Central Alberta Trip 2010

By Colleen Miller
Domestic Development Officer-Sport Development

The Central Alberta Boat Club, with 40 members strong, is located at Lacombe Lake 5km from Lacombe and 15 minutes driving distance to Red Deer. Originally established in 2003 on Sylvan Lake, the club has now relocated to a more secluded location with 2800m of straight rowing with relatively calm rowing conditions.

My trip to Central Alberta Boat Club began with a picnic lunch at the acreage of local club coach Andy Nokes and his family. It was a necessary and nutritional first step before my row in the double with Marie Nokes on beautiful Lacombe Lake.

A short drive down backcountry roads brings you to a perfect rowing location. The club has acquired many boats over the past few years with the help of neighbouring Alberta rowing clubs and the Alberta Rowing Association.

The CABC received an RCA youth rowing grant in 2010. These resources have assisted in club development with resources dedicated to the purchase of a single, promoting the club in schools and the community (see photos of school sessions and the club rowing float at the local Lacombe parade), and developing coaching expertise.

Klara Langhoffer, a former national team rower from Hungary, has coached at the club this summer providing valuable experience to new and existing youth rowers while sharing her coaching skills with the club coaches. Her ingenuity has been to the benefit of the club in many ways. Hollow metal bars have been filled with rocks creating makeshift Olympic bars while another bar has been fastened to the club shed for doing pull-ups!

The club has had positive exposure this year, promoting rowing in the school environment. With rowing shells and ergometers, the RCA irow resources and DVD, and most importantly passionate club rowers, the CABC made a significant dent into school athletics. School administrators are keen for the club to continue rowing demonstrations in the fall season and help form a School Rowing Club in one school.

Thanks to the welcoming CABC members for a great visit!

Kudos to the Alberta Rowing clubs and ARA for mentoring and supporting smaller, growing clubs!

For more info, contact Andy Nokes tel. 403 782 0732  e-mail: CABC@xplornet.com