ARA Coaching Conference
The Alberta Rowing Association in association with the Calgary and University of Calgary Rowing Clubs are pleased to announce that it will host its fifth annual coaching conference on February 7 and 8th in Calgary, Alberta. For the first time in three years, this year’s conference will feature a guest speaker from within the sport of rowing – Peter Shakespear – Director of National Talent I.D and Development Programs. Peter has played playing a major role in developing Talent I.D programs around the world. He has worked with the Australia Institute of Sport, the British Rowing Federation and is now in looking to create a Canadian made development program in Canada.
The Conference is open to all – athletes, coaches, officials and even parents who wish to not only gain insight into our sport but perhaps even see themselves sitting in the coach boat in the future. Those interested in attending but have not registered as of yet are asked to email albertarowing@gmail.com immediately.
ARA Coaching Conference Details
The ARA Coaching Conference never did inform participants as to the location of the 2014 ARA Coaching Conference. The conference will take place at the Calgary Rowing Club in North Glenmore Park. The ARA is charging a $20 fee to participate in this years coaching conference, which will go to pay for lunch and some refreshments throughout the day Saturday.
Hotels
Everyone is free to choose a hotel that meets their own specific needs. However some hotels that are within close proximity to the Calgary Rowing Club include:
Holiday Inn – Macleod Trail Calgary – Located in close proximity to Chinook Mall and a short drive from the Rowing Club.
Hotel Alma – Located on the University of Calgary Campus the hotel is approximately 6km away from the Rowing Club. A search of Expedia showed that nightly rates are $115/night.
Wicked Hostels – Across from the Stampede Grounds and the Cowboys Casino. The cost is approximately $30 per person.
In Training!
In the January 2014 ARA report it was reported that the ARA Provincial Technical Director would race a 2K erg in the Senior Men’s Category if 115+ athletes registered for the event. The country is talking and reports are now that entrants from as far away as Ontario are registering for the event to see Mr. Simonson languish away.
In an expectation that he will compete, the Provincial Technical Director is now in training for the big event and hopes are that you are too. This year’s event is slated to take place on Saturday March 22, 2014 at the Blackfalds Field House just north of Red Deer. The cost to register is $25 and those who register before February 4, 2014 will obtain a free t-shirt. To register simply inform your club coach and they will take care of the rest.
Those who need one last piece of motivation to get off the couch and start training for the 2014 season, are reminded that attendance at the ARA Erg Championships is a requirement in qualifying for ARA Henley Funding. Furthermore, attendance at the 2014 Erg Championships is required to be eligible for the 2014 Boat Race in Edmonton.
Erg Standards
The Bronze, Silver and Gold erg standards that everyone has been accustomed to will be changing once again in 2014. Please visit the ARA website later this month and familiarize yourself with the updated standards that will be in effect for this coming year.
Rowing Canada Aspirations?
Are you one of those athletes who has aspirations of competing for Canada at the 2014 / 2015 World Junior Championships / U23 World Championships or even the Senior World Championships? If so, aspiring athletes are encouraged to complete the RADAR Testing Requirements and submit their scores to Rowing Canada.
Over the past 6 months Alberta has had a poor track record in submitting erg results to Rowing Canada and my hope is that we can reverse this trend with the February 16, 2014 RADAR Testing deadline. Even if athletes have not achieved their desired level of fitness submitting tests on a regular basis keeps you in the loop.
Upcoming Events
- ARA Coaches Conference – Calgary, Alberta February 7-8, 2014
- February 16, 2014 RADAR Testing Deadline
- ARA Erg Championships – March 22, 2014