JUNIOR ROWING PROGRAMS
New athletes welcome - no rowing experience required
Youth Rowing Programs in Edmonton / Ages 12 - 18
The Edmonton Rowing Club Junior Program welcomes athletes ages 12 to 18 who want to challenge themselves, build fitness, and become part of a supportive team.
Training takes place on the North Saskatchewan River launching from Edmonton’s Buena Vista Park, one of the most scenic urban rowing venues in Canada.
Whether you are new to rowing or ready to train competitively, our junior program will help you develop your skills, confidence, and love for the sport.
Athletes without any prior experience will begin with our Learn-to-Row program before joining the junior team.
INTERESTED? START WITH OUR JUNIOR LEARN-TO-ROW PROGRAM
Why Teens Love Rowing
Many athletes discover rowing after trying other sports and realizing they want something more challenging and rewarding.
Rowing offers a unique combination of individual challenge and team success. While every athlete contributes their own power and technique, boats move fastest when everyone works together.
Junior rowers often say they love rowing because:
- Every athlete plays an important role in the boat
- Training builds real strength and endurance
- Practices take place outdoors on the North Saskatchewan River
- Racing is exciting and rewarding
- Teams form strong friendships and supportive communities
Rowing is also a sport where athletes can continue improving for many years. Many rowers start in their teens and go on to compete in university programs, national teams, or continue rowing recreationally throughout their lives.
A Sport that Grows with You
Rowing is a sport where you can develop at your own pace.
Some juniors participate for fitness and recreation, while others choose to pursue competitive racing. The Edmonton Rowing Club supports athletes at every level of interest and commitment.
As athletes develop, opportunities may include:
- Provincial Team selection
- National development camps
- University rowing programs
- Continued participation in lifelong recreational rowing and fitness
The skills developed through rowing – discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership – extend far beyond sport.
My son tried several sports, but was left unmotivated by them. Rowing was the one that really clicked. The coaches and team environment at ERC helped him build confidence and friendships while pushing himself athletically.
Is Rowing Right for Me?
- Enjoy working toward goals and improving over time
- Want to build strength, endurance, and athletic confidence
- Appreciate being part of a supportive team environment
- Like spending time outdoors and being active
- Are curious about trying a sport that is both physically and mentally challenging
Unlike many sports, rowing rewards dedication, consistency, and teamwork – qualities that help athletes succeed both in sport and in life.
Athletes often discover strengths they didn’t know they had. Many junior rowers begin with little knowledge of the sport and quickly discover a passion for it.Who Can Join?
Our Junior Program is open to youth who:
- Are 12 – 18 years old
- Are comfortable in deep water
- Are willing to work hard and support their teammates
- Have an interest in learning a technical and rewarding sport
Athletes join from many backgrounds – including swimming, hockey, running, and other sports – but no previous rowing experience is required.
Parent Info
Parents often have questions when their child starts a new sport. The Edmonton Rowing Club works to create a positive environment where both athletes and families feel supported.
As a parent, you want to understand how rowing fits into your child’s schedule, development, and safety.
The Edmonton Rowing Club junior program is designed to support both athletic development and healthy balance.
Safety First
All on-water sessions are supervised by certified rowing coaches following Rowing Canada safety guidelines.
Age-Appropriate Training
Our training follows Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development framework, ensuring athletes build skills, strength, and endurance safely over time.
Flexible Commitment Levels
Athletes can participate recreationally or pursue competitive racing depending on their interests.
Skills that Extend Beyond Sport
Rowing helps athletes develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, and confidence that carry into school and life.
Rowing is a sport that encourages personal responsibility, teamwork, and confidence, and many parents find it becomes an important and rewarding part of their child’s development.
Training Schedule
Training takes place year-round with seasonal adjustments.
Our junior program follows Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, used by national sport organizations to help athletes build technical skill, strength, and endurance at the appropriate stage of development. This approach supports both new athletes learning the sport and those pursuing competitive racing opportunities.
SPRING & SUMMER (ON-WATER SEASON)
Athletes train on the river developing technical skills and endurance.
Typical schedule:
Development Athletes
2–4 sessions per week
Competitive Athletes
4–6 sessions per week
Sessions may occur in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on athlete level.
FALL TRAINING
During the fall, athletes continue rowing while transitioning to increased land training.
This may include:
- rowing sessions
- running
- strength training
- cross-training
WINTER TRAINING
During winter months, athletes train indoors to maintain fitness and improve strength.
Training may include
- rowing machines (ergometers)
- strength training
- circuit workouts
- mobility and injury prevention
Winter training builds the foundation for success in the next racing season.
| Development (Green) | Competitive (Gold) | |
| Practices | Mon, Tues, Fri 4:00 – 6:00 PM Sat 8:00 AM Time Trials (Optional) Sun 7:00 AM | Mon – Fri 5:30 – 7:30 AM Mon, Tues, Fri 4:00 – 6:00 AM Saturday 8:00 AM Time Trials Sun 7:00 AM |
| Racing | Goal of attending regional regattas: AB Open and Dino Sprints/Head of the Weasel (both in Calgary) | Must attend all regattas: AB Open (June), Western Canada Springs (July), Royal Canadian Henley (August), Head of the South Sasktachewan (September) Dino Sprints/Head of the Weasel (September)
|
| Expectations | At least 1-2 practices per week. | Show up to all AM practices + time trials. Expectation to cross-train or show up for PM practices to supplement fitness and ability |
What a Typical Practice Looks Like
A typical training session may include:
1️⃣ Warm-up and mobility exercises
2️⃣ Technical rowing drills
3️⃣ Endurance training or race pieces
4️⃣ Cool-down and equipment care
Practices typically last 90–120 minutes depending on the program level.
Program Costs
Junior program fees include:
- coaching
- boat and equipment use
- facility access
- training programming
Additional costs include:
- Rowing Canada membership and insurance
- regatta entry fees
- travel for competitions
- team uniforms
| Development (Green) | Competitive (Gold) | |
| Membership Costs |
Cost for membership = $1400 + $64.75 ARA/RCA Fees Bingo Deposit: $450 (refunded upon completion of 3 bingos)* Cost at checkout: $1914.75 (instalment options available) |
Cost for membership = $1800 + $64.75 ARA/RCA fees Bingo Deposit: $450 (refunded upon completion of bingos)* Cost at checkout: $2895 (instalment options available) |
| Rowing Kit & Travel Costs |
Cost for unisuit is approximately $100. Cost for attendance at regattas is limited to travel (fuel) and accommodations in Calgary. Trailering fees for Calgary regattas is included in membership with the ERC. |
Cost for unisuit is approximately $100. Other team kit costs will be communicated as/if ordered (e.g., team travel gear – shirts, pants, jackets, etc.). Trailering fees for AB Open, Western Canada Sprints, Head of the South Saskatchewan, and Dino Sprints/Head of the Weasel are covered by membership fees with the ERC. Trailering fees for Royal Canadian Henley, and other regattas will be levied at the time of travel – calculated based on fuel per km, truck rental, labour costs and lodging fees for coaches at that time. Cost for attendance at Club sponsored regattas is limited to travel (airfare, fuel), vehicle rentals (if you require), and accommodations.** |
* All Junior members are expected to volunteer 30 hrs over the year, and have someone 18+ work 3 bingos
**Club sponsored regattas for 2026 include: Alberta Open, Western Canada Sprints, Head of the South Saskatchewan, and Dino Sprints & Head of the Weasel.
Equipment
The Edmonton Rowing Club provides:
- rowing shells (boats)
- oars
- inflatable PFD (for learn-to-row athletes)
- coaching and training programs
Athletes should bring:
- athletic clothing
- running shoes
- water bottle
- weather-appropriate gear
- hat and sunscreen
- inflatable PFD (for members who have graduated Learn-to-Row)
Racing uniforms and apparel purchases will be required for competing athletes.
Safety
Safety is a top priority at the Edmonton Rowing Club.
Our safety measures include:
- certified and trained coaches
- safety boats on the water
- structured rowing traffic patterns
- weather monitoring and cancellation protocols
- adherence to Rowing Canada safety guidelines
Athletes must be comfortable in deep water.
Junior Rowing Pathway
Athletes progress through the program as they gain experience and develop their skills.
Learn-to-Row
Athletes begin by learning the fundamentals of rowing technique, safety, and teamwork.
Junior Development (GREEN)
For casual rowers who love the sport and aspiring competitive rowers who need more time developing their skills. Practice 3-5x per week. Focus is on skill-building, fitness, and teamwork, with the ability to participate in regional races (regattas). This stream prepares kids for all-age regattas or just a healthy lifestyle with friends.
Junior Competitive (GOLD)
For teens committed to racing. Practice ~6-8 sessions/week (Including 5:30 am weekday morning sessions), with strength training requirements and advanced technique work. Athletes must meet specified selection criteria to be selected for the Competitive Crew, such as target erg scores as outlined by the Coach. Competitive juniors are expected to attend all practices, and participate in provincial and national regattas, culminating in the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta at the end of July/start of August. Our program has produced podium finalists at national level regattas.
Athletes can move through the Edmonton Rowing Club pathway as they develop their skills and interests.
Regattas
Junior athletes have the opportunity to participate in regattas throughout the rowing season.
Competitions may include:
- Alberta regattas (GREEN & GOLD)
- Western Canadian Championships (GREEN & GOLD)
- Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (ATHLETE DEPENDENT)
- Royal Canadian Henley (GOLD)
Participation in regattas depends on the athlete’s training level and commitment.
Some athletes row purely for recreation, while others pursue high-level competition. Many Edmonton Rowing Club juniors compete locally first before progressing to larger regattas.
Download our 2026 Regatta Schedule below!
Where Rowing Can Take You
Rowing can open doors for athletes both on and off the water.
Junior athletes at the Edmonton Rowing Club develop opportunities that extend far beyond their first season.
Through the junior program, athletes can:
- Compete at regattas across Alberta & Canada
- Qualify for national events like the Royal Canadian Henley
- Represent Alberta at national competitions such as Canada Cup
- Continue rowing with university teams in Canada and the United States
- Develop lifelong fitness and leadership skills
Whether an athlete rows for fun, fitness, or competition, the experience builds confidence, discipline, and friendships that last long after their junior years.
Why Rowing?
It develops both athletic ability and personal character, helping young athletes grow stronger, more focused, and more confident.
Through training and racing, junior rowers develop:
- Full-body strength and endurance
- Mental resilience and focus
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Technical rowing ability and boat handling
- Opportunities to compete and challenge themselves
- A connection to nature and time outdoors on the river.
Many athletes discover that rowing becomes not just a sport, but a community and lifelong passion.
New to rowing? Start Here!
Experienced Rower
Join the Junior Team
Junior programs fill quickly each season and space in Learn-to-Row is limited.
FAQ
Is rowing safe?
Yes. We ensure equipment fits all of our rowers and empahsize safety at all times. Our coach is experienced with youth. We maintain low coach-to-rower ratios to ensure every athlete and crew are within eye-sight of our coach/safety boats.
What if I'm involved in other sports?
We encourage cross-training, but Competitive rowers should consider rowing their main sport in summer. Development rowers can usually balance sports and school. We do ask competitive families to make rowing a priority during regatta season, as it’s a team effort.
How do I learn about schedules and changes?
We communicate with parents and athletes using WhatsApp and TeamLinkt for practice sign-ups and attendance. Key events (regatta schedules, fundraising nights, camps) are announced well in advance.
What does Rowing cost with membership, uniform, races, and travel?
We won’t lie, rowing is an investment; however, we do think our subsidies keep it more affordable than competing sports like Hockey and Dance. The table below will show you a breakdown of costs for junior athletes based on program.
Please see our Memberships page for current program fees.
Do parents need to attend regattas? Can U19 athletes drive themselves?
If chaperones can be organized, parents are not required to travel with their athletes; however, junior athletes are not permitted to drive themselves or other junior athletes to regattas and must be under the care of a parent or club-assigned chaperone.
What if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe for rowing, training may move indoors or be rescheduled. Cancellations will be communicated via our WhatsApp Chat Group.
Can I join mid-season?
In many cases, yes. Contact us to discuss your best entry point. Please contact our Junior Coach to discuss mid-season entry.
Financial Assistance for Rowing Programs in Edmonton
The Edmonton Rowing Club believes that cost should never be a barrier to participation. Financial assistance is available to help athletes of all ages access the sport of rowing in Edmonton.
Grants and Funding Opportunities for Youth and Sport
- ERC Athlete Assistance Fund
- KidSport Edmonton
- Jumpstart (Canadian Tire)
- Provincial and national athlete development funding
These programs are designed to help cover registration fees, equipment costs, and other sport-related expenses.
Junior Athlete Success
Edmonton Rowing Club juniors regularly compete at provincial and national regattas.
Our athletes have gone on to compete and podium at such events as:
- Canadian National Rowing Championships
- Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
- RowON Champs
ERC athletes have also progressed to provincial teams, national development camps, and university rowing programs across Canada with opportunities to row for Universities in Canada and the United States.
For many athletes, the junior program is where their rowing journey begins.
Will ERC be where your jouney starts?
ERC helped me develop the skills and discipline to compete at national regattas and final Royal Canadian Henley in second place. The junior program prepared me for the next level.
Racing with ERC, I accomplished things I never would have thought possible for myself. The Juniors program didn't just develop me as an athlete, it gave the skills and confidence that have set me up for success in the rest of my life."
Start Your Rowing Journey
The best way to begin is by registering for Intro to Rowing or jump right in to Junior Learn-to Row, which introduces athletes to the sport in a supportive environment.
Joining the ERC junior program was the best decision I made!
New to rowing? Start Here!
Experienced Rower?
Join the Junior Team