2025 ROWING PROGRAMS
VRDBC operates the largest rowing program in the Interior of BC. Novice, recreational and competitive programs are offered for all ages and abilities.
At VRDBC, we’re proud to offer inclusive and supportive programming for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. From learn-to-row sessions for beginners to recreational and competitive crews, our club provides a pathway to enjoy rowing for fitness, friendship, or high-level racing.
Our experienced coaches and volunteers are passionate about building skills and community, with a focus on safety, teamwork, and personal growth. We row on one of the most stunning settings in the Okanagan, Swan Lake and our fleet includes singles, doubles, quads, and eights – with equipment suited for both youth and adults.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, return to the water, or train for regattas, we invite you to discover the joy of rowing at VRDBC.
At VRDBC, we’re proud to offer inclusive and supportive programming for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. From learn-to-row sessions for beginners to recreational and competitive crews, our club provides a pathway to enjoy rowing for fitness, friendship, or high-level racing.
Our experienced coaches and volunteers are passionate about building skills and community, with a focus on safety, teamwork, and personal growth. We row on one of the most stunning settings in the Okanagan, Swan Lake and our fleet includes singles, doubles, quads, and eights – with equipment suited for both youth and adults.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, return to the water, or train for regattas, we invite you to discover the joy of rowing at VRDBC.
Club Programs Start - May 1st
Rowing Schedule
Tuesday > Novice Rowing 3:30-5:00pm, General Club Row 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday > General Club Row 6:00-7:30am, General Club Row 8:30-10:00am
Thursday > Novice Rowing 3:30-5:00pm, General Club Row 5:30-7:00pm
Friday > General Club Row 6:00-7:30am, General Club Row 8:30-10:00am
Saturday > General Club Row 7:00-8:30am, General Club Row 9:00-10:30am
Tuesday > Novice Rowing 3:30-5:00pm, General Club Row 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday > General Club Row 6:00-7:30am, General Club Row 8:30-10:00am
Thursday > Novice Rowing 3:30-5:00pm, General Club Row 5:30-7:00pm
Friday > General Club Row 6:00-7:30am, General Club Row 8:30-10:00am
Saturday > General Club Row 7:00-8:30am, General Club Row 9:00-10:30am
Please follow Steps 1, 2 and 3 to register for the 2025 season!
E-transfers can also be made instead of using the online store to complete step 2 of the registration process.
E-transfers can be made at [email protected], please include the program you are registering for in the message field, as well as 5% of GST tax to the program you are registering for. Prices shown below. |
New to Rowing? Things you need to know...
Our Learn to Row course is the perfect introduction to the sport for total beginners — whether you're looking to try something new, spend time on the lake with your teen, or see if rowing is the right fit before committing to a full season.
How It Works:
Program Details:
Learn to Row - ALL NEW PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE A LEARN TO ROW
Our Learn to Row programs are perfect for beginners aged 12+ who want to try rowing for the first time. You'll learn basic technique, safety, boat handling, and crew communication in a supportive environment.
How It Works:
- One Introductory Saturday Session (land + water components)
- Two Supplemental Evening Sessions (Tuesday & Thursday Novice Sessions - water components)
- All equipment provided
- Supportive group environment with experienced coaches
Program Details:
- Held every second Saturday, starting in May through mid-August. Depending on Club Saturday Programming.
- Small group size: Up to 6 participants per session
- Great option for parent-child duos to learn together
- $171.40 + taxes.
- We recommend registering early if you’re considering upgrading to a full season pass — you’ll get more value and time on the water!
Learn to Row - ALL NEW PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE A LEARN TO ROW
Our Learn to Row programs are perfect for beginners aged 12+ who want to try rowing for the first time. You'll learn basic technique, safety, boat handling, and crew communication in a supportive environment.
- No experience required
- Small group sessions
- Complete course in one day, hone your skills with two additional days on the water following your course
- All equipment provided
- Led by certified coaches
- Season upgrades to novice sessions for transitioning beginners
Youth Rowing (Ages 12–18)
Our junior program is a great way for youth to build fitness, confidence, and teamwork skills. Open to middle and high school students looking to try something new or train for competition.
Our junior program is a great way for youth to build fitness, confidence, and teamwork skills. Open to middle and high school students looking to try something new or train for competition.
- Practices available 5 times per week
- Opportunities to attend regattas locally and regionally
- Emphasis on fun, development, and team spirit
- All equipment provided
- Led by certified coaches
- Novice sessions for transitioning beginners
Recreational & General Club Rowing
For those who have completed Learn to Row or have previous experience, our recreational program provides flexible training times in both sculling and sweep rowing formats.
For those who have completed Learn to Row or have previous experience, our recreational program provides flexible training times in both sculling and sweep rowing formats.
- Practices available 5 times per week
- Ideal for fitness, fun, and friendships
- Morning and evening row times
- Open to adults of all ages
- All equipment provided
- Led by certified coaches
- Opportunities to for fun regattas locally and regionally
- Novice sessions for transitioning beginners
Para Rowing
Our Para Rowing program is designed for individuals 12+ age with physical or cognitive disabilities who want to experience the freedom and benefits of rowing. With adaptive equipment, accessible docks, and trained coaches, we provide a safe and inclusive environment tailored to your needs and goals.
Our Para Rowing program is designed for individuals 12+ age with physical or cognitive disabilities who want to experience the freedom and benefits of rowing. With adaptive equipment, accessible docks, and trained coaches, we provide a safe and inclusive environment tailored to your needs and goals.
- No experience required
- Individualized adaptations and coaching
- Para-specific equipment provided
- Accessible facilities and docks
- Train for fitness, recreation, or competition
Volunteer With Us
We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities to support coaching, events, and club operations. It's a great way to give back and connect with our community. VRDBC is working to establish volunteer positions for several key committees to help support club activities and events. We are looking for as many volunteers as possible and need one person to champion each committee. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to [email protected] or sign up here. Your support is vital in making these initiatives a success, and we appreciate any time
you can contribute!
you can contribute!
Volunteer Committees
- Club Days Committee – Assists in planning and organizing social events like BBQs, open house days, and fun paddling sessions.
- Events Committees – Supports the organization of rowing and dragon boat events, including logistics and coordination with external teams.
- Community Committee – Oversees participation in local community events and outreach activities to promote the club.
- Beginner Program Committees – Helps with "Learn to Row" and beginner dragon boat programs, including onboarding and mentorship.