Interested in learning how to row? Curious to try a new sport, spend some time on the lake, and join a new community? Here’s everything you need to know about the sport of rowing:
The Kenora Rowing Club offers competitive and recreational program for teenagers and adults. Before you can join, you must have completed our Learn to Row program or have previous rowing experience (high school, university, a previous club).
Our program consist of approximately 6 hours of introductory training, which typically occur over the course of two weeks.
How to Register:
- Sign up online following this link to the Rowing Canada membership page, where you will have to create an account, and then register for the “Learn To Row” program.
- Send an email to [email protected] to indicate your interest in the program.
Our Learn To Row coaches have been trained through the Coaching Association of Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), in partnership with Rowing Canada’s Coach Development Pathway. We also run LTR programs with small class sizes to offer you individualized training.
Cost:
- Learn to Row = 4 on-water sessions (6 hours of instruction): $100.00
- This covers your Rowing Canada and Manitoba Rowing Association membership fees, as well as the program costs (coaching, boat rentals, etc).
Special LTR Graduate price on KRC Memberships:
For our Learn To Row program graduates, we offer a pro-rated membership if you would like to continue rowing. Your Learn to Row cost is put towards the cost of your KRC Membership. On-water rowing occurs from mid-June to late October (before the freeze). We also offer pro-rated fees for late registration, read more about that on the membership info page.
- KRC Adult/Junior Regular Full Season Fee: $580.00
- KRC Adult/Junior LTR Graduate Full Season Fee: $480.00
Learn To Row FAQ:
Q: Is rowing right for me?
A: Rowing is a great activity for participants aged 13-99 years old! We ask that you are able to lift 20 lbs over your head, and have moderate swimming abilities. If you are concerned about the range of your mobility, or past injuries that may affect your ability to participate, please email [email protected] to discuss your concerns with a coach.
Q: Where do we row?
A: On Rabbit Lake, in the suburb of Jaffray Mellick. The rowing club is located at 110 Birchwood Crescent, next to Garrow Park.
Q: What do I need to bring to my lesson?
A: Weather-appropriate, athletic clothing; old shoes and clean socks; a waterbottle; a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Never bring anything down to the dock that you’re not prepared to lose in the water. No hoodies with big front pockets, or baggy sweatpants/shorts, as the extra fabric will get caught in the different moving parts on the boat.
Q: What can I do to be ready for my first lesson?
A: You can watch Rowing Canada’s Safety Video, which covers proper attire, what to expect at the rowing club, how to carry a boat down to the docks, some rowing-specific words and commands, and what to do in the event of a capsize. Also, please arrive 5-10 minutes before your lesson, to ensure a prompt start time.
Q: The weather isn’t looking great… Is the lesson still on?
A: Almost always, yes. If we are unable to go row on-water due to high winds, heavy rainfall, hail, or lightning and thunder, then we will be able to row on the indoor rowing machine inside the rowing club. Rowing on the indoor rowing machines (ergometers, or “ergs” for short) is a great way to get a good workout, and to work on the body movements that are necessary on-water. If participants do not wish to do an indoor practice, then it is up to the coach’s discretion to reschedule a different on-water practice (if they so choose).
Q: None of the “Blocks” work for my schedule, but I’d really like to row! Help?!
A: We are still finalizing the schedule and coaching availability for this season, email [email protected] indicating your interest and availability and we will try our best to find a schedule that works for everyone!
Q: I used to row, way back in the day, but I feel a little rusty. Do I need to take a LTR or can I join a club program right away?
A: First of all, congrats on your return to rowing! The lake has missed you! The boat has missed you! Don’t worry, it’s just like riding a bike. If you feel a bit apprehensive about your first time back on the water, feel free to send us an email describing your situation. We’ll suggest a day and time to meet with one of our coaches, who will supervise and guide you, and assess your abilities. If they see that you can safely maneuver your boat according to the traffic pattern, and that your balance is looking fine, you’ll be okay-ed to join a program. However, if it looks like you’ll need a few more refresher classes before you can integrate into our other programs, then we will set up a schedule that works for you.