Junior Development Initiatives continue to grow across BC 

Junior Development Initiatives continue to grow across BC

This past weekend was an eventful one for BC Junior Development athletes, with two exciting initiatives simultaneously taking place. 

At the UBC Boathouse, some of the top U19 Men’s rowers participated in a mini-camp led by Marc Addison from Vancouver College. This event, supported by St. George’s and Thunder Crew in Vancouver, focused on refining boat combinations for a potential lineup to race against the top university crews at the Elk Lake Spring Regatta this weekend. Two boys’ 8+ boats worked side by side, rotating rowers to find the best possible crew combination. The athletes participated in four competitive sessions, including a 6x1000m rowing session with Thunder and Saints athletes, providing a great opportunity for collaboration and camaraderie.

This initiative is a continuation of Rowing BC’s Junior Camp activities and builds upon the successful work done last year. U19 athletes have been encouraged to form project crews with the goal of progressing to the Rowing Canada National Junior Team Trials and Selection. We’re excited to see how the crews perform in Victoria this weekend as we continue to develop this talented group for future National Team opportunities. Athletes from seven different programs participated: Brentwood, Claremont, Shawnigan Lake, St. George’s, Thunder, Vancouver College, and Victoria City Rowing Club.

Meanwhile, Shawnigan Lake School and Head Coach Jenn Parfitt hosted a large group of U17 athletes from five programs: Brentwood, Claremont, Maple Bay, Shawnigan Lake, and Victoria City Rowing Club. On Sunday morning, the group came together for an exciting mixed rowing session in four 8+ boats, three 4x’s, and a 4-. After the session, athletes and coaches were treated to the famous SLS Sunday Brunch, followed by a technical presentation by Rowing BC’s Director of Performance, Terry Paul. The Rowing Canada technical model was shared, and athletes were challenged to complete advanced drills during the second session. The crews were guided by a team of enthusiastic coaches, including Greg Sedun (Claremont), Steven Randall (Victoria City Rowing Club), Julie Platt (Shawnigan), Jenn Parfitt (Shawnigan), Travis Gronsdahle (Shawnigan), Seth Moyer (Brentwood), and Terry Paul (Rowing BC).

A special thank you to the coaches from Vancouver College and Shawnigan Lake for organizing these valuable opportunities. This kind of passionate collaboration shows our athletes that there is always a higher standard of rowing to aspire to. Witnessing such high-level rowing in an “all-star” crew is truly inspiring, motivating both athletes and coaches to strive for better technique and greater boat speed.

The next opportunity for U19 Performance Athletes to train together will be Rowing BC’s Performance Camp at Elk Lake March 20-23. Interested athletes are invited to complete the application form HERE (deadline = February 28th).