Getting Started

There are six people in a boat for fixed-seat rowing. Along with the Coxswain, Number six (or the stroke) sets the pace. The even numbers are the stroke side and odd numbers are the bow side. Generally, your Coxswain will determine the position number, unless you have had previous experience and preference.

Once you have collected six people, you are ready for the next step.

This step is very important as you cannot get into a shell without a trained Coxswain. The best way to find a Coxswain is ask around the dock to see if anyone knows of anyone available, check out our online bulletin board or check the bulletin board at the Boathouse.

You could also check with our Technical Director, they may be able to lead you in the right direction.

You now have enough people to row your shell and someone to steer it. Next you will need to determine what age category your team falls under. This is very important in determining the fee amount, which will arm you with better knowledge when approaching a potential team sponsor.

U14

Any oars person between the age of 10 and 13 as of December 31 of the year of the regatta. U14 row a modified course and must wear approved flotation devices at all times. Rowing during sanctioned events may be impacted by weather and is at the discretion of the Captain of the Course. Take the age of the rower on December 31 of the year of the regatta. If that person is 10, 11 or 12 they may only row U14. If they are 13 they may row U14 or U16 but only one age category in any regatta. For a rower age 14 on December 31 they must row U16 or potentially U18.

U16

Any oars person under the age of 16 as of December 31 this year.

U18

Any oars person under the age of 18 as of December 31 this year.

U21

Any oars person under the age of 21 as of December 31 this year.

Senior

All registered oars persons who are not rowing as U14, U16, U18, U21 or Masters.

Masters (Women’s)

An oars person who shall be 41 years of age as of December 31 this year.

Masters (Men’s)

Any oars person who shall be 46 years of age as of December 31 this year.

*Coxswain must be 19 years of age as of December 31 of this year. Minimum age of any oars person is 10 years, as of December 31 this year.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee charges a very low fee for Rowers to train at Quidi Vidi Lake the entire summer and participate in the Royal St. John’s Regatta and June Race Day Regatta as such, some teams do not have a sponsor and opt to pay the registration fees themselves. However, many teams do find a team sponsor.

Be sure to include information pertinent to a sponsor such as, where their money is going and what they will get in return. Don’t forget, it is not just the fees for which you are seeking financial assistance, it’s also potentially team uniforms etc.

Check out our sample sponsorship letter which details exactly what the sponsor will receive in place of their sponsorship. Feel free to modify the areas highlighted in yellow and use this letter when approaching your potential sponsors.

The final step in establishing a team is registration! You also have the option to participate in the Placentia Regatta, the Harbour Grace Regatta  and the Corner Brook Regatta. Most teams who train at our facility participate in all three Regattas on the Avalon and some participate in Corner Brook. These fees are separate from the Royal St. John’s Regatta fees and participation is highly encouraged but not required.

Are you or your child interested in learning to do what Newfoundlanders do best? The Royal St. John’s Regatta will match you or your child with a team of people your age who share the same goal of learning to row while having fun! Or, you also have the opportunity to put together a team yourself.

A designated coxswain/coach will be there to aid you and your team and give you the chance to become a rower this summer! Teams can select 60 minute slots that fit their schedule, frequency is dependent on interest.

To Register at anytime, even after July 14, or to inquire more information, please email [email protected]

Located in the Boathouse on Quidi Vidi Lake, the St. John’s Rowing Club is the only sliding seat rowing club in Newfoundland. The club offers many learn-to-row programs, geared towards all ages and experiences, offers high school and college programs, and also acts as the main training facility for the Newfoundland Rowing Team. With certified coaches and well planned programs the club can meet all of your rowing needs. Please visit their website or contact them via phone at 576-0082 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved in slide-seat rowing.