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Juniors

VCRC has adjusted the dates of seasonal Junior programs to establish a longer Winter preparation season (mid-November to mid-March) and a continuous competition season (April-early August).
The Victoria City Rowing Club is working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 season for juniors at VCRC will look different than any other year. Athletes will row in singles with the potential to get out in set 2xs or training group crews.

  • General Information

    Program overview, registration, and gear information.

    • Welcome + Program Overview

      Welcome to the Victoria City Rowing Club (VCRC) Junior Program.  VCRC offers competitive rowing programs for youth aged 12-18 years old, from novice to high performance levels (Fun & Fast and Fun & Perform), as well as a non-competitive Fun & Fit program.  VCRC programs are aligned with Rowing Canada's Athlete Development Pathway and Canadian Sport for Life.

      The goals of the Junior program are:

      • to foster a love of rowing,
      • to encourage all participants to work hard and strive for excellence,
      • to build self-confidence and intrinsic motivation by helping athletes develop skills, fitness and competence, and
      • to foster the development of Juniors as athletes and as citizens.

      VCRC has adjusted the dates of seasonal Junior programs to establish a longer Winter preparation season (mid-November to mid-March) and a continuous competition season (April-early August).  

      Athletes who want to join for the summer only, such as those coming from year round school programs, may enter the program at the end of June. Athletes who prefer not to row for the summer will have the option of leaving the program at the end of June.
       
      The Victoria City Rowing Club is working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 season for juniors at VCRC will look different than any other year. Athletes will row in singles with the potential to get out in set 2xs or training group crews as restrictions ease.

      With COVID restrictions in place athletes will be grouped based on development level as well as goals and commitment level.* Groups will row together as schedules permit.

      * Please contact the  if are not sure what program to register for.

      2020-2021 season:
      Juniors register for programs by the season: (please note that the 2020-21 seasons have been changed from previous years.)

      Winter Season: November - March

      Spring/Summer Season: April - August

      Fall (early September-early November): athletes are encourage to row for their schools. VCRC runs a small Fall Development program for high performance Junior athletes, and a program for athletes without a school rowing program. 

      Find more program details, including start dates and training schedules under Program Information.

      Communication

      All communication will happen via 'slack' please send all email addresses you would like to link up to our communication tool to vcrcjuniors@gmail.com

    • Registration & Fee information

      REGISTER NOW  Not sure how to register? Visit the VCRC Registration page for complete instructions.  

      Fees: Fees are  posted under each Season, by program (e.g., Junior Novice, Fun and Fit etc.).

      Late Fee:  A $50 late fee will be automatically added to your invoice for registrations made one month or more after the program start date.

      Paying by installments 

      Please contact clubadmin@vcrc.bc.ca if you wish to pay by installments 

      Junior Parent membership

      Parents or guardians of VCRC Junior members may register as VCRC Associate -Parent members of VCRC. The Associate membership is a non-rowing membership, with voting privileges. To be eligible, a parent must pay the Junior Spring program fee,a $100 non-refundable deposit for the Junior Summer Program, and the $ VCRC Associate - Parent fee.

      Receipts: Download the receipt from  your child's RCA Web Registration account: 

      On the My Account page, scroll down to Program Membership, click the expand arrow, click View Invoice for the desired program.

      Funding Support

      Grants to assist lower income families with registration fees are available through:

      Kidsport Victoria  

      Athletics for Kids

      Jumpstart

      ***NEW*** VCRC Junior Financial Support Fund

      To help our community and ensure that every junior has the opportunity to get on the water, VCRC has established the Junior Financial Support Fund. The club-administered fund will be used to support junior athletes who, for financial reasons, would otherwise not be able to participate in VCRC’s Junior Rowing programs. 

      Click here for more information and to apply.

      Family Discount

      VCRC offers a 10% discount for the second child and a 20% discount for subsequent children who are registered in a VCRC Junior competitive program in the same year. Please contact the  if you would like the discount applied to your fees.

       

  • Program Information by Season

    VCRC offers competitive and non competitive programs in the Winter (November- March), Spring/Summer (April-August). Program dates, fees and schedules are posted by season.

    • Spring/Summer 2021

      Start date: March 29, 2021*  In order to align program dates with the RCA year, the start date shown in WebReg is April 1; however training for the Spring/Summer season will start March 29.

      End date: August 1, 2021

      Capacity:  78-86 athletes 

      Program capacity is currently determined by COVID-19 restrictions that limit rowing to 1xs. We anticipate that program capacity will increase as restriction ease to allow rowing in crew boats.  

      Priority for registration in the Spring/Summer program will be given to athletes currently registered with VCRC.

      Practice Schedules and times

       Athletes will continue in the same groups to which they were assigned in the Winter, with the same practice schedule. Start times may be adjusted to manage the flow of athletes in order to align with changing COVID-19 restrictions.

      **    If you are currently part of the program and would like to change practice schedule, please contact Katie Bahain-Steenman before March 22 via Slack. 

      Communication

      All communication will happen via 'slack' please send all email addresses you would like to link up to our communication tool to vcrcjuniors@gmail.com

      Regattas

      There is still uncertainty regarding the regatta season - when regattas will be allowed to resume and what format they will take.  We will review plans for regattas as more information becomes available over the coming months. In the meantime, VCRC is organizing a series of competitive challenges for rowers at Elk Lake.

      Regatta fees are not included in the Junior Spring/Summer fees.

      To Register:   https://membership.rowingcanada.org

      complete instructions on how to register

      Late registration fee: $50 late fee will be automatically added to your invoice if you register March 22nd or later (this fee is waived for athletes joining at the end of June).

      Junior Novice Program- Learn to Train

      3x per week

      $792.75 +$39 annual RCA/RBC fee

      Capacity: 12

      Fun & Fit - Train to Train

      3x per week
      $682.50  +$39 annual RCA/RBC fee

      Capacity: 16

      Fun & Fast – Learn to Compete

      5x per week

      $992.50 +  $39 annual RCA/RBC fee

      Capacity: 30

      Fun & Perform – Train to Compete

      6x per week + 2 erg 
      $1134.00  + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee

      Capacity: 20

       

      For more information, including practice schedules, click Junior Programs and Practice Schedules (below).

       

    • Winter Season 2020

      With COVID restrictions still in place but easing up, VCRC will continue with the current training programs through the Winter season. The Winter season will be a preparation season with athletes working on the foundation of the sport and their physiological base. In addition to training, athletes will learn about recovery, nutrition, sleep, time management, goal setting and mental components of the sport. On water, we will continue to train in small boats, slowly introducing quads with approved training groups. There will be an opportunity for intraclub challenges and head races to put training and newly acquired skills to the test and have some fun racing.  

      From November to early February, when it is too dark to row in the afternoons, weekday training will be on land with core, mobility, body weight and ergometer workouts. On weekends, juniors will be on the water for 90’ per session. Athletes will also be able to participate in online mobility, core and full body boot camp workouts, provided by FloStateFitness (included with the Junior fee).

      As daylight permits in early February, we will move back to onwater sessions on weekdays as well as weekends.

      Regattas: Regatta fees are not included in the Junior Winter fees.

      There is still uncertainty regarding the regatta season - when regattas will be allowed to resume and what format they will take.  We will review plans for regattas as more information becomes available over the coming months. 

      Capacity:  86 athletes

      Start date: November 9, 2020

      End date: March 14, 2021

      Junior Novice Program
      3x per week
      $656.25 (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Fit - Train to Train

      3x per week
      $603.75  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Fast – Learn to Compete

      5x per week

      $840.00  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Perform – Train to Compete

      6x per week + 2 erg 
      M,T,W,F,Sat 2x

      $960.75  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Capacity: 20

      For more info see the junior programs and practice schedule tap below.

       

    • Fall Season 2021

      High School Rowing (early September-early November)

      Athletes are encouraged to row with their school in the Fall.  Please go to GVYRS or contact your school's Athletic Director for more information.

      2020  "High School Plus" (September 8th - November 3rd)

      LTAD Stage: Learning to Compete

      Athletes in Grade 11 and 12 who row for their High School may also sign up to row with the VCRC "High School Plus" program (2 onwater sessions/wk).   This program is designed for athletes who are interested in getting additional training in preparation for the Junior competitive season. Please note that High School Rowing (LVISSA) rules limit access to this program to those in Grade 11 and 12 only, in order to align with Long Term Athlete Development.

      Schedule:  W 4-6:15 pm and Sun 9-11 am

      If there is sufficient demand, we may run a session Thursday 4-6:15 pm for those who practice with their schools on Wednesdays.

      Fee: $200 +GST + any RCA/RBC fees owing

      Coach: TBD

      2021 "No School" Program. (September 8th - November 3rd)

      For everyone who's school does not have a rowing program in the fall.

      LTAD stage: Learning to Train, Training to Train

      This program is for junior rowers who attend a school without a rowing program, grade 7 rowers or homeschoolers. Prerequisite: Youth Summer camp, Youth Introduction to Rowing or equivalent.

      Schedule:  Th 4:15-6:15 pm and Sun 11:30am-1:30pm

      Fee: $210 +GST + any RCA/RBC fees owing.

      If you are at a school without a rowing program, we strongly encourage you to talk to your school and to GVYRS about starting one. Contact president@gvyrs.ca to find out how.

      VCRC Fall Performance Development (September 8th - November 14th)

      LTAD Stage: Learning to Compete, early Training to Compete

      The Fall Performance Development Program provides a small group of high performance athletes with the opportunity to build small boat skills and do the physiological training that fits with their stage of development and performance goals.  Athletes in this group are typically training for the National Rowing Championships and the Junior National Team trials.

      Juniors in the Fall Performance Development program are not eligible to race with their schools.

      Dates, Practice Schedule and Fees

      September 8-November 14, 2021

      M, T, W, F 4:00 - 6:15 p.m and Saturday 9:00 am - 11:30 am and 12:30 noon - 2:30 p.m.  

      Erg sessions: M, W, F 6:30-8:00 pm

      2021 Fees: $535*+GST

      *Plus $35 annual RCA/RBC fee. The RCA Web Registration site will determine the RCA/RBC fees that are owing and then adjust the fee to be paid. 

      To apply: please read the Fall Performance Development document below and then submit information using the form provided to .

      Applications are due August 1st.

       

       

  • Junior Programs and Practice Schedules

    Junior Novice (Learn to Train), Fun & Fit (Train to Train), Fun & Fast (Learn to Compete) and Fun & Perform (Train to Compete)

    • Junior Novice Program

      For those new to rowing. No experience required.

      Program Overview   LTAD Stage: Learn to Train – Train to Train

      For those in grade 7-12 who would like to build their skills after a learn to row camp and become part of the VCRC Junior program. Athletes will learn to row in stable coastal and pontoon singles, moving to racing singles when comfortable and safe and to crew boats when COVID-19 restrictions permit.  All pontoon singles will be reserved for this program so if you are not comfortable in a racing single, this program is for you!  When an athlete has reached a comfort and skill level to be part of the Fun & Fit group, the coach will suggest a transition.

      Prerequisite:  Completion of a Youth Introduction to Rowing for beginners

      Start Date:  March 29, 2021       End Date: August 1, 2021

      Fee: $792.50 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee.

      Tentative Practice Schedule (depending on COVID restrictions and school schedules) 

      3x/wk

      Novice 1: Monday, Friday 4:15pm - 6:15pm and Saturday 12:00pm - 2:00pm

      Novice 2: Tuesday, Thursday 4:15 - 6:15pm and Sunday 12:30 - 2:30pm 

      Novice 3: Wednesday 4:15pm-6:15pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:30am - 11:30am

      * Schedule is flexible to work around school schedules. Times may be adjusted to manage the flow of athletes, to align with COVID-19 restrictions.

      *** If you are currently part of the program and would like to change practice schedule, please contact Katie Bahain-Steenman before March 22 via Slack.

      To Register https://membership.rowingcanada.org

       

  • Volunteer Information

    Support Junior rowers and VCRC!

    • Junior Parent Committee

      The Junior Parent Committee supports the Junior program by fundraising, running the Food Tent at regattas, and taking on other projects that support the Junior program.

      The Junior Parent Committee supports the Junior program in ways not directly related to training and racing. JPC initiatives include:

      • Food tent (Spring "away" regattas)
      • Annual fundraiser (Spring season)
      • Summer BBQ (Summer season)

      We encourage you to support the Junior program by volunteering for the JPC or helping with JPC initiatives. All Junior parents are invited to JPC meetings. Please contact the for more information.

      Do you have a particular skill or area of interest? Please contact the  with your idea.

    • Volunteer Bond

      Support Junior rowers and VCRC.

      Volunteer Bond

      A volunteer bond in the form of a $100 postdated cheque is required as part of Junior registration for both the Spring and Summer programs. The volunteer bond is deposited only if you are not able to fulfill the volunteer requirement.  

      **NEW for Summer 2019**

      We can now take credit card or bank information in lieu of a paper cheque. The volunteer bond payment will be processed if you are not able to fulfill the volunteer requirement.

      Volunteer Requirement

      Each Junior member registered (or their parent, sibling, grandparent...) is required to volunteer for at least one shift at the Duelling Over a Grand Regatta (Spring season) or BC Championships Regatta (Summer season). If you are not able to volunteer, the  volunteer bond will be cashed. More information on volunteer shifts and how to sign up will be provided during the season. 

      Notes:

      • Parents are asked to volunteer for a minimum of one shift per athlete in their family.
      • Please contact the if you know in advance that you will be unable to volunteer on the regatta weekend. There are regatta jobs that can be done in advance of the regatta.
      • Umpiring at the regatta or being on the Regatta Committee count as volunteer shifts.

      These regattas hosted by VCRC not only provide great racing experiences for athletes, but are an important source of revenue that supports club operations (coaching, equipment maintenance and purchase).

      Regatta Committee

      We are also looking for volunteers for the Regatta Organizing Committee for both regattas: 

      • Regatta Chair
      • Safety Co-ordinator
      • Site Co-ordinator
      • Volunteer Co-ordinator
      • Concession Co-ordinator
      • Registration Co-ordinator
      • Results Co-ordinator

      Please contact the r if you would like more information or are interested in being on the Regatta Committee.

       

  • Fall Performance Development Program 2021

    Check here for details on the Fall Performance Development Program, including overview, dates, schedule and how to apply.

    Program Overview
    The Fall Performance Development Program is for pre-elite/high performance athletes who would like to develop their technique in small boats and are committed to doing the volume and intensity of training that will prepare them for racing at the Junior National Team trials or getting ready for a transfer to become a Varsity rower in University. The program includes 6 on water and 3 ergometer training sessions per wee. Depending on COVID restrictions sessions may be or become virtual.

    This program is designed for athletes in the Training to Compete stage of development. It is important that they have a good foundation of skills and fitness in order to benefit from the program and minimize the risk of injury. The standards have been established to help the coach and athletes identify whether the athlete is ready for and will benefit from the program.

    LTAD Stage: Late Learning to Compete- Early Training to Compete 

    Start Date: September 8th, 2021                                 End Date: November 14th

    Fee: $561.75, and RCA/RBC fee if applicable.

    Practice Schedule:

    ON WATER:
    Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday, Friday: 3:55pm-6:15pm

    Saturday 9-11am and 12:30-2:30pm

    ERG:
    Monday,Wednesday,Friday 6:30-8:00pm

    Competitions

    With COVID restrictions still in place we do not know what the fall will bring but if we have the opportunity the athletes in this group will participate in fall head racing on the gorge as well as NRC's (extra costs apply)

    To Apply
    Please complete the application form and submit to the VCRC Director Junior Rowing (), by 6pm August 1st. Potential candidates will be invited for an interview before a final selection is made.

    ·      Time Trail in single or pair (2km)

    ·      Erg Scores: Max Watts, 2km, 6km

    ·      Rowing or erg video for technical analysis

    ·      250 word essay outlining your goals and the stepping stones and strategies that you will use to help achieve them.

    ·      Show do be involved in regular weight training (2-3 times per week)

    ·      Able to run for at least 40min or bike for 90min or can demonstrate that they can do alternative cross-training activities 

    Selection

    The program is limited to 8-12 athletes who are selected for the program based on their application and interview.

    Selection into the program will depend on the quality of the candidates applying to the program with preference given to those athletes who ranks the highest during on water time trail and erg scores starting from National Development, Talent Development, and down to Club Elite. 

    Interviews: 

    Athletes should be prepared to show a training journal for the past year and be able to show the improvements that their commitment to training has brought. 

  • Royal Canadian Henley Regatta

    The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is the largest club regatta in North America, attracting competitors from across Canada, the US, Europe, Australia and Central and South America.  Racing at Henley is competitive, exciting and FUN. 

    Consistency and quality of training throughout the Winter and Spring, as well as in the Summer season, are critical to racing well at Henley. 

    Talk to your coach to find out more about Henley goals for this year for your age group.

    Initial information will be provided at the Junior Parent and Athlete Meeting (January 10, 2019). 

    Henley Information Meeting   Date TBD. Please check with your coach. For athletes (and their parents) committed to trying out for Henley. Please bring your Henley deposit cheque.

    Henley selection - TBD 

    Athletes from other programs (e.g., CSI, Brentwood, Shawnigan) who would like to join VCRC for the summer and race at Henley are encouraged to contact the VCRC Junior Head coach during the Spring season and to attend the Henley Information Meeting.

    Henley training and Henley fee

    Henley crews will train an additional 3 sessions/week starting in late June.  There will be an additional fee for athletes racing at Henley to cover these additional coached sessions, as well as a fee to cover travel, accommodation, trailering and entry fees.

    Henley Fundraising

    Athletes and parents are encouraged to fundraise to help offset costs. VCRC supports  fundraising initiatives  through the VCRC Travel Fund (for example, contributing 75% of the concession revenue, special event entry fees and the course installation fee from the BC Championships regatta). Athletes are encouraged to apply for assistance from the VCRC Travel Fund and to organise their own fundraising events.  Please contact the VCRC Club Manager or lead coach for more information on fundraising and the Travel Fund.