Most masters' rowers come to the sport late in life, sometimes with limited background in competitive sports and yet can progress to a high level of performance. There are few sports where this is possible, and that is one of the strengths of rowing as a sport for life.
Masters' rowers often are the backbone of a rowing club, providing continuity of club administration, leadership, and infrastructure in support of youth programs. A strong masters program is a powerful resource for any club as well as an agent for ongoing personal development and healthy living for adults. BC Clubs offer a variety of programs for rowers over 27 years old. Activities include:
- Competitive rowing at local, national and international venues
- Recreational rowing
- Rowing tours
Competitive Rowing
Age Categories
Masters competitive rowing is divided into age categories. Age categories correspond to the rower's age during the current year. Coxies are not included in determining the average crew age.
Most regattas offer mixed crew options and composite crews. Check with the local organizing committee for more information.
Recreational Rowing
Many clubs offer coached and non-coached training times both in the morning and late afternoon. Contact your local club to find out more.
Events
Masters compete at a number of events throughout the season and they are listed on the events calendar.
Keep in mind, the clubs determine the dates for thier regattas, Rowing BC posts the information as soon as it becomes available. If there is an event missing from the calendar, it means the club has not confirmed the dates.
Regatta Logistics
Organizing trailers for regattas, boat pooling and composite crews can be challenging for clubs. If you are looking to coordinate regatta logistics try posting a request in the classfied ads section.
Rowing Tours
Canadian
Explore the rivers and lakes of Canada at a slower more relaxed pace. Rowing tours can be one-day excursions or a several day package. Read more about touring on the RCA website.
International
Some BC Rowing Clubs, like Victoria City Rowing Club have organized international rowing tours in locations like Germany, Croatia and Italy. These tours offer a chance to row on some of the great waterways of the world as well as experience local cultures. Contact your local club today and organize a rowing tour of your own!
Training Facilities
There are many options for training outside of your local club.
Canadian Rowing Centers
Shawnigan Lake
US Rowing Schools
Florida Rowing Center: Wellington, FL - The Florida Rowing Center, est. 1985, is a winter destination for sculling instruction. Professional coaches with international experience will help you improve your technical skills. Individual attention is a priority. Open mid-December to May in Wellington, near Palm Beach. All ages, abilities welcome. See you on our warm waters. www.floridarowingcenter.com
Craftsbury Sculling Center: Craftsbury Common, VT - Defining Sculling Camp since 1976. World-Renowned Coaches - Individual Attention. Week, Weekend, and Four-Day Sculling Camps. Group/Team, MRA, & USRowing Discounts. All Skill Levels for ages 12 and up. Lodging & Meals on campus in northern Vermont. www.craftsbury.com
Calm Waters Rowing: Lancaster, VA - The Perfect Sculling Destination: An adult-oriented rowing camp with elegant accommodations, serene sculling conditions and first-rate coaching. 3, 4 or 7 day sessions. Three coached sculling sessions daily plus video review, all skill levels welcome. Small groups. www.calmwatersrowing.com
Black Bear Sculling: Hanover, NH - Black Bear Sculling, under the direction of Steve Wagner, offers week long and 3-day weekend programs in sculling for all ages and abilities on a beautiful stretch of the Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. Black Bear Sculling is known for providing coaching in a relaxing, supportive, and fun environment. www.blackbearsculling.com
Get Involved and Stay Connected
Masters Committee
Rowing BC has a Masters Committee dedicated to connecting masters rowers throughout the province. Learn More
Masters Forum
Rowing BC recently held a masters forum to generate ideas on how Rowing BC can help the masters community. We will continue to host forums to develop masters rowing in BC.
RSS Feed
The Rowing BC web site has an RSS feed for classified ads, events and news items. Simply click on the RSS icon on the bottom of the homepage and recieve updates via email.
Community Updates
Stay connected to the rowing community in British Columbia and sign up for our Community Updates a monthly newsletter with news announcements and funding opportunities.
