Recreational

Recreational Rowing

Recreational rowing is part of Rowing Canada’s Fit for Life pathway – designed for adults who want to stay active, enjoy the water, and row on their own terms. At GRC, this means a welcoming, low-pressure environment where you can row for fun, fitness, and friendship.

You set your own pace. Whether you’re looking to row a couple of times a week or every day, you choose the schedule that works for you. Rows are offered mornings, evenings, and weekends throughout the season.

Coaching is by request, and occasional optional clinics (offered for a small fee) provide a chance to build skills and technique. Participation in recreational regattas and touring events is optional and open to anyone who’s interested.

Boats: Singles, doubles, quads, fours, and eights
Season: Mid-May to mid-October (weather and water permitting)

If you’ve just completed Learn-to-Row, register for our Adult Novice program. If you already have some experience, you can join with a full- or half-season recreational membership.

Fees: Membership covers club access and scheduled rowing sessions. Regattas, clinics, and events are pay-as-you-go. Club clothing is available to purchase separately.


Adult Novice

This program supports rowers who have completed Learn-to-Row and are ready for the next step. It’s designed to build confidence, develop technique, and ease new rowers into the broader recreational community.

You’ll row in crew boats (fours and eights) and take part in scheduled sessions –mornings, evenings, and weekends. Additional coaching is included to help you progress. You’re welcome to explore regattas or touring events, but participation is always optional.

Season: July through August
Boats: Fours and eights
Prerequisite: Learn-to-Row


Experience Occasional

This flexible option is for experienced rowers who want to stay connected to the sport with a short-term membership. It includes up to 10 rows during the season – uncoached, non-competitive, and self-directed.

This program aligns with the Fit for Life approach – making space for rowing at any stage of life, in a way that works for you.

Note: These rows are non-refundable and non-transferable. Previous on-water rowing experience is required.


Schedule

Spring schedule begins once members are notified that warm water rules are in effect.

May

7:30–8:45am
6:30–8:00pm

6:00–7:15am
6:30–8:00pm

7:30–8:45am
6:30–8:00pm

8:00–9:30am

June

7:15–8:30am
6:30–8:00pm

7:15–8:30am
6:30–8:00pm

8:00–9:30am

8:00–9:30am

Jul-Aug

Novice
6:30–7:45pm

Recreational
7:00–8:15pm

Recreational
6:30–7:45am
6:30–7:45pm

Novice
6:00–7:15am
7:00–8:15pm

Recreational
6:30–7:45am

Recreational
7:00–8:15pm

Novice
7:00–8:15pm

Recreational
8:00–9:30am

Recreational and Novice (joint)
8:00–9:30am

Sep-Oct

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD