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St. Catharines Rowing Club provides rowing programs for Ages 10 and up in the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. Athletes start with Youth Rowing School, proceed on to High School Rowing, Club Rowing and Adult Master programs. Athletes are developed to compete at National and international levels if they choose to pursue those goals.
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| SCRC Parent Guide 2025 (Printable) |
The St. Catharines Rowing Club Parent Guide
We’re excited to welcome you to one of Canada’s most historic and accomplished rowing clubs. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to get more involved, this guide provides an introduction to rowing, our programs, and how you can be part of the SCRC community.
About the Club
- Founded: 1903
- Incorporated: 1977 (Not-for-Profit)
- 2025 marks 122 years of continuous rowing!
Our Facilities include:
- Main Boathouse: 10 bays, built in 1966
- Workshop/Secondary Boathouse: Built in 1986, shared with Brock University and Ridley College.
Introduction to Rowing
What is Rowing?
Rowing is a water sport in which athletes race long, narrow boats—often called shells—using oars (never referred to as paddles).
Rowing Terminology Guide
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Bow: Front of the boat
Stern: Rear of the boat Blade: Painted part of the oar Squaring: Rotating the blade perpendicularly for the Catch Catch: When the oar enters the water Drive: Power phase using legs, back, arms |
Finish/Release: Blade exits the water
Feathering: Rotating the blade flat at beginning of recovery Recovery: Slide forward for next stroke Stroke Rate: Strokes per minute Hard 10: Command to give 10 powerful strokes |
There are two main styles of rowing:
- Sculling: Each rower uses two oars.
- Sweep Rowing: Each rower uses one oar.
Types of Boats
Rowing shells vary in size, from single-person boats to larger ones with eight rowers and a coxswain (also known as a coxie). All rowers sit on sliding seats that move along tracks, with adjustable footplates and built-in shoes.
Rowing shells vary in size, from single-person boats to larger ones with eight rowers and a coxswain (also known as a coxie). All rowers sit on sliding seats that move along tracks, with adjustable footplates and built-in shoes.
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Sculling Boats (each rower uses two oars):
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Sweep Boats (each rower uses one oar):
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Rowing Equipment
- Oars: Oars are secured in swivel oarlocks connected to riggers.
- Sweep oars are longer (>3m) and heavier than sculling oars (>2.5m).
- Riggers: These are metal arms mounted to the boat, extending out to hold the oars in place.
Who’s in the Boat?
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Coxswain (Coxie)
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The Crew
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Rowing Categories
Weight Classes
- Lightweight Men: ≤ 72 kg (159 lbs)
- Lightweight Women: ≤ 59 kg (130 lbs)
- Open Weight: No restriction
Crew Selection Criteria
Selections are made by coaches and may be based on:
- Seat racing (comparing rowers in different boat combinations)
- Ergometer test results (2,000m or 6,000m indoor rows)
- Technical skill and fitness
- Attitude and attendance
Types of Races
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Sprint Races
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Head Races
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Race Day
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Race
Start
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Common Race Incidents
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Coaches & Umpires
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Coaches
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Umpires
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Regatta Locations (Examples)
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Henley Island (St. Catharines)
Welland (South Niagara Rowing Club) Buffalo (Westside Rowing Club) |
Boston (Head of the Charles)
Philadelphia (Head of the Schuylkill) Toronto (Dominion Day Regatta) |
View calendar: SCRC Calendar
SCRC Programs
Regatta Day – Parent Information
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Before the Race
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On-Site Etiquette
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How to Get Involved
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Volunteer or Sponsor Contacts
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Financial Assistance
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Useful Resources
Thank you for supporting the St. Catharines Rowing Club and the sport of rowing!
