Women – Introducing Indoor Rowing to Girls in High School program will start with an introductory discussion about how indoor rowing can be part of a healthy lifestyle for all girls regardless of their fitness level. Mental and physical benefits will be highlighted and the coaches will get students excited and let them know about the upcoming program. All girls taking Physical Education in Orillia High Schools will be introduced to and taught how to row on Concept2 ergs. Each session will be led by Orillia Rowing Club coach Anne Hodkin and assisted by a second coach. At the completion of the school sessions, interested students will be encouraged to join the Orillia Rowing Club’s Winter Training Program that then leads into on-water rowing in the spring. Programming will be offered in English. For more information contact the club through www.orilliarowingclub.com.

Orillia Rowing Club, in partnership with Georgian College and Lakehead University, are offering female students from both institutions a free indoor rowing program twice per week from mid-October until the end of March 2023 at the Orillia Recreation Centre. Participants will be taught how to row on Concept2 ergs and the sessions will also include strength exercises, walking/running, and stretching. Each session will be led by Orillia Rowing Club coach Anne Hodkin. At the completion of this program, interested students will be encouraged to join the Orillia Rowing Club’s on-water rowing in the spring. Programming will be delivered in English. Limited spots available, for more information contact Orillia Rowing Club at www.orilliarowingclub.com.

The Enhanced Inclusion of Indigenous Participants – Introductory Learn-to-Row Program for Grade 8 students from Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School will consist of five on-water sessions over a three-week period. Regardless of fitness level or physical ability, students will be coached by club coaches to learn new skills and experience the joy of a new sport – rowing. The sessions will include the basics of rowing, equipment handling skills, rowing safety rules and important teamwork skills. There will be the opportunity for students to keep rowing on weekends until end of October if interested. Students will be encouraged to join the club’s winter training program that then leads into on-water rowing in the spring. Programming will be delivered in English. For more information contact the club on their website www.orilliarowingclub.com.

Ottawa New Edinburgh Club

The Ottawa New Edinburgh Club and Ottawa Senior Pride Network, in partnership with Rowing Canada Aviron and Sport Canada, would like to invite our National Capital 2SLGBTQQIA+ senior (50+) community to our free Sport for All: Learn to Row Program! Coaching is provided primarily in English (but also with a hint of French) by 2SLGBTQQIA+ rowers and allies trained in Safe Sport. We’ll be heading out in stable crew boats (quads) together along the Ottawa River in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. Details and registration available at: www.onec.ca/sport-for-all.

Ottawa Rowing Club

The Ottawa Rowing Club’s (ORC) outreach Everyone Rows Ottawa (ERO) program features multiple learning opportunities with land-based programming, being adaptable to a wide variety of ages 6+, and water based programming. The ORC has partnered with groups that offer free or low-cost recreation programming for youth in the Ottawa area, including Athletes Combatting Racism, the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, and Ottawa Community Housing. Athletes Combatting Racism, and the Lowertown Community Centre are returning partners this year after successfully running programs with them in 2021. The land-based programming is also transportable, with the ORC bringing ergs to community centres, etc. in order to increase access to the programming. The Everyone Rows Ottawa program is offered mainly in English and has served approximately 150 -200 youth over the course of the 2022 summer/early fall. For more information please contact the Ottawa Rowing Club at rowing@ottawarowingclub.com.

St. Catharines Rowing Club

The St. Catharines Rowing Club is very excited to be able to introduce the sport of rowing to Niagara youth and young adults from all corners of our diverse community. Through the winter months, qualified instructors will lead individuals through indoor rowing sessions, using ergometers and an indoor rowing tank at the Brock University Rowing Centre. These sessions will be rounded out with health and wellness sessions, nutrition information and some fun rowing trivia! Weather permitting, participants will also be able to visit the St. Catharines Rowing Club to see where all of the on-water action happens, learn how to handle the equipment and, with luck, hop in a boat to give it a try. The main language of instruction will be English, but we will work with groups to provide translation assistance as needed. To find out more, interested individuals should contact Program Coordinator Janet Lancaster at janet.lancaster@sympatico.ca or Club Captain Aaron Thompson at scrccaptain@gmail.com.

Sudbury Rowing Club

The Sudbury Rowing Club is offering programming to girls and women between September and April for only $89.00. The programming “Rowing and Resilience for Girls and Women” will be offered twice a week as an on-water Learn to Row sessions throughout September and October. From November to April, there will be a focus on indoor workshops that enhance rowing knowledge, skill and fitness. This programming is supported by the Sudbury Women’s Centre, Monarch Recovery Services, and the Greater Sudbury Police Services. Programming will be delivered in English. For more details contract rowsudbury@gmail.com.

Toronto Sculling Club

Toronto Sculling Club, in partnership with the Scarborough Schoolboard (David and Mary Thomson High School, DMT), will introduce rowing programming to at-risk youth from low-income families this fall. Programming will introduce these young people to the sport of rowing and provide opportunities to be within a healthy team environment, engage in a new and fun fitness activity, and teach a skill which they will have not had the chance to learn otherwise. Students will be invited to join morning and/or afternoon sessions. Programming will offer nutrition support, clothing supports, and access to the Scarborough Pan Am Centre for swim lessons, alongside transportation. Programming will be delivered in English. For more information, please contact phil.monckton@gfhgroup.ca.

QUEBEC

Club d’aviron de Montreal

Montreal Rowing Club will be offering a two day rowing introduction to the HikeMTL community and its members this fall. Anyone interested in joining the events can contact HikeMtl directly through their website or through the rowing club at info@avironmontreal.com. These two days will consist of an indoor and outdoor rowing introduction in primarily sculling boats at the Olympic Basin. This program will continue throughout the winter months with regular indoor training opportunities and ergometer and rowing tank workouts. All instruction will be available in both languages.

The Montreal Rowing Club, in partnership with Association récréative Milton-Parc / programme Plein Air, and will host a free five days of initiation to rowing for participants who utilizes services from these community organizations. These free days include a visit to the club’s facilities, learning the basics of sport, and putting it into practice in both an on-land and on-water experience. Participants will be invited to continue for 16 weeks of indoor training for a modest price of $5/week. All instruction will be available in both languages. To learn more contact info@avironmontreal.com.

NEWFOUNDLAND

St. John’s Rowing Club

In partnership with First Light Friendship Centre, SJRC will be providing opportunities in the fall to local Indigenous youth to take part in an on-water experience to try the sport of rowing. This programming is followed with a winter program scheduled once per week with assistance of a facilitator from First Light Friendship Centre to encourage on-going participation and fitness leadership. Programming will be offered in English. For more information on how to register contact stjohnsrowing@gmail.com.

The SJRC has partnered with the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and the Recreation Experiences and Leisure (REAL) program of the City of St. John’s to offer no-cost programming (January – March) for youth with financial barriers to sports participation. Transportation supports are available to low-income participants who would like to participate in this programming. Programming will be offered in English. For more information on how to register contact stjohnsrowing@gmail.com.

St. John’s has a rich, fixed seat rowing history, and with the support of the Royal St. John’s Regatta, SJRC is offering a no-cost workshop for interested fixed seat rowers (women and girls) looking to transition to the slide seat rowing technique. This year was the first year in the 200+ year history of the Royal St. John’s Regatta that females were permitted to enter the longer racing distance, which was traditionally open to males only. Female slide seat rowers from our club were part of the group that pushed to make this change, and many of our rowers raced the long course for the first time this year. The SJRC is very supportive of this initiative and aims to work with the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee to promote gender equality in both fixed and slide seat rowing. Programming will be offered in English. For more information, please contact stjohnsrowing@gmail.com.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Rowing PEI

Rowing PEI is pleased to be joining efforts with Stem2Stern, a popular community boat-building program. An Island boat builder will lead the project, in partnership with the REACH Foundation. The team will construct a rowing shell, but will also focus on building self-esteem and confidence. The program will be offered in English. There will be a community celebration and participants will have a chance to row the boat they have constructed. To find out more, please send an email to rowingpei@gmail.com.

Rowing PEI offered a season of outdoor rowing for newcomers to Canada in partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association PEI. Programs were offered to youth members and their families as a chance to participate in rowing and meet more people within their new community. The training culminated with their participation in the Red Island Regatta. The program was offered in English. To find out more about summer programs in 2023, please send an email to rowingpei@gmail.com.

Rowing PEI is offering a season of indoor training called I-Crew, or Indoor Crew. We are partnering with the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association PEI to offer their youth members a chance to participate, along with other youth from the community. They will learn technique, stay fit and take part in fun challenges during the weekly sessions. The program will be offered in English. To find out more, please send an email to rowingpei@gmail.com.