Learn-to-Row

Attention: Dalhousie University Rowing Club will continue to run the Learn-to-Row / Novice team for the 2023-2024 season. 

Tryouts:

We have never experienced this level of interest in our Novice program before, and while we could not be more excited, it is unfortunately more than our program can accommodate this year. As a result, we will be hosting try-outs to select a Novice Team of 32 athletes. Tryouts will occur on September 12^th at the Dalplex, from 6-8pm (exact location TBD – will either be in the field house or squash courts. We will notify athletes who sign up for tryouts closer to the actual date). To try out for the Novice Team, you will need to sign yourself up for a time slot on the following google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uGRMPLwe311rhV-FGjzXw5YdGh56ax671Q5TfkxnjKs/edit?usp=sharing

This selection will consist of the following:

• A 1000m test on the ergometer (rowing machine), with a goal of seeing how long it takes each athlete to complete the test.
• We will be taking athlete metrics as well, including height, wingspan, and weight (only for athletes considering competing as lightweight rowers; <130lbs for women and <162.5lbs for men).

These will all be taken into consideration when selecting our novice team.

We are aware that many of you do not properly know how to use a rowing machine just yet, but unfortunately, we will not have the opportunity to run a ‘How to Erg’ training session before tryouts. Instead, we encourage you all to try to use the ergometers available at the Dalplex (upstairs in the main gym). Rowing Canada has a terrific video that walks you through the steps of the rowing stroke and teaches all about the rowing machine, so we strongly suggest watching the following video prior to your tryout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3SPs5W1Xe4

 

After you are selected to the team:

Practice Times: Beginning September 13^th at MicMac Amateur Aquatic Club, Lake Banook, Dartmouth

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 6:00-7:45pm

Saturdays: 9:00-10:45am

Goals of the Season:

• To introduce the next line of Tigers to sport of rowing.
• To learn and improve boat skills.
• To build strength and cardio
• To compete in regattas (races) at the end of the season, specifically:
  • Really Chili Regatta (October 21, Lake Banook)
  • Atlantic University Championships (October 28, Lake Banook)

Driving and Carpools:

The Dalhousie Rowing Club trains out of the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club on Lake Banook, in Dartmouth. The club as about 15 minutes from campus via car, so we will do our best to organize carpools for athletes to get to and from the club for practices. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee there will always be a carpool/driver available, so there may be sessions in which athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from practice. DRIVERS WILL BE COMPENSATED

Coaching:

The Novice Program will be coached by Catherine Ozon, Becca Henderson, Mark Sebestik and Hannah Meeson. Many of the Varsity athletes will also be volunteering to help coach the program.

Fees:

Once selected for the team, athletes will be required to pay both team fees and club fees, the breakdown of which is as follows: *Note that information on how to pay these fees will be sent out upon selection to the team

• Team Fees
  • $40 – This will cover the cost of a team gift, equipment usage and repairs, and fundraising.
• Club Fees
  • $216.25 – This will cover facilities, coaching and insurance, and includes the following
    • RowNS & Rowing Canada: $41.25
    • MicMacAAC: $175
• Fees that are not included above and will have to be paid separately are carpool compensation and regatta entry fees.

Visit our Novice Registration (under the “Programs” drop down menu) for more information and how to register.