The Barrie Rowing Club Programs

We offer a wide range and variety of programs for different skill levels.
Whether you’re looking to get into rowing or refine your established techniques… We’ll have a program for you!

Learn More

What We Offer

Equipment is provided. Participants must be competent swimmers, or wear a PFD when on the water.

Prices listed include all taxes and compulsory Row Ontario and Rowing Canada Aviron association fees.

REFUND POLICY: A $60 non-refundable fee applies to all programs.  

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.

frequently asked questions

Fees

Summer Specials for Recreational/Club Rowing:

 Adult Fees
(with no volunteer hours)		Student Fees
(with no volunteer hours) 

Required Volunteer Hours To be eligible for discount

Volunteer Hour Discount
4 summer weeks$250$200 6-$45

6 summer weeks

 

$350$275 10 -$70
weekends A
(ends Labour Day weekend)		$250$2006 -$45
weekends B
(ends mid-October)		$350$27510-$70

Annual Membership Fees:

 AdultStudentVolunteer Hours
for Support Fee
Refund		Support Fee Refund – After Volunteer Hours Completed
First Year Members * $540$42012$80
Current Learn to Row graduates*$460$34012$80
Returning members*$620$420Students – 12
Adults – 24		Students – $80
Adults – $160

BRC offers dry land rowing sessions from September-May for community members (youth – adult) to keep and improve overall fitness off the water. Participants are guided to use the ergs (Concept 2 indoor rowing ergometers) with additional warm ups and cool downs by trained rowing coaches. The sessions are offered at varying intensities and at different times during the week and sometimes on weekends.

All community members and Barrie Rowing Club members are invited to register and participate. No experience rowing on the water or erging is necessary. Bring a friend and row on land within view of Kempenfelt Bay!
On Land
Program Name Dry Land Rowing/Erging
Season September-May
Fees - Short Term Program Fees $70/session
Age Children 12+ if accompanied by an adult) 16 +
Class Size Minimum of 5 to maximum of 14 participants
Private Boat Storage N/A
Days/Times

Tuesday 8:30am -9:30 am Tuesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm Wednesday 5:00pm - 6:00pm Thursday 8:30am -9:30 am Thursday 5:00pm - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 10:00am
Regattas N/A
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

Learn to Row 1

This program is designed to take newcomers from dock side to rowing in one weekend in 3 days.
Day 1 will focus on safety, the equipment, and the basics of rowing on indoor rowing machines.
Day 2 will be spent in our very stable recreational shells, covering the mechanics of a stroke.
Day 3 will introduce drills to refine the stroke. Upon completion of Learn To Row 1, you will be invited to join Learn To Row 2 or one of the Club’s other programs.
It is highly recommended that you practice your new skills for a couple of weeks before signing up for LTR 2.  LTR 1 graduates may participate in any of the tours sponsored by the Ontario Adventure Rowing Association.
LEARN TO ROW 1
Program Name Learn to Row 1
Season May-June-July
Fees - Short Term Program Fees $170
Age 16 years and up
Class Size Minimum of 4 people per session
Days/Times June 2 - 4th, 2023
June 16 -18th, 2023
June 23 - 25th, 2023
Or by consultation with coach
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

Learn to Row 2

This is a one-on-one sculling program for on-the-water rowers with some experience. It is designed as a refresher course to build confidence and facilitate the transition to a racing shell. It is highly recommended that LTR 1 graduates practice their new skills before signing up for the Learn To Row 2 course.
Upon completion of LTR 2, you will be invited to join one of the Club’s other programs.
LTR 2 graduates may participate in any of the tours sponsored by the Ontario Adventure Rowing Association.
LEARN TO ROW 2
Program Name Learn to Row 2
Season May-June-July
Fees - Short Term Program Fees $100
Age 16 years and up
Class Size One participant to one instructor
Days/Times On consultation with coach
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

Junior Scullers

This is an introduction to rowing for youth 12-15 years old. New participants will learn the mechanics of a stroke and boat maneuverability using our very stable recreational shells. There will be opportunities for returning participants to row in a variety of single and double shells. All participants must be competent swimmers.
On Land and Water
Program Name Junior Scullers - Summer Youth Rowing Camp
Season July-August
Fees - Short Term Program Fees First camp is $180 Second camp is $150
Age 12-15 years old
Class Size Maximum of 12 participants
Private Boat Storage N/A
Days/Times Mon & Wed July 3-26, 2023
Tues & Thurs July 4-27, 2023
Mon & Wed July 31st-28th (not Aug 7th), 2023
Tues & Thurs August 1 - 24st, 2023
Regattas N/A
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

High School Rowing/Junior Competitive

We are currently drawing students from all grade 7 to 12 schools in Barrie and Area who will compete under the banner of Barrie Rowing Club. Indoor sessions will be designed to work on technique, establish better training habits and increase fitness levels going into the 2022 on water season.
On Land and Water
Program Name Competitive High School Rowing
Season All Year
Fees - Short Term Program Fees $100 Fall Introductory Session
Annual student membership required for spring/summer program (includes erg classes all year)
Age Grade 7-12
Class Size Minimum of 5 to 18 participants
Volunteer Hours Yes, see ‘Fee Chart’
Private Boat Storage Yes with full membership
Days/Times To Be Determined
Regattas Barrie Sprints
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

The program is designed for rowers who would like to continue rowing at a competitive level, while trying to combine it with their other commitments. The objective is to form crews that are compatible in technical competency, physical ability and age. Crews generally practice up to 7+ times per week and often compete in numerous sprint races in the spring/summer and head races in the fall.

The Masters program trains throughout the year. From May to October, training is usually on Kempenfelt Bay. Rowers train together or individually, usually at the 5:30 (first) row. From November to April, training is indoors. Indoor training is offered at our training facility and primarily consists of workouts on the ergometers and/or with weights.
On Land and Water
Program Name Competitive
Season May- August
Annual Membership Fees Annual membership required (includes erg classes all year)
Age Competitive - Age 17 - 23 Masters - Age 23+
Class Size N/A
Volunteer Hours Yes, see ‘Fee Chart’
Private Boat Storage Yes with annual membership
Days/Times April (dock in)-Thanksgiving (dock out): M-F 5:30am and 7:00am Saturday and Sunday 7:00am
July-August: Tuesday & Thursdays 5:30am-6:30pm
Regattas Summer: Canada Day Regatta, CORA Regattas, Ontario Rowing Championships, Royal Canadian Henley
Fall: Head of the Welland, Head of the Trent, Head of the Charles, Muskoka Fall Classic
Winter: Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships, Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register BRC Registration Form

Club rowing is available for all members from May to October that wish to row on their own. There are two scheduled rows each morning throughout the week and one each Saturday and Sunday. You set your own rowing schedule based on fitness goals and availability. Row as often as you want.

 

Participants are required to complete the ‘Learn To Row‘ program or have prior on water rowing experience. If you have just completed a Learn to Row course, you qualify for a discount towards an annual membership.

 
 On the Water
Program NameClub/Recreational Rowing
SeasonApril-October
Annual Membership and Short Term Program FeesSummer Specials or Annual Membership Fees
Age14 years +
Class SizeN/A
Volunteer HoursYes, see ‘Fee Chart’
Private Boat Storage
Yes with full mumbership
Days/Times

May to October

Monday to Friday 5:30am and 7:00am

Weekend and Holidays 7:00am

Regattas
N/A
Covid-19 Requirements Updated RCA Covid-19 Health Requirements - April 2022
How to Register
BRC Registration Form

*includes erg classes and on water rowing as available in all seasons
Add +$100 for private boat storage

REFUND POLICY: A $60 non-refundable fee applies to all memberships

Frequently Aasked Questions

 A trusty friend in a kayak can act as your photographer, coach and safety boat.

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.

If you are 12-15 years old, check out the Junior Scullers’ Program. If you are 16 and over, check out the Learn to Row I Program.

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, Barrie rowing club members are following the guidelines set out by Row Ontario and the Ministry of Health’s Road Map to Re-Opening. Check out the BRC Covid-19 Updates to learn how the club is operating under current Ministry of Health’s plan that will guide a safe and gradual reopening of the province and the lifting of public health measures.

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.

Forms & Documents

Please click on the form/document that you wish to download.

1. BRC Covid-19

2. BRC Emergency Action Plan

3. BRC Online Registration

4. BRC Private Boat Storage

5. BRC Safety Program

6. BRC Volunteer Hours & Support Fee Refund Request

7 . BRC Swim Test

8. Concussion Resources & Code of Conduct

9. RCA (Rowing Canada Aviron)

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.

BRC Covid-19 Updates

Contact Info

(705) 739-0874
[email protected]
Southshore Community Centre
205 Lakeshore Drive Barrie, ON L4N 7Y9
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 29001 Barrie, ON L4N 7W7
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© 2023 Barrie Rowing Club | Privacy Policy

New To Rowing? Start Here!

What skills will you learn while rowing?

Check out this video for a quick overview of the skills we develop and fun we have on the waters of Kempenfelt Bay.

New to erging/dryland rowing? Learn more here:

The above information was sourced from: www.rowingcanada.org

Rowers tend to be passionate about their sport. The sensation of being able to propel a boat at speed through the water under one’s own power is exhilarating. It requires teamwork and concentration so that one is almost oblivious to the physical exertion employed. Rowing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all. You can start at any age, learn the technique quickly and improve on it for the rest of your life. To many it is more than a sport, teaching lessons for life:

The need to work together with others from all backgrounds;
the values of fair play and consideration for others in the form of good sportsmanship; and
the benefits to be obtained from hard work and self-discipline.
RCA has attempted to capture this vision of the sport in its vision statement: “Fostering excellence and teamwork for life through rowing.”

Rowing also brings significant health benefits. It exercises all the major muscle groups through the full range of motion, involves no body contact or jarring of the joints, and improves both strength and cardiovascular performance. It attracts those looking for an enjoyable recreational activity as well as those looking for exciting competitive opportunities.
Learn to Row
Junior Scullers
Dryland Erging

The Regatta

Championship races are rowed over 2,000 metres (one mile, 427 yards) in six lanes which are straight and buoyed. There are up to four rounds – heats, repechages, semi-finals and finals. The repechage round is for losing crews in the heats, meaning that every crew that loses in a heat has a second chance before being eliminated. The draw is conducted round by round according to alternative and previously undisclosed systems. The first three crews in each semi-final compete in the A final, and the last three in each semi-final compete in the B final for places 7 to 12. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for the first three crews to cross the line in the A final.

Sprint Races – a full-speed sprint from start to finish. Often shorter distances.
Head races – The distances vary, but are usually about 3.5 to 5 miles.

Rowing Boats

SingleBoat Stats

  • Length – 8.280 m
  • Width – 0.280 m
  • Depth – 0.170 m
  • Weight – 14.5 kg

Pair/DoubleBoat Stats

  • Length – 10.000 m
  • Width – 0.383 m
  • Depth – 0.195 m
  • Weight – 28 kg

Coxed fourBoat Stats

  • Length – 12.900 m
  • Width – 0.490 m
  • Depth – 0.250 m
  • Weight – 59 kg

Four/QuadBoat Stats

  • Length – 12.900 m
  • Width – 0.484 m
  • Depth – 0.225 m
  • Weight – 61 kg

EightBoat Stats

  • Length – 17.600 m
  • Width – 0.590 m
  • Depth – 0.285 m
  • Weight – 110 kg

The boats for competition were traditionally made from wood, but are mostly fabricated from carbon fibre and plastic (ie. Kevlar).

Rowing shells are 0.280 metres to 0.590 metres wide and 8.280 metres to 17.600 metres long. A small fin is fitted at the bottom for stability. A rudder is attached to the fin or the stern (except for sculling boats). A white ball is attached to the bow (called a bow ball for safety measure, photofinish). A washboard prevents waves splashing aboard. Seats are fitted with wheels which slide on runners, or tracks.

Oars are hollow to reduce weight, attached to the boat by adjustable out riggers. Size and shape of the oars is unrestricted, the average length of a sweep oar being 3.81 metres and of a scull being 2.98 metres.

There are six Olympic types of boats, of which three are for sweep-oared rowing in which the rower uses one oar with both hands, and three are for sculling in which two oars are used, one in each hand.

The sculling boats are single scull, double scull, and quadruple scull, the sweep oared events are straight pair, straight four and eight. In the eight there is a coxswain who sits in the stern or lies in the bow of the boat.

Viewer’s Guide

The crew that is making it look easy is most likely the one doing the best job. While you’re watching, look for:

Continuous, fluid motion of the rowers. The rowing motion shouldn’t have a discernible end or beginning.
Synchronization. Rowers strive for perfect synchronization in the boat.

Clean catches of the oarblade. If you see a lot of splash, the oarblades aren’t entering the water correctly. The catch should happen at the end of the recovery, when the hands are as far ahead of the rower as possible. Rowers who uncoil before they drop the oarblades are sacrificing speed and not getting a complete drive.

Even oarblade feathering. When the blades are brought out of the water, they should all move horizontally close to the water and at the same height. It’s not easy, especially if the water is rough.

The most consistent speed. Shells don’t move like a car — they’re slowest at the catch, quickest at the release. The good crews time the catch at just the right moment to maintain the speed of the shell.
Rowing looks graceful, elegant and sometimes effortless when it’s done well. Don’t be fooled. Rowers haven’t been called the world’s most physically fit athletes for nothing. A 2,000-metre rowing race demands virtually everything a human being can physically bring to an athletic competition — aerobic ability, technical talent, exceptional mental discipline, ability to utilize oxygen efficiently and in huge amounts, balance, pain tolerance, and the ability to continue to work when the body is demanding that you stop.

More race-watching tips:

Race times can vary considerably depending upon the course and weather conditions. Tailwinds will improve times, while headwinds and crosswinds will hamper them.

If a crew “catches a crab,” it means that the oar blade has entered the water at an angle instead of perpendicularly. The oar blade gets caught under the surface and will slow or even stop a shell.
A “Power 10” is a call by the coxswain for 10 of the crew’s best, most powerful strokes. Good coxswains read the course to know how many strokes remain for their crew to count down to the finish.
Crews are identified by their oar-blade design.

It doesn’t matter whether you win an Olympic medal or don’t make the finals – each crew will carry their boat back to the rack.

Coxswains from first-place boats worldwide are thrown into the water by their crews.

Coxswains don’t now and probably never did yell “stroke! stroke!” Similar to a jockey, their job is to implement the coach’s strategy during the race, in addition to steering and letting the rowers know where they stand in the race and what they need to do to win.