February Newsletter

Contents

• Learn-to-row instructors needed
• Request for high school program volunteers
• Make a difference, join the GRC board
• Skills needed
• Summer coaching jobs—apply today!
• Coast to Coast Indoor Rowing Day 2026
• Erg Relay for Masters, Rec and High School
• Club winter workouts
• Hi Vis Vest for sale
• Review engagement vote results
• OAR Ontario Adventure Rowing 2026 Schedule

Learn-to-Row Instructors Needed

We’re Recruiting Learn-to-Row Instructors!

Our club entry programs are the most important way we introduce the community to rowing—and help new people become active members of our rowing family. Jessica, our Learn-to-Row Coordinator, is looking for club members who’d like to join the team as Learn-to-Row instructors. We’re known for our warm, welcoming attitude, and this is a great way to share it.

No coaching experience? No problem. The club will train you.
Our LTR courses run in June, with either morning or evening options. Each course includes 8 lessons (10 hours total).

If you’re interested, please contact Jessica Wilson-Sterling at LTR@guelphrowing.ca

High School Rowing Program Growth

Request for Volunteers – High School Program

The Guelph Rowing Club is looking for one or more volunteer High School coaches for the coming spring season. This is a great opportunity to give back, mentor youth, and be part of a program that makes a real impact. You would be joining an experienced coaching team. Commitment is flexible, and training will be provided if needed — a perfect way to easily complete your volunteer requirement for the club.

We’re also seeking a High School Program Lead to help with administrative tasks such as registrations, regatta entries, communications, uniforms, and coach scheduling. This role offers insight into the operations of a competitive rowing program and a chance to contribute meaningfully behind the scenes.

If you’re interested in either role, please contact Joanne Ryks at rowingcommittee@guelphrowing.ca by the end of February. The competitive season runs from April to the end of May.

Join the Guelph Rowing Club Board of Directors

The Guelph Rowing Club is seeking new board members! We’re looking to fill three positions starting April 1. This is your chance to give back, help shape the future of the club, and make a real difference in the rowing community.

Serving on the board offers many benefits:

• Impact: Influence key decisions on programs, facilities, and events.
• Community: Work alongside passionate rowers and volunteers who care about the club.
• Experience: Gain valuable leadership, governance, and organizational skills.
• Connection: Deepen your engagement with the sport and support athletes of all levels.

If you’re interested in helping the club grow and thrive, consider joining the GRC board. For more information or to express interest, contact Michele Richardson, chair of the nominating committee.

Valuable Skills Needed

We’re gearing up for a new season, and as a volunteer-run organization, we rely on our members’ skills to keep fees down and strengthen our community. Your expertise can make a big difference!

We’re looking for:

• professional photographer
• drone videographer
• social media skills (know how to post?)
• mechanic
• carpentry
• join the site and boat committee

Program Leads Needed

We’re also looking for a couple of key program coordinators to help keep things running smoothly this season:

Volunteer Coordinator
Help us stay organized by tracking volunteer roles and hours, and keeping a pulse on where support is needed. This role is essential to making sure our volunteer-run club continues to thrive.

Junior Gryphon Coordinator
Be the go-to person for communications and help ensure our youth Learn to Row program runs smoothly and as planned. A great role for someone who enjoys organization, clear communication, and supporting young athletes.

These are meaningful behind-the-scenes roles that make a big difference in the success of our programs and the strength of our club community.

Interested in stepping up? Let’s chat.

Summer Coaching Positions

We’re Hiring Summer Coaches! 🚣‍♀️☀️

GRC is looking to fill 4 paid summer coaching positions and we’d love to hear from you!

1 Summer Head Coach
• Coach and support our club rowers

• Oversee the Jr. Gryphons coaching team. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys mentoring both athletes and fellow coaches.

3 Jr. Gryphons Coaches
Work with enthusiastic young athletes in our Learn to Row Camp (ages 11–14) and afternoon youth programs (ages 14–17). Help build skills, confidence, and a love for rowing in a fun, supportive environment.

No coaching experience? No problem. We’ll provide training.

If you enjoy working with youth, being outdoors, and being part of a strong club community, this could be a great summer opportunity.

Interested? Contact Mike to learn more.

Coast to Coast Indoor Rowing Day

Indoor Rowing Day in Canada – Let’s Show Up, Guelph RC!

It’s easy to be part of Indoor Rowing Day in Canada on Saturday, February 21, 2026! Just hop on an erg and put in your kays.

Then send your count to Joanne so we can include GRC’s totals in the national count.

Every kilometre counts as Canadians work together to travel 5,514 kms from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Let’s make sure GRC is part of that number.

No minimum distance. No pressure. Just get on, row, and log your metres.

Go Guelph RC!

Erg Relay for Masters, Rec, High School

Erg Relay Regatta for Masters, Recreational and High School

The Argonaut Rowing Club is excited to host its first annual Ring in the Spring! Relays: An indoor erging event geared to Masters, Club, Junior & Para athletes.

Events end with the ringing of the ARGONAUT training bell — RING IN THE SPRING & sound the end of Winter Training!

FORMAT: Teams of 4 athletes get 1 erg to complete 8k total; any order, any distance per athlete for the fastest time.

EVENTS: Mens / Womans / Mixed – Masters / Club / Juniors U17 & U19 / Para

DATE: Sunday March 8, 2026

TIME: 8am – 2pm

LOCATION: Argonaut Rowing Club, 1225 Lakeshore Blvd Toronto ON

LUNCH: Lunch will be available for cost, served in our Henley Room

AWARDS: Medals will be awarded for fastest teams / event. Special prizes for the fastest mens, womans & mixed team overall.

REGISTRATION: via Regatta Central opens Feb 08 to March 01, 2026

COST: $80 per TEAM (+ applicable seat fees & taxes)

Get a crew together and contact Odette.

Club Winter Workouts

HI VIS Vest for Sale

Results of Jan 20 Review Engagement vote

All voted in favour of saving the club review engagement costs.

Thank you for everyone who voted or gave their proxy.

Ontario Adventure Rowing

Ontario Adventure Rowing (OAR) is for rowers who want to explore this beautiful province (and beyond) from the water. We offer inland lake and river tours, long distance races – full and half marathons – and promote coastal rowing

Sign up for the OAR newsletter here.
February’s newsletter.