March Newsletter

Contents:

• Membership renewal April 1
• High school program update
• High school coaches needed
• Make a difference, join the GRC board
• Skills needed
• Spread the word! LTR, Junior Gryphon program registrations now open
• Learn-to-row instructors needed
• Coast to Coast Indoor Rowing Day 2026
• Hi Vis Vest for sale
• OAR Ontario Adventure Rowing 2026 Schedule

2026/2027 Registration is Now Open!

Membership Renewal & Fee Update

Registration for the 2026/27 season is now open! Current memberships end March 31 and the new season begins April 1.

This year’s fee increase reflects rising operating costs only — thanks to our generous members, over $130,000 has been donated to rebuild our fleet. That way, new equipment costs don’t have to come out of our fees. The overall club fee increase is approximately 4%.

Summer Competitive fees are adjusting by $35 this year, the first of several annual adjustments to ensure the program is sustainably priced. Varsity Fall club fees are frozen — you’ll only see the pass-through increases.

For full fee breakdown and registration details go to ourregistration page. Payment by e-transfer to payments@guelphrowing.ca completes your registration.

See you on the water!

P.S. Docks-in is tentatively planned for mid-April, conditions permitting. Watch for updates!

High School Program Winter Wrap Up

The High school group continued its training 4 weekday mornings a week in our Church Gym. Following the Hammer the Erg event in late January, athletes had a chance to continue building speed and fitness with a mix of ergs (now up to 11 machines), stationary bikes and circuit weights. Many novices attended our second of three DRC tank sessions.

Our 9.2km TT Dambuster test was completed by 10 athletes, with many setting PBs. Try holding 2:04.8 (men) or 2:06.7 (women) to get a taste of what the athletes do…

The group competed at the Nancy Storrs Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships hosted by Ridley College in St. Catharines on Feb 28, with 13 athletes making the journey. This was the competitive focal point of the team’s winter season and athletes did not disappoint. Every novice posted a PB, with some channelling the noise and energy to take big bites out of their previous times.  

Siri Borden, the lone grade 12 on the team, took her opportunity while competing in her 4th consecutive NSOIRC – racing to a 6-second victory in the Sr Lwt Women’s category in a time of 7:47, improving upon her 4th place in the same event from 2025.

We now look ahead to an in-house 6k test, March break off and a late March Friendly Erg test at London RC with Al and Julia Morrow’s HS group. …And of course the rising lake levels beckoning the water season just around the corner.

High School Growth!

Request for Coaches – 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.

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 Need Your Help — And Maybe a Friend’s!

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.

Know someone who’d be perfect? Nominate a friend, family member, or colleague — sometimes the best volunteers just need a nudge!
We’re looking for:

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

Reach out to us if you — or someone you know — can help. Your expertise makes a real difference! Click on the appropriate link above.

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 at the Lake

Junior Gryphons Learn-to-Row Camp

Introduce a young rower to the sport! Junior Gryphons Learn-to-Row is offered in two age groups:

• Afternoons 3 days a week for 2 weeks: for ages 14–17
• Mornings 5 days for one week: for ages 11–14

Both programs emphasize physical activity, fun, and water safety, taught by qualified counsellors trained in first aid and Learn-to-Row coaching.

Know someone who’d love it? Spread the word — spots fill up fast!

Details and registration: Details here

Adult Learn-to-Row — 2026 Registration Now Open!

Know someone who’s been curious about rowing? This is their moment.

Our Adult Learn-to-Row program is a fantastic way to get moving, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a team — no experience needed. They’ll learn the basics in a friendly, supportive environment with experienced coaches and a group of people all discovering the sport together, out on beautiful Guelph Lake.

Spots are limited — share this with someone who needs a nudge!

Details and registration: Details here

Yes! We Still Need Learn-to-Row Instructors

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

Coast to Coast Indoor Rowing Day

Indoor Rowing Day in Canada 🇨🇦

We did it, Canada! An amazing 600 of us got on the rowing machine and logged a collective 5,847 kilometres, virtually taking us from coast to coast for Indoor Rowing Day in Canada 2026!

The GRC had 23 participants row 232 km, contributing to the Coast to Coast Indoor Rowing Day.

HI VIS Vest for Sale

Ontario Adventure Rowing