November Newsletter

Posted byAdministratorPosted inCompetitive Corner, High School Hot Spot, Junior Rowing, Member Information, Other, Rec RemindersTags:, , ,

It’s a wrap!
The 2025 on-the-water season is now over!

Contents

  • Boathouse closing
  • Gryphon season wrap-up
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Martha Coffey Frostbite Sprints at Argos
  • Winter Training
  • Guelph Santa Claus Parade 2025—the reindeer ride again!
  • West Coast Rowing Adventures
  • Request for high school program volunteers
  • Make a difference, join the GRC board!

GRC Docks Out

The on-the-water season is now over, and it was another strong year for rowing at Guelph Lake. We are fortunate to have consistent access to the lake and a committed group of members who make the most of our time on the water.

Saturday, November 1 and November 8 were busy wrap-up days at the lake. Volunteers brought in the three docks, removed motors, stored coach boats, tidied the boathouse, loaded the trailer for end-of-season boat deliveries and repairs, and secured equipment for next year. It was great to see all programs represented and several members stepping up to lead and keep things running smoothly.

Thank you to everyone who helped out, and to those who provided coffee, hot chocolate, and treats along the way. Special thanks to Paul Weir for the loan of his tractor to remove the central dock, and to Ennotville Garage for once again assisting with the large wooden dock removal. Attached is a photo of Dave Howatt, owner of Ennotville Garage, with GRC rowers helping mark the first outing of his newly acquired flatbed truck.

Here’s to another successful season at Guelph Lake!

Another Great Gryphon Year

Gryphon Rowing: Fall Season Highlights

Gryphon Rowing delivered a strong fall season, with novice and varsity crews showing speed and depth across events.

The championship season began at the Brock Invite on October 11, where 11 varsity crews reached A-finals and earned top-5 seeding for OUAs. Four crews secured silver medals: W1x Ceilidh Aho, W2x Ceilidh Aho/Megan Livingstone, LM1x James Rourke, and LM2x James Rourke/Connor Wideman.

At the OUA Championships, Gryphon athletes earned two silvers (W2x Aho/Livingstone and LW2- Kira Moor/Jenna Nicholson) and a bronze from Ceilidh Aho in the W1x, her first season in this boat class. The novice men’s eight added a bronze at the OUA Development Regatta.

Twenty-three athletes travelled to Montreal for the Canadian University Rowing Championships, with four crews advancing to A-finals. Highlights included Ceilidh placing 5th in the W1x after a 3rd-place time trial, the light women’s four finishing 6th, Harry Denton/Franklin Goodfellow placing 4th in the M2x, and Aho/Livingstone claiming gold in the W2x.

Kai Elrick and Ahmet Gulsaran also represented the program at the Head of the Charles in Boston, competing in the men’s club 1x and lightweight men’s 1x, delivering strong first-time performances in singles at the event.

Thank you to our dedicated coaching team: Abby Smith, Ahmet Gulsaran, Andrew Janes, Ashley Hosker, Brian Sulley, Caelan Weber-Martin, Jack Wilhelm, Kai Elrick, Lexy Lazenby, Madison Thomas, Madison Tindall, Pearl Schachter and Siobhan Crean.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday – Help Us Finish Rebuilding Our Fleet

This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your financial support to help us complete the final stage of rebuilding our fleet. We’re down to just two 8s remaining to be replaced — boats that are essential across all our programs, from adult Learn-to-Row and club-wide Moonlight Rows to varsity training and competition.

Donations can be made through either the Gryphon Rowing fundraising portal or the Club’s campaign, and all funds support the same goal. For those wishing to contribute through the GRC, please use our NSTF donation button below.

Every contribution helps move us closer to a fully restored fleet.

Recreational, Novice and High School Regatta

Martha Coffey Frostbite Sprints at the Argonaut Rowing Club
• 7 High School members and 4 Adult members
• 5 entries

• 4 first-place finishes

• 1st place in costumes

Okay well, in some of those categories we were the only entry, but everyone came home with hardware! Woo! Go Guelph!

Club Winter Training

Heated indoor winter training for adult club members
Thanks to the considerable efforts of High School Head Coach Andrew Borden to secure indoor training space, we will be able to offer 12 adult club members heated! erging sessions on Saturday mornings from January 3 to the end of March 2026.
There will be a $75 fee to cover the rental of the space.
To participate, you must be a member in good standing.
For details and to be on the list to be one of the 12 lucky participants, sign up here.

High School Program Growth

Request for Volunteers – High School Program

The Guelph Rowing Club is looking for volunteers to join our High School coaching team next season. This is a great opportunity to give back, mentor youth, and be part of a program that makes a real impact. 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 January. The competitive season runs from April to the end of May.

GRC Reindeer Ride Again!

We’re back again this year in the Guelph Santa Claus parade. We made quite an impact last year with our high school members dressed as reindeer rowing the Trillium down the middle of Norfolk Street. Come out and cheer for us! Saturday December 5, starting at 5:30pm.

Ready for your Next West Coast Rowing Adventure?

Early access is now open for West Coast Rowing Adventures 2026 coastal rowing tours — spots fill fast, so don’t miss out.

Reserve your interest before January 2026 and be first in line when tours are confirmed. WCRA plans to make 2026 another unforgettable season on the water!

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.