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Domestic Development Report - Keeping In Touch with Rowing in Canada

by Jennifer Browett

On a recent visit to Alberta I had the opportunity to be hosted by four of the province's clubs (unfortunately there was not enough time to get to all of them). Like many clubs across Canada, learn to rows and youth camps are running at full force during the summer.

Calgary had a huge number of youth and adults alike on the water that were either readying themselves for Henley, involved in a kids camp or simply enjoying rowing. The beautifully pristine waters at the Calgary Rowing Club were a sparkling backdrop to all the boats lined up and ready to be rowed. Blair Rassumussen, Calgary's manager, took me out for coffee where I learned just how diverse this rowing club is, running programs from learn to row to masters to recreational rowing and more...

At the other end of the province (not really but the drive felt that way!) Edmonton was full force into Corporate Challenge. Despite the fast moving waters of the North Saskatchewan, crews were getting ready to learn all the skills they will need to win their final race. The whole area around the boathouse in Edmonton was a buzz with outdoor activity. It is hard to believe how close this club was to downtown being in the middle of a gorgeous park!

Central Alberta Boat Club was by far my most unique visit on Lacombe Lake near Red Deer. Unlike the last two clubs this club did not have as many of the luxuries afforded by a boathouse. Namely there was no toilet, or structure to house any of the boats or rowers. Kind neighbors had lent parts of their property to store boats and coaching was done from the rowing shell itself. This hardly diminished the spirits of this group though! In fact if anything it enhanced the rowing experience due to great attitudes and general love of rowing of the participants and coaches alike!

I also visited the newly forming Leduc Boat Club on Telford Lake in Leduc. I was able to see the first learn to row go onto the waters and what fun! Everyone was in good spirits and laughing. The enthusiasm for rowing has run high in this community since the World Masters Rowing Championships were held there in 2005.

Here are a few photos from those clubs to keep Canadian rowing enthusiasts posted on what's happening elsewhere in Canada!


Photos: Edmonton Rowing Club teaches an adult Learn to Row; left, Central Alberta Boat Clubs runs a youth rowing camp and a great view of Calgary Rowing Clubs pristine waters.