News within the rowing community over the past month includes
- Five Alberta athletes competed at the 2026 Royal Henley Regatta at Henley on Thames England in the Britannia Challenge Cup. While the results may not have been what the coxed four was hoping for, great to see Alberta representation at Henley.
- Three Alberta athletes, Tryne Mamen, Anna Washbrook and Orla Bailey were selected to represent Canada at the International Rowing Challenge in Ann Arbour Michigan from July 9 through to 16. Selection was based on results from the National Junior Trials in Duncan British Columbia at the start of June
- Congratulations to the Calgary Rowing Club for hosting a very successful Alberta Open Regatta on Canada Day long weekend. Despite the inconsistent weather it was incredible to see a record number of athletes compete on the Glenmore Reservoir.
Last Call to Register
Registration for the 2026 Lakeland Rowing Camp is now open. The camp is open to athletes of all ages and skill levels. We hope that everyone will mark the dates of July 17 through 19, 2026 intheir calendars and come out to Vermilion to participate in this year’s event.
End of Summer Rowing Camp
The ARA in conjunction with the Central Alberta Rowing Club is hosting a two day rowing camp at the end of summer. The camp will begin on Friday August 28th and conclude the evening of Saturday August 29th. Come visit the Central Alberta Rowing Club and row on their lake located just outside of Lacombe, Alberta (Just off the QEII Highway). The camp is largely geared towards Novices, Juniors and U21 athletes. The cost to register is $125. Interested athletes are encouraged to email President.carc@gmail.com
RCA Coach Certification
To complete RCA Coach Certification coaches must first complete Weekend #1, and then after coaching over the summer months are asked to return to complete Weekend #2. This year there were 10 coaches who registered for Weekend #1 and these individuals will be happy to learn that the ARA will hold the Weekend #2 session on August 15-16, 2026. The course offering will be virtual and the cost for the program will be $100. Only coaches who completed Weekend #1 will be eligible to attend this session. Coaches interested in the program are asked to email albertarowing@gmail.com.
Edmonton Rowing Club
On June 22, 2026, following one of Edmonton’s wettest Junes in more than 60 years, the North Saskatechewan river rose with incredible force. The impact to the Edmonton Rowing Club was profound. The club dock was torn from its moorings and carried more than 140 kilometres downstream by the floodwaters. While no one was injured, the loss of a dock has halted on-water activities in Edmonton and has impacted the rowing community.
To assist the ERC in rebuilding its dock a go fund me page has been created. Those interested in making a donation may do so by visting https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-edmonton-rowing-club-with-their-dock
Rowing Stories- Calgary Rowing Club
The Calgary Rowing Club turns 60 this year, with events planned August 15-17th to commemorate the event. Throughout the 60 year history, the Calgary Rowing Club has has been shaped by a committed group of volunteers who have a vision to build a club in which all atheltes can feel welcome and participate in the sport of rowing.
The club itself was founded in 1966 when a group of 5 athletes led by Dave Mathews met at a Calgary YMCA and decided to bring the sport to the Glenmore Reservoir. With borrowed equipment and a great deal of resourcefulness, they launched their first crew later that year. If only they could imagine the positive impact their vision would lead to today.
Today, the Calgary Rowing Club is amongst the largest clubs in Canada. Its athletes have gone on to win Olympic medals, World Cups, National Championships, Provincial Championships but despite the success on the water it is the impact off the water where the club has made its biggest impression. Today, CRC members are intertwined with the local community; going on to work as doctors, lawyers, teachers, entreprenerus, coaches so on and so forth. Many members volunteer with local, regional and provincial boards actively searching for ways to benefit the sporting community in general. But it is the foundation of that little club that was started some 60 years ago that brought everyone together through the sport of rowing. I can’t wait to see what the next 60 years has in store.
To purchase an ticket to the 60th anniversary gala please go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/calgary-rowing-club-60th-anniversary-gala-tickets-1977635777848
Upcoming Events
Lakeland Camp July 17-19, 2026 Vermilion Alberta
Central Alberta Rowing Camp August 28-29, Lacombe Alberta