Juniors

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).  

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

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).

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.

There will be rowing this Fall!

With the cancellation of the Fall High School season,   VCRC is running a Fall Junior (club) season. 

Program Focus:

• improve small boat skills 
• build a solid aerobic base  
• develop a strong foundation of good rowing technique 
• onwater sessions in 1x, 2x, 2-,**
• strength and conditioning and mobility sessions (with a focus on injury prevention and physical development).
• "in-house" racing and challenges - for fun and to put your skills to the test!

**Recently announced guidelines by ViaSport and Rowing BC will alllow rowing of Cohort 4xs. VCRC will be developing its Sport Cohort Training Plan in the coming weeks. 

Training groups will be based on the development level, goals and commitment level of each athlete.

• VCRC Junior Fall 2020 Novice Program 
• VCRC Junior Fall 2020 Fun & Fit 
• VCRC Junior Fall 2020 Fun & Fast
• VCRC Junior Fall Performance Development 

Training times: We will aim to have the training groups train together, within the constraints imposed by different school schedules. As it sounds like school will be back in class we will use our normal after school and weekend training times**, and possibly add some weekday early afternoon (1-3 pm) sessions as schedules permit. 

**Junior training sessions: M-F  3:45 pm - 6 pm, Sat. 9 am - 4 pm,, Sun. 9 am-  3 pm. Please see specific programs and fill out the questionnaire, for specific training times.

Program dates

Novice*, Fun and Fast, and Fun and Fit September 14-November 1

Fun and Perform (Fall Performance Development) September 8- November 1

*Novice . No previous rowing experience is necessary, although we encourage you sign up for a Youth Introduction to Rowing program (August 24-September 5th). 

**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.

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

Program Overview LTAD Stage: Train to Train

For those in grade 8-12 who already know how to row and would like to row for fitness, skill development and fun. Athletes row in singles, moving to bigger boats as COVID-19 restrictions permit.  Athletes will train 3x/wk, including land and onwater sessions and may participate in online mobility, core and circuit training. This program is suitable for experienced rowers who have a busy schedule and for rowers who are graduating out of the novice program and looking to advance further. 

The Fun & Fit program will focus on staying fit and healthy, continued skill acquisition and  preparing the athletes for more intense training at later stages.

Prerequisite: Able to row a racing single. Athletes in the Winter Novice program who are  making the transition from coastal and pontoon singles to racing singles  may be considered based on a recommendation from your coach.

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

Fee: $682.50  +$39 annual  RCA/RBC fee 

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

3x/wk
Fun & Fit 1: Monday, Friday 4:15pm - 6:15pm and Saturday 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Fun & Fit 2: Tuesday, Thursday 4:15 - 6:15pm and Sunday 12:30 - 2:30pm 

Fun & Fit 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. 

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To Register   https://membership.rowingcanada.org

Program Overview LTAD Stage: Learn to Compete 

For athletes grade 9-12 who are comfortable in a racing single and want to compete in local and provincial regattas in varsity or junior varsity crews. Athletes will row in singles, moving to bigger boats as COVID-19 restrictions permit. Athletes train 5x/wk, including both land and onwater sessions and may participate in online mobility, core and circuit training.

Prerequisite: Athletes must be comfortable in a racing single

Start Date: March 19, 2021       End Date: August 1, 2021

Fee: $992.50 +$39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

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

5x/wk

Fun & Fast 1: Monday, Wednesday Thursday 4:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 9:15am-11:15am and Sunday 9:45am-11:45am

Fun & Fast 2: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 4:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm-2:00pm 

* 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 November 1^st via Slack.

Commitment:

10 hours per week of rowing specific training.

To Register  https://membership.rowingcanada.org

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Program Overview LTAD Stage: Late Learning to Compete- Early Training to Compete 
For pre-elite/high performance athletes who are committed to doing the volume and intensity of training that will prepare them for racing in varsity level events at regional, national and international regattas. Athletes will row in singles, moving to bigger boats as COVID-19 restrictions permit. Training will include 6 group, coached session per week, including land and onwater sessions, and 2 erg or cross-training sessions on your own. Athletes may participate in online mobility, core and circuit training.

This program is designed for athletes in the Training to Compete stage of development. It is important that you have a good foundation of skills and fitness in order to benefit from the program and minimize the risk of injury. 

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

Fee: $1134.00 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

Tentative Practice Schedule (depending on COVID restrictions and school schedules)
6x/wk + 2x/wk erg (virtual)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 3:45-6:15pm

Saturday 9am-11am and 2pm-4pm
Monday, Friday 7:30pm-9pm Ergometer training or cross-training.*

* if you do not have an ergometer at home, alternative cross training during the week can replace these workouts. Contact the Director of junior rowing if you are looking at doing alternative cross-training.

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

Commitment:

You are expected to participate in all training sessions- land and water, and be a leader and role model within the VCRC junior program. Support

To Register  https://membership.rowingcanada.org

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

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.