Membership
Membership with the Kelowna Rowing Club affords an exceptional rowing experience. KRC is a non-profit that seeks to be as open and transparent in all aspects of club operations, including membership fees. We have thus broken them down as follows:
- Rowing Canada Insurance - First and foremost, it is important to operate in a safe environment, and should an accident occur, safe in the knowledge members and the club are covered
- Rowing BC Dues - Members as well as the club pay fees to Rowing BC. Rowing BC advocates for, and supports the growth, development and sustainability of the entire rowing community in BC
- Access to club-owned equipment - Unlike most other sports, rowers just need to show up with appropriate clothing and a water bottle. Rowing boats, oars and safety gear is all provided. A new pair of oars are approximately $1000 and new singles, doubles and quads are in the range of $14,000, $22,000 and $35,000. Naturally, the club takes great care of this equipment
- Coaching - We have a qualified and experienced Head Coach who oversees practices, training plans and race preparation. Furthermore, we have a team of certified Learn-to-Row coaches
- Unlimited water sessions - Within the scheduled practice times, members are welcome to participate in as many or as few practices as they like. In the summer months there are multiple practices scheduled every day and in the shoulder seasons, four sessions per week.
History
Rowing on Okanagan Lake dates back over 110 years. KRC rowers have raced at the Olympics and stood on the podium; many others have become 'lifers'.
We are currently researching and compiling a more detailed history of the club; if you have any information or images to share, please contact us.
Membership
The club caters to a wide range of ages and abilities:
- Beginners taking their first strokes under the watchful eye of our patient, experienced coaches;
- Recreational rowers looking for a low-impact workout and a network of like-minded individuals;
- Competitive rowers preparing to race at local and international regattas
We recommend a rower's journey start no younger than 13 years, but there's no limit beyond that to take those first, magical strokes.
It is important to understand what your membership fees cover and how they account for the opportunities provided and your overall rowing experience.
Coaching
KRC's coaches endeavour to carefully consider the needs and objectives of each individual participant. Programs are directed by our Head Coach, Alex Cruickshanks, who brings over two decades of rowing and coaching experience at high school, club, university and international levels. His critical eye and patient demeanour have assisted KRC in developing the club's standard of technical rowing and physiological training.
Safety
Safety is the responsibility of all rowers, coaches and volunteers at KRC. The club abides by the strict safety protocols and policy as set out by Rowing Canada and Rowing BC. The club endeavours to ensure that all members are able enjoy all on and off-water activities in a safe manner.