The Nelson Rowing Club junior rowing program is open to all youth aged 12-18 yrs. old. All rowers are required to complete a Learn to Row (LTR) course before they can join the junior rowing team. Taking the LTR program ensures that all rowers have learned how to properly handle and maintain the boats and other equipment associated with rowing.

Rowing is a wonderful physical activity which also meets the aesthetic and social needs of its students. The challenge of mastering new skills which require focus, balance, rhythm, flexibility, co-ordination, and alertness help to develop individual confidence and discipline in the young athlete while keeping them interested. Increased fitness, strength, and aerobic capacity (usually under-developed in this age group) are other benefits that will be noticed. Performed properly, the activity of rowing utilizes all of the body's muscles and joints without being unduly stressful on any set group.

Our coaches are experienced rowers who have been accredited through the National Coaching Certification Program. The model for the nationally sponsored rowing training program (Journey 1-2-3) was developed in Nelson by one of our former junior coaches, Dominique Preney. This series, which takes rowers from the entry level through to advanced skill development, is the teaching model that we use in our Club. Rowing can be both a team or individual sport depending on the boat type. Our juniors currently train in Single or Double sculls (one and two person boats respectively). This is an advantage in developing good rowing technique at an early stage in the rowing experience. It is a goal of the NRC to purchase a Quad (4-person rowing shell) in the near future to further enhance and expand the junior rowing program.

The junior rowing program runs from April 1st- Oct. 31st. The spring season focus is on skill development and interval training. This prepares rowers for the type of sprint racing (1000-2000m course) which takes place in spring and early summer. In late summer, the emphasis in workouts will change to endurance training (long distance steady-state rowing). This type of practice prepares the rowers for the fall Head Race season (5-10 km course) and develops greater aerobic capacity in the athletes. The junior coach will put together a schedule which will include a minimum of 1 race/season. Participation at these regattas is encouraged but not mandatory.

Each junior will make their own choice as to whether they would like to row competitively or strictly as a recreational activity. In addition to regular weekly practices, there will be a skills/training camp offered in the spring and again in the fall. Again, participation is encouraged but not mandatory. The NRC operates on the fair-play philosophy: promoting respect for others, maintenance of personal dignity, careful upkeep of equipment and respect for the rules of the club. The NRC strives to guide athletes toward physical, social and competitive well-being through upholding this philosophy. The overall rowing experience on the scenic West Arm of Kootenay Lake is exceptional and goes a long way in developing a deep appreciation of our beautiful natural surroundings here in Nelson.

Rowing shells (boats) are very expensive and fragile and at the club level they see a lot of use; so minimizing the amount of damage that can occur through improper care and handling is every rower's responsibility. Completion of the LTR program also satisfies the coach and club administrators that the rower has understood all of the safety procedures, learned basic rowing technique, and studied our club's boat traffic-flow patterns; all of which are necessary for safe recreation on the water.

The LTR program consists of eight- 2 hr. lessons. Once the course is done and the rower is ready to join the club, their name will be given to the Junior Coach and he/she will be added to scheduled junior practices. In order to encourage membership and to keep rowing affordable and accessible, the cost of the LTR program ($150) will be deducted from the junior membership fee ($220). Thus on completing LTR, the graduating rower need pay only $70 to upgrade to membership. Junior rowers also pay coaching fees of $60.00/month based on 3 practices/week. Juniors are always accompanied on the water by a coach in a motorized coach boat.