Answers to common questions
We've compiled answers to commonly asked questions to help you feel confident and prepared for your first session with us. If you don't see your question listed here, connect with us and we'd be happy to answer.
1. Why choose Rowing?
Anyone 13 years or older is welcome to join our learn-to-row program. Rowing is a terrific physical activity with entire body conditioning benefits. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor prior to taking the course.
2. What should I wear/bring while rowing?
You should wear athletic clothing that is relatively close fitting and comfortable to allow for movement.
3. When can I start signing up for the Learn-to-row sessions?
If there are no learn-to-row sessions posted, you can join our learn-to-row contact list by emailing us. We'll then contact you once we start planning our sessions, which are held from April through to September.
4. When do you have the Learn-to-row schedule posted?
The Learn to row schedule is established in early spring. The schedule is subject to change so check back regularly. If no sessions are posted, please contact us for more information and to arrange dates.
5. Is there a deposit required for the programs?
There's no deposit needed, but you're required to pay in full prior to the start of your program or on your first day of the program.
6. I've completed a Learn-to-row and would like to join the recreation program for the remainder of the year. Do you pro-rate the annual fee?
If you decide to join our annual program, then the start of your year is the date you register for an entire calendar year. You can row at all the times available for your program. For example, if your Learn-to-row session in May, and you decide you would like to join the annual program starting June 1, then you can row until May 31 of the following year.
7. Do I need to know how to swim to take lessons or become a member?
You aren’t required to swim, but in the event that a boat capsizes and you end up in the water, it is strongly recommended that you know how to swim. Be prepared that you will need to hold onto the boat until help arrives and possibly re-enter the boat.
8. Can I wear a life jacket/PFD while rowing?
No, unfortunately, as it will impede your stroke technique, limit your mobility and cause instability in the boat. We have safety boats out on the water for each session that carry life jackets and other emergency equipment.
9. If I can't make the remainder of my lessons due to unforeseen circumstances or injury, is it possible to get a refund?
Sorry, we don't offer refunds once the program has started. We incur time, effort, and financial costs to run the club and its programs.
10. I have paid for a full year membership fee but have decided that I don’t want to continue rowing. Will you refund the remainder of the year?
Sorry, we don't offer refunds once the yearly program has started.
11. Can I transfer my unused Learn-to-row sessions to someone else?
It's not possible to transfer sessions to another person as each session builds on the previous one. If the person hasn't been part of the program, they would be out of sync with the others.
Anyone 13 years or older is welcome to join our learn-to-row program. Rowing is a terrific physical activity with entire body conditioning benefits. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor prior to taking the course.
2. What should I wear/bring while rowing?
You should wear athletic clothing that is relatively close fitting and comfortable to allow for movement.
- Avoid 100% cotton clothing if possible – most athletic breathable materials are generally less chafing when wet
- Wear bright colours if possible – red/orange/yellow/neon shirts/tanks are useful to be visible on the water
- Leave all electronics on land (will be safely & securely stored in the boathouse before leaving for the water!) or have in waterproof containers (there is limited room in the boat so clear with your coach first)
- Layer appropriately for the weather. On cooler or windier days, a light jacket will help keep you warm, a snug baseball cap may be useful on rainy days
- Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle on hot days
- Most rowing shells come with shoes in them, but you should always wear socks in the boat
- You should wear some sturdy footwear (old runners/sandals; ones that you don’t mind getting wet) to wear while carrying the boats to the dock.
- Bring a dry change of clothes and a towel (in the event of immersion in water)
3. When can I start signing up for the Learn-to-row sessions?
If there are no learn-to-row sessions posted, you can join our learn-to-row contact list by emailing us. We'll then contact you once we start planning our sessions, which are held from April through to September.
4. When do you have the Learn-to-row schedule posted?
The Learn to row schedule is established in early spring. The schedule is subject to change so check back regularly. If no sessions are posted, please contact us for more information and to arrange dates.
5. Is there a deposit required for the programs?
There's no deposit needed, but you're required to pay in full prior to the start of your program or on your first day of the program.
6. I've completed a Learn-to-row and would like to join the recreation program for the remainder of the year. Do you pro-rate the annual fee?
If you decide to join our annual program, then the start of your year is the date you register for an entire calendar year. You can row at all the times available for your program. For example, if your Learn-to-row session in May, and you decide you would like to join the annual program starting June 1, then you can row until May 31 of the following year.
7. Do I need to know how to swim to take lessons or become a member?
You aren’t required to swim, but in the event that a boat capsizes and you end up in the water, it is strongly recommended that you know how to swim. Be prepared that you will need to hold onto the boat until help arrives and possibly re-enter the boat.
8. Can I wear a life jacket/PFD while rowing?
No, unfortunately, as it will impede your stroke technique, limit your mobility and cause instability in the boat. We have safety boats out on the water for each session that carry life jackets and other emergency equipment.
9. If I can't make the remainder of my lessons due to unforeseen circumstances or injury, is it possible to get a refund?
Sorry, we don't offer refunds once the program has started. We incur time, effort, and financial costs to run the club and its programs.
10. I have paid for a full year membership fee but have decided that I don’t want to continue rowing. Will you refund the remainder of the year?
Sorry, we don't offer refunds once the yearly program has started.
11. Can I transfer my unused Learn-to-row sessions to someone else?
It's not possible to transfer sessions to another person as each session builds on the previous one. If the person hasn't been part of the program, they would be out of sync with the others.