GIVE YOUR TEEN A SUMMER ON THE WATER
Youth Learn-to-Row • Ages 12 – 18 • No Experience Needed
Six coached sessions. Real boats. Real skills.
A sport they might love for life!
Spots are limited – sessions fill quickly.
built for complete beginners - that's the point
Most teens who join have never touched an oar. That’s exactly who this program is designed for.
- Coaches guide every step from day one
- Starts on stable boats – no experience, no problem
- Every participant is a beginner – no one is behind
- Small groups so your teen actually gets coached, not just supervised
Why Teens Love Learn-to-Row
My teen gained confidence quickly and loved being part of a team on the water.
what your teen gets
6 Coached On-Water Sessions From indoor rowing machines to team boats on the river – a real progression, not just a taste.
All Equipment Provided Boats, oars, PFDs – everything. Just show up.
Coach-Led Safety from Day One PFD use, river flow patterns, and boat handling are taught as part of every lesson.
A Structured Path That Builds Confidence By the final session, some athletes are rowing doubles and singles. The growth is real and fast.
A $100 Membership Discount If They Want to Keep Going Love it? Join the club after Learn-to-Row and get $100 off your first membership.
what to expect over 6 sessions
No guesswork, here’s exactly what to expect:
Lesson 1 – Indoor Foundation: rowing machines + our indoor tank. Learn the stroke, the language, and the basics before touching the river.
Lessons 2 – 6 – On the Water: Team boats on the North Saskatchewan River. Coaches progress each athlete at their own pace – from stable team boats to doubles and singles as confidence builds.
Safety rules, flow patterns, and boat handling are woven into every session.
Rowing is low impact and beginner-friendly – curiosity is the only requirement.
Many sessions fill before the start date. Secure your spot early.
Choose a session below. Schedules and dates are shown per session. 2026 dates:
YOUTH learn-to-row s1
Mondays & Wednesdays
Start: May 4, 2026
End: May 22, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
*No session on Victoria Day, May 18. Make-up session will be on Friday, May 22
YOUTH learn-to-row s2
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Start: May 5, 2026
End: May 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
YOUTH learn-to-row s3
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Start: May 26, 2026
End: June 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
YOUTH learn-to-row s4
Mondays & Wednesdays
Start: May 25, 2026
End: June 10, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
YOUTH learn-to-row s5
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Start: June 16, 2026
End: July 2, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
YOUTH learn-to-row s6
Mondays & Wednesdays
Start: June 22, 2026
End: July 8, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Buena Vista Park
Cost: $240 +64.75 RCA/ARA Fees
$100 Discount off membership if you join after Learn-to-Row
*No session on Canada Day, July 1. Make-up session will be held on Friday, July 3.
Only $40 per coached lesson - all iequipment included
No gear to buy. No experiene required. Just show up ready to try something new.
The $64.75 RCA/ARA insurance fee is a mandatory national and provincial rowing association fee – it covers your teen for a full year.
Coach-led, Safety-first
Coaches teach technique and safety rules as part of the progression, including PFD usage and safe flow patterns around equipment.
- Clear instruction designed for first-timers
- Safety rules taught up front
- Supportive environment – questions are not just welcomed, they’re encouraged
not ready to commit to the full program?
Try rowing first. No pressure.
Book a $45 single day Intro to Rowing session. One session. One afternoon. You’ll know if it’s a fit.
questions parents ask before registering
Does my teen need experience?
No, this program is designed for beginners.
What should my teen wear?
Athletic clothes and layers – on cool days, layers are appropriate and can be removed as your body temperature rises. On hot days, light layers help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. You will also receive details on what to bring by email closer to your session date.
What if there if a session is cancelled due to weather?
Safety of our participants is our utmost concern. Our coaches monitor weather and river flow daily. If water levels become too high/rapid or the weather is taking a turn for the worse (i.e., lightning), your coach will notify you of cancellations and make-up sessions. Note, weather can change in an instant in Edmonton. Classes can be cancelled even when launching or on water. We will ensure sessions are made up to accommodate cancellations made by the coach.
Please note, we row rain or shine – lightning, extreme wind, and high/rapid water conditions will be the metrics that determine cancellations.
Is financial assistance available?
ERC’s Athlete Assistance Fund can support eligible athletes. Visit our Junior Programs page to discover the various grants available for youth in sports.
What are RCA/ARA insurance fees?
Some programs require Rowing Canada Aviron / Alberta Rowing Association fees for insurance/participation (shown during registration). This fee is payable by every Learn-to-Row registrant and program member once per year.
What's next after Learn-to-Row?
Athletes can continue in youth programming pathways if they enjoy what they’ve learned in Junior Learn-to-Row.
What ages can join?
Junior Learn-to-Row is targeted to youth ages 12 – 17, with juniors being able to continue in our program until December 31 of the year they turn 18.
What's the weekly schedule?
You will participate in 6 lessons held twice a week for three weeks (confirm session dates/times on registration).