2026 Registration Now Open
Junior Gryphons Learn-to-Row
A fun, active way for youth to get on the water and try something new
Rowing is a great sport for building confidence, coordination, and teamwork—all while enjoying time outdoors. Our Junior Gryphons Learn-to-Row programs are open to youth aged 11–17 who are curious about rowing and ready to give it a try. No experience is needed.
Programs are grouped by age so that rowers learn alongside peers in an environment that’s fun, active, and safe. This is part of Rowing Canada’s Try It and Learn It stages—designed to introduce youth to rowing in a way that’s developmentally appropriate and focused on enjoyment.
Who can register?
Junior Gryphons LTR Camp (am) : Ages 11–14
Junior Gryphons LTR Crew (pm) : Ages 14–17
Minimum recommended height is 145 cm due to equipment sizing.
Swimming requirement: All participants must be able to swim. A basic swim test is completed on the first day. PFDs are available.
When is it?
Junior Gryphons LTR Camp (Ages 11–14)
Week 1: July 6–10 (Code A1)
Week 2: July 13–17 (Code A2)
3.5 hrs/day, 5 days a week
8:30 am–12:00 noon
Junior Gryphons LTR Crew (Ages 14–17)
2 weeks: July 6–17 (Code A3)
2 hrs/day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4:30 pm–6:30 pm
What does it cost?
Junior Gryphons LTR Camp Week 1 or Week 2: $282.00 (17.5 hours + park pass)
Junior Gryphons LTR Crew 2-Week Afternoon Program: $256.00 (12 hours + park pass)
Includes RCA/RowOntario short-term membership fee: $51.05
Bring-a-Friend Discount: Invite a friend to register, and you’ll both save $25.
(Note: Max $25 off per family, even if you refer more than one friend. Cannot be combined with bundle discount. To claim your discount, email registrar@guelphrowing.ca.)
What should I wear?
Close-fitting shorts or tights, a t-shirt, socks, and athletic shoes. Bring a full water bottle, sunscreen, and a sweatshirt for cooler mornings.
Where is it?
Guelph Rowing Club – Guelph Lake
Is it safe?
Yes. All sessions are supervised by experienced and qualified coaches, in motorized safety boats. Coaches are certified in First Aid/CPR and have completed background checks, Learn to Row training, and Safe Sport & ethics certifications.
Junior Gryphons Skills Development
Want to keep rowing after Junior Gryphons Learn-to-Row?
Graduates of Learn to Row can continue in our Junior Gryphons Skills Development program. It’s all about building confidence, refining the basics, and having fun with your crew. No pressure—just progress at your own pace.
For youth aged 11–17 with rowing experience
This program helps rowers build on what they’ve learned in Learn to Row. With a focus on teamwork, technique, and comfort in the boat, it’s a great next step for young rowers who want to stay active through the summer.
Participants may have the chance to take part in fun, low-key races. These are optional and based on interest and availability.
When is it?
Morning Skills (Ages 11–14)
July 20 – August 21 (Code A4)
3x per week (Mon/Wed/Fri), 8:30–10:30 am
Afternoon Skills (Ages 14–17)
July 20 – August 21 (Code A5)
3x per week (Mon/Wed/Fri), 4:30–6:30 pm
What does it cost?
Program Cost: $333.00 (5 weeks / 30 hours)
If you completed Learn to Row in 2026, this price covers everything you need to continue.
If you completed Learn to Row in a prior year, your park pass and RCA/Row Ontario membership fees (required for insurance) will need to be added for the current year, bringing your total to $400.46.
Bundle & Save: Register for both Learn to Row and Skills Development before your Learn-to-Row session starts and get $25 off.
(If you change your mind, you can withdraw before Skills Development begins for a refund minus a $25 admin fee.)
(Note: Cannot be combined with bring a friend discount. To claim your discount, please contact registrar@guelphrowing.ca.)
Registration Requirements
Complete the RCA Safety Modules before the first lesson.
Download, print, and complete the following forms and bring them to the first lesson:
• Athlete Medical Information
• Swim Assessment Form
Parents and Students are also required to review Ministry Approved Concussion Awareness Resources:
• MTCS Concussion Awareness Resources – 15 & Up
• RowOntario – Concussion Management
Weather & Air Quality Index
Rowing is an outdoor sport, subject to weather and air quality conditions. GRC reserves the right to modify programming for safety reasons — for example, moving to indoor stroke development instead of water time during high winds or lightning. For elevated AQI, we may move the session indoors and reduce intensity, or cancel the session outright if the AQI is too high, as our indoor space is not air-conditioned or sealed against particulates. If sessions are cancelled during the LTR portion, participants will be offered an equal number of make-up sessions in Skills Development, to be taken within the first two weeks of that program; sessions cancelled during Skills Dev are not made up. No refunds are issued for non-attendance, weather-related activity modifications or cancellations, or unused make-up sessions, except as outlined in the Refunds policy on our Fees and Registration page.
Still have questions?
Email us at info@guelphrowing.ca. We’re happy to help.
Access to financial support
Families may apply for funding through the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington. Eligible youth may receive up to $400 per year toward sport and activity programs. Funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program is made possible with the generous support of
Our coaches have received training with a generous grant from
Guelph Rowing Club 