About The Barrie Rowing Club
Club History
The Barrie Rowing Club was founded in the winter of 1987-88 by a small group of dedicated people who shared two things: a love of the sport of rowing, and a dream of establishing a permanent rowing club in Barrie. Amongst the Club’s first acquisitions were two old rowing shells borrowed from the Cornwall Rowing Club.
The Club’s first boathouse was an old storage shed that the Club rented on Victoria Street. To put their boats on the water, rowers had to carry them along Victoria Street, across a set of railroad tracks, across Lakeshore Drive, through Centennial Park and across the beach. Without a dock, the rowers waded into the water to launch their boats.
About The Club
The Barrie Rowing Club is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate, advocate and develop the sport of rowing in the Barrie area and Simcoe County. To achieve a vibrant, strong and dynamic rowing community, we provide training programs targeted at individuals of all ages and abilities.
The Barrie Rowing Club is located in Simcoe County, at the gateway to Ontario’s tourism country, in one of the region’s most dynamic growth communities. Our club is nestled on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, in the heart of downtown Barrie. We have 20 kilometres of rowable water and a large complement of club and privately owned touring and racing shells.
Contributions to The Barrie Rowing Club
Peter & Elaine Bursztyn
Kathy Graham
Rick Hanson Foundation
Despite these humble beginnings, the Club’s membership, equipment inventory and reputation grew.
In 1990, the Club hosted a National Masters Sculling Camp. The Club’s reputation was further enhanced when in 1992, the Canadian Rowing Association held its annual National Coaching Conference in Barrie.
By 1992, the Club’s expanding membership had outgrown the old boathouse. In 1993, the Rowing Club entered an ambitious partnership with the City of Barrie and several other local organizations (including the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club and local Rotary Clubs). With funding from the City, the Province and each of the Community partners, an old CN maintenance building on the south shore was restored, expanded and transformed into the 1.5 million dollar Southshore Community Center.
Barrie Rowing Club members have entered and won many races throughout Ontario. Several members have competed on provincial and national rowing teams.
Board of Directors/Officers
The Barrie Rowing Club is proudly represented by these volunteers.
Matt Gleben
President
Andrea Lovering
Secretary
David Crann
Treasurer
Jacquie Raycraft
Director
Christine Ignas
Director
Eileen Carl
Director
Heather Gleben
Bingo Volunteer Coordinator
Tim Rose
Director
Mark Potter
Bingo Chairperson/Coordinator
Elaine Bursztyn
Controller
Frequently Aasked Questions
Everyone!
Rowing is a great physical activity, and when done correctly can benefit every part of the body. That being said, rowers should be 12 and over and should have no medical conditions that prevent them from doing physical exercise. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.
You should wear athletic clothing that is relatively close fitting and comfortable. On a windy day a light jacket would help keep you warm. Most rowing shells come with shoes in them, but you should always wear socks in the boat and some footwear you do not mind getting wet while you are on the dock. Do not forget a bottle of water and a hat if it is a sunny day.
Yes, although it is very unlikely that you will end up in the water. We have safety boats out on the water for each session, and life jackets can be taken in the rowing shells. The Learn To Row boats are very stable and are not susceptible to capsize.
All of our rowing shells have sliding seats, with the majority being sculling boats (2 oars/rower) and some being sweep boats (1 oar/rower). The Club has a selection of novice, transitional and racing shells.
When taught and done properly, rowing is a low impact sport on all parts of the body. Our coaches and instructors are trained to teach technique that will minimize strain to any part of the body. Like many new activities, general muscle soreness may occur when learning as this is a new activity for your body.
Option 1 – Check out the Learn To Row II Program.
Option 2 – Check out the Summer Specials.
Option 3 – Check out the Full Membership.
Option 1 – Check out the Summer Specials.
Option 2 – Check out the Full Membership.
Option 1 – Check out the Summer Specials.
Option 2 – Check out the Full Membership.
Yes! We have staff who can help carry your boat, answer questions and help you launch your boat from the dock. Other rowers also help each other to carry equipment and ensure equipment is set up safely prior to leaving the dock. Check out the (July 7, 2020) video below to see an early morning rowing launch.
Safety First
MacGyver Tip For Rowers – Pool noodles on the rigors of a racing shell in early May plus your life jacket on board makes for a confident rower that will stay dry. A trusty friend in a kayak can act as your photographer, coach and safety boat.
