In an effort to foster greater communication between the Alberta Rowing Association and its member clubs, the ARA will be looking to distribute a monthly bulletin that will be distributed on the first Sunday of every month on a go forward basis. The bulletin will be distributed to the program coaches in each of our member clubs, and as well will be available on-line @ albertarowing.ca
Canada Summer Games Camp
The second of several Canada Summer Games Camps is tentatively scheduled for Saturday April 14 and Sunday April 15. The ARA is hoping to make this an on-water camp in Edmonton, Alberta, however this is still tentative. Regardless, we do ask that athletes start setting aside the date.
Athletes will be selected to the camp based on their 2K erg performance at the Alberta Rowing Association Erg Championships on March 10, 2012. Athletes invited to the camp will be informed via email from their club coach no later than March 15, 2012.
While it is undetermined at this time what the entrance requirements are, athletes should be looking at the following erg standards as baseline requirements.
Open Women – 8:00 – 2,000m Lightweight Women 8:15 – 2,000m
Open Men – 7:00 – 2,000m Lightweight Men 7:15 – 2,000m
ERG Championships
The ARA in association with the Central Alberta Rowing Club will be hosting the Alberta Erg Championships on March 10, 2012 in Lacombe, Alberta. All competitive athletes who wish to be eligible for provincial funding (Henley and NRC’s) in 2012 are required to attend this event. If you have not registered, but do wish to attend the event please email Tim Fleming tim@asfequipment.com. We look forward to seeing you in attendance.
ERG TESTING & DEVELOPMENT REGATTA
At this time, little is known regarding Rowing Canada’s Development Regatta that is slated to be held in early-mid April, 2012. However, if it is at all like last year, entry to this event is open to anyone who is interested in attending. That said, in 2011 Rowing Canada provided funding to a number of athletes across Canada who met certain deliverables based on winter RADAR Testing. One would imagine that the same would be true in 2012.
Athletes who wish to be considered for RCA Funding for this event will likely have to obtain a RADAR score of 350. The Alberta Rowing Association will not be funding athletes to attend this event.
In Need of Equipment?
Is your club in need of a new ergometre? Would you like some assistance with the purchase of a new boat? The ARA can help. The Alberta Rowing Association is offering a free ergometre* to any Alberta based rowing club who can help recruit athletes for our sport.
Clubs wishing to be eligible for this opportunity must find one athlete who meets the following requirements:
- The athlete cannot be affiliated with a ARA club prior to February 28, 2012.
- The athlete must be 20 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2012
- The athlete must register with an Alberta Based Rowing Club for the 2012 Season
- Athletes must meet the following erg requirements on or before June 15, 2012
Men Women
3:15 for 1,000m 3:40 for 1,000m
* Monies for the purchase of an ergometre can be substituted towards the purchase of a new boat.
ERG STANDARDS.
Too often we as coaches, get approached by athletes asking what is a good erg time. Our response is that depends on what your goals are. The ARA has updated its erg standards for 2012, and these standards can be found by following the link http://www.albertarowing.ca/teamAlberta.asp and clicking the icon that states 2012 Erg Standards. In reviewing these standards you yourself can determine as to what an appropriate erg time actually is.
If your goals are for a Top Six Finish at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta – You should be striving to achieve at minimum the Bronze Erg Standard your respective weight / age category.
If your goal is for a Top three finish at either the 2013 Canada Summer Games, or the 2012 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta you should be aiming to achieve the Silver Erg Standard for your respective weight / age category.
If your goal is to represent Canada at an international event in either 2012 or beyond you must be bettering the Gold Erg Standard for your respective weight / age category.
Aim High, Reach Far!
ARA Coaching Conference
While it is impossible to thank everyone who assisted in making the 2012 ARA Coaching Conference a success this past year, the ARA would like to acknowledge Carol Hermansen and Richard Galway for all their efforts behind the scenes. Chris Davidson, Sarah Laing, Sheila Lindsey, Tim Fleming and Shannon Harvey for their passionate presentations and the Calgary Rowing Club for use of the facilities. We look forward to seeing everyone in Edmonton in 2013.
Upcoming Events
- ARA Erg Championships Lacombe, Alberta – Saturday March 10, 2012
- March RADAR Submissions due March 26, 2012
Michael Simonson
Provincial Technical Director