Junior Competitive Program

Youth Rowing Camp

Junior Competitive

Junior Development

​U17/U19 Women & Men

2023 ​Summer Competitive Season

Parents & Athletes

The junior programs consist of athletes that have already participated in a high school competitive program.  These athletes are interested in training daily to improve their skills and fitness as athletes/coxswains with the St. Catharines Rowing Club.  It is the goal of this program to continue the skill development of sweep and sculling with the ultimate goal of winning Henley Gold!  Priority boats for the summer are based on the Coach’s decision as to what is the best chance to win at the Canadian Henley Regatta.
 
This program does not consist of specific weight divisions for competition; however, if possible, we attempt to group similar sized athletes. Lightweight athletes might be boated together to give them a sense of rowing with similar sized individuals.  These athletes may then be entered into lightweight class events to expose them to this style of racing and prepare them for a possible future as lightweights. 
 
Following the CSSRA regatta, athletes are expected to be at the Rowing Club ergometer session where they will pull a 2000m piece as the first step towards selection.  All athletes are expected to participate and be monitored by one of the Program Coaches.  From this point the athletes will meet at the Club Monday to Friday, U17’s are in the evening (with the Women possibly switching to a late morning time slot once school is complete), and U19’s in the morning (weekend TBD), to be put into various combinations for training. The daily training sessions are completed once all equipment is cleaned and properly stored. 
 
It is important for athletes to inform the Lead Coach as soon as possible of any dates through the summer that they might be away for holiday etc.  This must be communicated early to avoid future challenges with boating etc. The rowing club does its very best to put all athletes into boats and encourages all to participate in some way.  However, circumstances such as limited Coaches, equipment, and/or weather, may have the rower run and/or erg as he/she waits for a turn into a boat during that practice. For the same reasons the Rowing Club may limit its numbers in each program.  Such concerns will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  

Selection will consist of:

• 2K ergometer race
• Technical assessment by coaching staff
• Selection for seat racing will be based on 2k ergometer score and technical assessment
• Seat racing to take place over 1500m in 4+’s, 2-‘s, 2x’s and 1x (may change due to number of participants)
• Final selection will be based on:
  1. Seat racing results, ergometer score, technical assessment and compatibility with other athletes and Coaches
  2. Firm commitment to summer regatta schedule, including all regattas
• Coxie (50kg/110lbs) selection will be based on ability to follow a race plan, steering, and compatibility with Coaches and crew.
• Individual work and holiday schedule may be accommodated on a case-by-case situation
• Final crew selection is scheduled to be completed by early July
• Alternate and extra practice times will be scheduled as required as per the coaching staff

Government Issued Photo ID Required on Race Day!

High school rowers summer fee is $270, non-high school is $330, plus an entry fee deposit of $380. Cost for races entered will be drawn down from this deposit and reconciled as a refund, additional fee to be paid, or the balance donated to the Club at the end of the season
 
The summer season will run from June 6, 2023 through the end of Canadian Henley August 13, 2023.

Parents

The St. Catharines Rowing Club is a highly competitive Club.  Rowing in the top boat is not a right – it is earned through effort, achievement in practice, experience and the ability to race under pressure.  Athletes are given many hours of practice and instructional time to further their development.  The decision of who rows in top boats will be made in order that the team may be successful and achieve Program and Club goals.
 
Athlete selection for boat selection is exclusively the decision of the Coaching staff.  These Coaches observe your athletes in practice and get to know their strengths and weaknesses in the sport.  They therefore have the right to decide the boating and seating arrangements.
 
Athletes are encouraged to discuss their strengths and weaknesses with their Coaches during practice sessions at appropriate times during practice or after practice when equipment is put away.  We ask that such discussions be limited to practice times only and not to approach the Coaches during a regatta.  We also ask that at all times, the inside of the boathouse and the dock is off limits to parents and friends.
 
Parents will not approach Coaching staff during regatta days with questions regarding line-up, race strategies, or boating positions.  Should you have questions, the Coaching staff will be happy to set up a time to discuss your athlete’s abilities and progress.  Discussions will be limited to your athlete’s performance only.  Coaches will not comment on other player’s performances or other Coaches decisions.
 
The Rowing Club is grateful to all parents for their numerous ways of contributing.  Without parents, we would be lacking in volunteers.  There are many areas in which parents can contribute to the Club. If you are interested contact Kate Hingston khingston@icloud.com. This is a great opportunity to see racing from the water as well as be a part of the 119 years of rowing at the Club.

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Interested in another youth or junior program?

Youth Rowing Camp

Junior Development

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Organizations that provide Financial Assistance