Some achievements within Alberta Rowing over this past month include.
- Shae de Paiva of the Calgary Rowing Club was selected to represent Canada at the World Rowing Cup – Varese in the Women’s 4- from June 13-15, 2025. Following the event, the crew will travel to Switzerland to compete in World Rowing Cup-Lucerne from June 27-29.
- The ARA Next Gen program started in both Calgary and Edmonton with over 25 athletes across the province participating in the in program.
- Trynne Mamen, Orla Bailey and Jacob Brambell participated in the CSSRA Regatta in St. Catharines, Ontario. Trynne and Jacob finished 5th in the mixed 2x, while Orla finished in 2nd place in the Lightweight Women 1x.
- The Central Alberta RC hosted its first ever Provincial Rowing Camp on May 30-31 in Lacombe, Alberta. The event was a major success with over 25 athletes in attendance. Plans are already in place to host a camp once again in 2026.
- For a great feature on Alberta’s own Karissa Riley please go to the following link https://globalnews.ca/video/11213662/calgary-rower-karissa-riley-chases-olympic-dream-after-ioc-rule-change
Save the Date
Registration for the 2025 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 18 through to 20, 2025 in their calendars and come out to Vermilion to participate in this year’s event. To register simply follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BadZ01_lC__wLmBn5aWcScXI68vh4NpToF2qmBL76LM/edit
This year the camp will be restricted to the first 40 registrants so please register ASAP.
Rowing Stories- Story Courtesy of Rowing Canada
In the world of rowing, many athletes find ways to stay connected to the sport long after they hang up their oars. For Audra Vair, that connection came through umpiring—a role she never anticipated but now embraces with purpose and pride.
Audra’s journey began in high school, when she discovered rowing in Grade 9. “I enjoyed everything about it—the movement, the teamwork, the feeling of improvement tied directly to effort,” she recalls. That passion carried her through university and graduate school, with stints at the University of Ottawa, UBC, and various summer clubs. She eventually earned a spot on the Canadian U23 team in 2007 and later competed at the 2010 FISU World University Rowing Championships and the 2011 Pan American Games.
But by 2011, injuries, including a rib issue, started to take their toll. “In the spring of 2011, I couldn’t consistently train in a boat or put pressure on my ribs” Audra explains. “So, when they asked folks at the National Training Centre to help out at a high school regatta, I volunteered in the finish tower with umpire Judy Sutcliffe.” That experience was eye-opening for Audra. “Watching the races, being asked for my opinion during a protest—it gave me a whole new perspective. I realized how important umpires are in ensuring races are safe and fair.”
Judy Sutcliffe’s mentorship proved pivotal, as it has been for many others. “Honestly, if you surveyed umpires, I think a surprising number would trace their start back to Judy,” Audra laughs.
When her competitive career officially ended in late 2011, Audra wasted no time. She took her umpiring course in early 2012 and began officiating almost immediately, balancing it alongside coaching at Western University. In 2014, a move to Edmonton to build her career at the University of Alberta, and eventually a permanent job with Alberta Health, shifted her focus fully to officiating. Though she coached briefly with the Edmonton Rowing Club’s university program, umpiring ultimately became her primary contribution to the sport.
Now serving as the provincial umpire coordinator in Alberta, and training to become a Clinician Umpire to support umpire development, Audra manages both administrative responsibilities and on-the-water duties. Her priority? “Making sure regattas are safe and fair,” she says. “It’s not just about following rules for the sake of rules—many, if not all of them, are rooted in safety.”
Living in Alberta presents unique challenges. “We don’t have many racing opportunities in the Prairies,” she says. “That makes every regatta count. We have a really collaborative umpiring community here. Everyone chips in, everyone travels. We do it because we know how important the race experience is for athletes.”
So, what advice does she have for aspiring umpires? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. In smaller provinces like Alberta, where events are limited, it’s important to take initiative and stay connected. Opportunities are out there, but you often have to create them for yourself.”
From finish tower volunteer to provincial umpire coordinator, her path is a reminder that there’s more than one way to give back to the rowing community, and sometimes, those unexpected turns lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Writer Comments on Audra:
For those that do not know Audra, she is one of the fiercest competitors on the water and one of the nicest individuals off of it. Back in 2011, women’s sculling on the national scene was a two boat race. Audra from UBC and Alison Madlung from the ERC. Audra and Alison engaged in some of the greatest races this writer has witnessed which in turn pushed both individuals to lofty heights in their careers in health. Congratulations on being recognized by Rowing Canada Audra. I think I can speak for everyone at the ARA when I say that we certainly appreciate all the contributions you have made to our sport.
Upcoming Events
Regina Sprints June 14, 2025 Regina Saskatchewan
Alberta Open June 28-29, 2025 Calgary, Alberta