Yellowknife’s Somba K’e Paddling Club is offering a chance to try rowing for free later this month as it prepares to become a full member of Rowing Canada.
Head rowing coach Lauren Hogan says the club, which has been going through a probationary period, expects to receive its full membership soon.
“We’ll be the farthest north rowing club in Canada some time at the end of May,” Hogan told Cabin Radio.
A grant from Rowing Canada is helping the club to offer a Come-Try-Rowing Day from 11am till 3pm on Saturday, May 25 at Fred Henne Territorial Park’s boat launch.
No experience is needed, there’ll be a community barbecue and you’ll see a boat-naming ceremony for some of the club’s newest boats, known as shells.
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“We’ve got some equipment to help make sure your boat is stable. We’ll have coaches and experienced athletes around. It’s an accessible opportunity for people to come learn,” Hogan said.
You don’t need to bring much with you to try rowing.
“You need to be willing to get a little bit wet, so I’d recommend wearing shorts and preferably clothes that aren’t too baggy. Any kind of athletic clothes are definitely the right way to go,” said Hogan.
If you’re under the age of 19, a guardian will need to sign a waiver to allow you to take part. There’s more information on the club’s Facebook page.
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Somba K’e Paddling Club has been a canoeing club for more than 20 years. Hogan, who began rowing in Victoria as a teenager, says this is the club’s fourth year doubling as a rowing hub.
“I’m really proud of the program that we’ve built. We’ve trained a lot of new athletes,” she said.
“We’re always thinking about how to make this sport bigger and more accessible – and we appreciate that we get to spend some time outside with people that we like, doing the thing we love.”
