Learn To Row & Casual

We offer learn to row, beginner, and casual programs that are suitable for people at every level of rowing experience, including none at all! In addition, some of our regular youth programs are open to rowers without prior experience.

So, whatever your level of experience, welcome! We can't wait to introduce you to the sport that we love!

A new youth rower learns the basics of a stroke on the dock.

Juniors: Learn to Row Camp

Spend a week learning to row and getting out on the water! Build technique foundation preparing you for continued recreational or competitive rowing.


Age: Grades 9 - 12
Experience: None required

Mon thru Friday, 9am - noon
Block 1: Jul 20 - 24, $250 + GST
Block 2: Aug 17-21, $250 + GST

Register at iCrew

Women rowers carrying an eight.

Women On Water (WOW)

2026 Sold Out. We hope to run this again in 2027.

This is a rowing introduction for women and/or teen girls, in a supportive, women-only environment.

Age: TBD
Experience: None necessary. Participants can be new or returning rowers.

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A winter rower in a single.

Confidence in a Single - Adult

Small group coaching focused on skills and techniques for handling a single shell with confidence and grace, on and off the water. Limited to 8 participants planning to attend every practice.

Age 18+
Experience: At least a Learn To Row graduate, but no specific single experience required. Also suitable for experienced single rowers wanting to focus on technique and drills.

3 times/week. Mon, Wed, Fri 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Block 1: Jul 13–Jul 17, $120 + GST
Block 2: Aug 10–14, $120 + GST

Register at iCrew

A social strokes group clowning around by standing up in an eight!

Adult Social Strokes

Casual rowing, meeting new people, and having fun on the beautiful Gorge waterway.

Age: 18+
Experience: All levels, including no experience

1 time/week. Thu 6–8 p.m.
Block 1: April 9–May 14, $180 + GST
Block 2: May 21–June 25, $180 + GST
Block 3: July 2–August 13, $240 + GST
Block 4: September 3–October 8, $180 + GST

Register at ICrew

A new rower in a single with pontoons. The rower is experimenting with how the boat responds to raising and lowering the oar handles. A coach, whose hand may be just visible in the lower left corner, is holding the boat.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available, as time permits, to address specific goals.

Private lessons can be a useful addition to our group classes so, when coach time is available, we offer them as an option. A private lesson offers dedicated coaching for one boat (single through eight). Some of the goals that people have worked on in private lessons include:

  • Getting comfortable in a single or returning to rowing after a gap.
  • Working on a stubborn technique issue.
  • Making the jump to competitive rowing.
  • Dedicated race prep for your crew.

Age: 18+
Experience: None required
Price: $110 + GST

Contact us

A group photo of the First Strokes members with a "#ROW" hashtag.

First Strokes: Adult Learn-to-Row

Returning Spring/Summer 2027

First Strokes is a structured and beginner-friendly course for adults, created for anyone who wants to learn how to row, become part of a welcoming community, and enjoy an active and fun start to the summer. No matter your background, fitness level, or previous experience, you are more than welcome, no prior knowledge is required.

Age: 18+
Experience: None required.

Usually in May/June, 4 weeks, twice/week, with a flexible schedule.

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Two adult rowers on the water.

Age 55+ Learn to Row

Returning Spring 2027!

Get out on the water in the mornings and build a solid foundation that will last a lifetime. Rowing is a great sport for people of all ages! Rowing offers a full body workout and can improve vascular health, strengthen muscles, enhance joint flexibility, and promote mental well being.

Age 55+
Experience: None required. This program is suitable for people at any fitness level, and with all mobility and balance abilities.

Usually 2 weekdays at 9:00 a.m.

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Rowers in a quad at the dock at sunset.

Jump Into Spring

Returning spring 2027!

Get a head start on Spring programs and welcome back the evening sun with this opportunity for technique foundation and refresh.

Age: 16+
Experience: Some rowing experience (LTR, GiftGlide, Romantic, etc.)

Usually 2 evenings per week in March.

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Pushing a quad from the dock at the first

Newcomers On Water (NOW)

Returning spring 2027

This program is specifically for recent newcomers to Canada and refugees.

Age 16+
Experience: All levels, including no experience

Usually once/week in April-June, flexible drop-in attendance. The price will be subsidized if we get a sponsor.

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A colourful logo that says: "POW, PRIDE ON WATER, Whatever floats your boat".

Pride On Water (POW)

Returning summer 2027!

Looking to try a new activity during Victoria's Pride season? Come row with Victoria's diverse community in a relaxed supportive environment.

Age: 18+
Experience: None required

Typically 1 evening/week. ~5 weeks during June-July

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