Maple Bay Rowing Club Celebrates 50 Years of Rowing and Community

Maple Bay Rowing Club Celebrates 50 Years of Rowing and Community

This year marks a golden milestone for the Maple Bay Rowing Club, which is proudly celebrating 50 years of rowing, community spirit, and lasting friendships. Since its humble beginnings in 1975, the Club has grown into a vibrant hub for both competitive and recreational rowing, nurturing athletes of all ages and building deep ties in the Cowichan Valley.

To mark this milestone, the Club is inviting former rowers—and anyone curious about the sport—to a special “Come Try Rowing” event on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Whether you haven’t touched an oar in decades or simply want to experience the thrill of rowing for the first time, this is your chance to get back in a boat. The celebration will include a BBQ, historical displays, and presentations highlighting the Club’s remarkable journey.

A Look Back at 50 Years on the Water

The Club’s story began in 1975 when Mike Weld, Peter Phillips, and Andy Hutchins envisioned a new life for the old Maple Bay Yacht Club building. With help from the Municipality and a symbolic $1-a-year lease, the Maple Bay Rowing Club was born. That first year saw 283 members join, with Gudy Gudmundseth as the first President and Chris Clark officially becoming the Club’s first member.

The early days were filled with volunteer spirit and elbow grease. Members built racks, installed fencing, and even welded their own BBQ spit. The Club was as much a community gathering place as it was a rowing center, hosting everything from aerobics and yoga to Girl Guides meetings and memorable social events.

In 1976, the Club held its first sanctioned regatta at Art Mann Park, and by the end of the decade, it was hosting the BC Championships. One unforgettable highlight came when a 16-year-old girls’ crew shocked the rowing world by defeating the University of Washington women’s team by five boat lengths in Seattle’s Green Lake regatta.

Over the years, the Club shifted focus toward youth development. With support from local educators, school rowing programs flourished. This youth-first philosophy remains central today, with the annual Maple Bay Regatta now dedicated entirely to junior athletes.

The Club has also championed adult rowing through its Masters program, offering a fun and competitive outlet for rowers of all ages, with many members competing at World Masters events.

A Legacy of Leadership and Success

From its first female president Anne McGeachy in 1980 to a long list of women who followed in her footsteps, the Club has been shaped by strong, inclusive leadership. It has also produced standout athletes, including Michael Braithwaite and James Dunaway—both of whom represented Canada on the world stage—and more recently, Agata Minka, who competed at the 2024 Junior World Championships and CanAmMex regatta.

Join the Celebration

As we celebrate five decades of dedication, growth, and camaraderie, Maple Bay Rowing Club invites the entire community to share in this moment. Whether you’re a past member, future athlete, or long-time supporter, come experience the spirit of rowing that’s been pulling strong since 1975.

Come Try Rowing • Saturday, June 21, 2025 • 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
BBQ • Historical Display • Presentations

This story was submitted by the Maple Bay Rowing Club. Have a story you want to share? Reach out to us.