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Rowing Glossary

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As in all communities, there are lots of magic words that rowers use. Some of them make intuitive sense, and some can be a bit mysterious! In rowing speak, Masters can be beginners, and Seniors is a racing category that includes young people. Sadly, being a Senior rower does not entitle you to cheap movie tickets!

In addition to informal categories, there are formal categories defined by governing bodies such as Rowing Canada Aviron, US Rowing, and World Rowing (FISA). The categories can be based on age, experience, or something else. For example, there are lightweight events, para events, and some regattas even have specialty events like parent-child, alumni, or costume required!

For those with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Rowing Canada Aviron's 2026 Rules of Racing has many details.

Here are a few frequently used terms:

JUNIORS
An informal term that generally refers to high school students enrolled in one of a club's Junior programs. Historically, this also referred to a youth racing category, though that is no longer the case in Canada.
MASTERS
This is often used as an informal term for any adult rower. In Canada, it also refers to an adult racing category.
SENIORS
Informally, clubs often say Senior to refer to rowers over 18 who train for, and race in, 2000 meter sprint races. In Canada, as of 2026, it also refers to a racing category for rowers of any age.