Search
Menu

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. Check the COVID-19 updates on our website for more information.

  • 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 2021

      With COVID restrictions still in place but easing up. VCRC will go back to a program similar to pre-COVID. The Winter season will be a preparation season with athletes working on Fundamental movement skills, 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 that are relevant to their age and commitment level.
      On water, we will focus on crew boats. There will be an opportunity for intra club 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. 

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

      Regattas: Regatta fees are included in the fees this year. We hope we will be back regatta's this year.

      Capacity:  120 athletes

      Start date: November 15th, 2021

      End date: March 20th, 2022

      Middle school Program:
      3x per week
      $690 (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Fit - Train to Train

      3x per week
      $640  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Fast – Learn to Compete

      5x per week

      $861  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Fun & Perform – Train to Compete

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

      $971  (+ RCA/RBC/fees if not currently registered)

      Capacity: 24

      For more info see the junior programs and practice schedule tap below. Or contact the Director of Junior rowing at vcrcjuniors@gmail.com 

       

  • 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)

    • Middle School Program

      For those who have participated as novices in the GVRYS middle school league or participated in a Summer Camp or Youth Learn to row program.

      Program Overview   LTAD Stage: Learn to Train

      For those in grade 7and 8 who would like to build their skills after a learn to row camp and become part of the VCRC Junior program. Participants will learn to scull and sweep and will get experience in all different seats in the boat. There will be a focus on technical and skill Development. During the Spring Summer Competitive season Participants will have the opportunity to race in Novice events.

      Prerequisite:  Completion of a Youth Introduction to Rowing for beginners

      Dates:  
      Winter Season:
      Start Date: November 15th, 2021             End Date: March 20th, 2022

      Fee: $690 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee.

      Summer Seasons:

      Start Date: April 4th, 2022       End Date: July 29th, 2022

      Fee: $930 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee.

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

      3x/wk

      Thursday 4-6pm and Sunday 9:30-11:30am and 12:15pm-2pm

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

      To Register https://membership.rowingcanada.org

       

    • Highschool Novice Program

      For those who have participated as novices in the GVRYS high school league or participated in a Summer Camp or Youth Learn to row program.

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

      For those in grade 9-12 who would like to build their skills after a learn to row camp and become part of the VCRC Junior program. Participants will learn to scull and sweep and will get experience in all different seats in the boat. There will be a focus on technical and skill Development when the participant has reached a comfort and skill level to be part of the Fun & Fit or Fun & Fast group, the coach will suggest a transition. During the Spring Summer Competitive season Participants will have the opportunity to race in Novice events.

      Prerequisite:  Completion of a Youth Introduction to Rowing for beginners

      Dates:  
      Winter Season:
      Start Date: November 15th, 2021             End Date: March 20th, 2022

      Fee: $980 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee.

      Summer Seasons:

      Start Date: April 4th, 2022       End Date: July 29th, 2022

      Fee: $1295 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee.

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

      4x/wk

      Tuesday and Thursday 4-6pm and Sunday 9:15-11:15am and 12-2pm

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

      To Register https://membership.rowingcanada.org

       

    • Fun & Fit

      For youth grade 8 - 12 in the Learn to Train and Train to Train stage. This is a great program for younger athletes and juniors with a lot of other commitments.

      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 all different boat classes.  Athletes will train 3x/wk, including land and onwater sessions and during the winter period will participate in on land 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: A full year of rowing experience.

      Winter Season:

      Start Date: November 15th, 2021       End Date: March 20th, 2022

      Fee: $640  +$39 annual  RCA/RBC fee 

      Spring-Summer Season:

      Start Date: April 4th, 2021       End Date: July 29th, 2022

      Fee: $900  +$39 annual  RCA/RBC fee 

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

      3x/wk
      Tuesday-Thursday 4pm - 6pm and Sunday 11:45pm - 1:45pm

      To Register   https://membership.rowingcanada.org

       

    • Fun & Fast

      For athletes grade 9-12, who are competent in a racing single and want to compete in local and provincial regattas.

      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 all different types of boats training 5x/wk, including both land and on-water sessions and participate in mobility, core and circuit training.

      Prerequisite: Full year of rowing experience and graduation out of the novice program.

      Winter Season:

      Start Date: November 15th, 2021       End Date: March 20th, 2022

      Fee: 861 +$39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

      Spring-Summer:

      Start Date: April 4th, 2022       End Date: July 29th, 2022

      Fee: 1386 +$39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

      Practice Schedule (5x/wk)

      Monday, Wednesday Friday 4:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-11:00am and 12:00-2:00pm 

      Commitment:

      10 hours per week of rowing specific training.

      To Register  https://membership.rowingcanada.org

      .

    • Fun & Perform

      The Junior Fun & Perform program is for pre-elite/high performance athletes who are committed to doing the volume and intensity of training that will prepare them for being competitive in varsity events at regional, national and international regattas.

      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. 
       

      Winter Season:

      Start Date: November 15th, 2021       End Date: March 20th, 2022

      Fee: $971 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

      Spring-Summer Season:

      Start Date: April 4th, 2022       End Date: July 29th, 2022

      Fee: $1595 + $39 annual RCA/RBC fee 

      Practice Schedule (6x/wk + 2 cardio OYO)
      Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 4:00-6:15pm

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

      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 the other junior programs of the junior program and train 14-20 hours per week.

      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.

       

  • 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.