Junior Program (12 to 18 years)

Our Junior program works with rowers aged 12 to 18 years in a variety of rowing shells, including singles, doubles, quads, pairs, fours, and eights! High-quality coaching is available for all skill levels, from novice to high performance and beyond. The program gives chances for athletes at all different skill levels and ages to compete across the country. Some regattas will have more specific age divisions or novice events. 

Training

• On-water rowing season: May 1st to October 31st (weather permitting).
• Indoor season: November 1st to April 30th

Novice Program:

• For athletes that have no prior rowing experience.
• Program Goal: learn how to participate in the sport and develop basic rowing skills. Get ready for races in Calgary!
•  In order to join as a novice, you have to participate in the intake program. the Intake prgram happens in the first few weeks of May and September
• If you missed the intake period, please check out our summer camps (10-14 years) and HP camps (14-18 years). these will develop your skill to a level where you can join the junior program. 
• Email office@calgaryrowing.com to start the program.
• Athletes will learn:
• • How to use a rowing machine/ergometer properly.
  • How to safely operate equipment and use the rowing facilities. 
  • Basic on-water rowing skills in a single, double, quad, or eight.

Competitive Junior Programs 

For athletes that have completed the novice program or summer camps and have mastered skills to be able to effectively participate in workouts. Athletes are divided into either Development/Recreational, Competitive Development, Competitive, or Performance Squads based on age and athletic development.

Development/Recreational Squad 

• Athletes are in the learn-to-train and train-to-train stages of athletic development.
• The focus regattas are Small Boat champs and Alberta Open 
• Athletes can expect up to 3 practices a week to improve rowing skills and introduce athletes to competition.

• Athletes are in the learn-to-compete stage of athletic development.
• The focus regattas are Challenge West Regatta and Canadian Henley (for some).
• Athletes can expect 6 practices a week during the summer and a competitive environment aimed at preparing athletes for competition.

 High Performance Squads 

• Athletes are in the train-to-compete stage of athletic development.
• The focus regattas are Canadian Henley and National Rowing Championships (for some)
• Athletes can expect 8 practices a week and a competitive environment aimed at preparing athletes for competition.

Indoor rowing season

•  Begins November 1st and goes till April 30th.
• Intake for the indoor rowing season occurs during the first few weeks of January. Please contact office@calgaryrowing.com for more info.
• Athletes will participate in:
  
• • Rowing on the indoor rower to practice body sequencing and build endurance 
  • Age-appropriate weight training
  • Circuit training

Membership

Our membership year runs from May 1 - April 30 of the next year. Juniors are welcome to join during the on-water season (May to October) or the off-water season (November to April). Please contact our Club Manager at office@calgary should you have any questions about joining the Junior program. For current juniors participating in winter training, the registration deadline is April 1st. For new or novice program participants, the registration deadline is April 27th.

For 2025 membership fees, please see HERE.

Equipment

The only equipment required of members is a belt pack PFD (life jacket). The City of Calgary requires PFDs to be worn on the Glenmore Reservoir. PFDs can be found on Amazon or at MEC. Loaner PFDs are available from the club for Novice Program participants. It is the expectation that all athletes own their own PFD.

It is recommended to wear tight clothing and no hoodies with big pockets, as they can get caught easily in the boat or on the oars when rowing. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended as well during the hotter months of the season. 

If you wish to bring a water bottle in the boat, it must be a soft/squishy plastic bottle, as any hard plastics or metal can damage the boat. You can also wrap hard water bottles in a sock to prevent damage if needed. 

Contact

Please e-mail the CRC Club Manager: office@calgaryrowing.com. 
Weekly updates will be sent to the Junior Parent/Guardian email list. Self enroll here:  CRC Junior Parents/Guardians Contact List