Slide down to Quidi Vidi and give rowing a try
St. John’s Rowing Club holding come-and-try-it event Sunday morning
Quidi Vidi Lake is famous for the annual Royal St. John’s Regatta, but that’s not the only rowing on the centre-of-the-city pond.
It’s also home to the slidingseaters of the St. John’s Rowing Club (SJRC), who are inviting the public to give their sport a go.
On Sunday, SJRC is holding a free come-and-try-it event where you can check out slideseat rowing.
It’s happening early, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. The reason is because slide-seat boats are narrow and tippy, so it’s hard to learn in the windy conditions, which usually kick up over the morning. Therefore, it’s best to come early.
Those interested are asked to show up at the back of the Quidi Vidi Boathouse, where the club is based. There are no fees and no registration, although participants will need to sign a waiver on arrival. From there, coaches will determine who’s going out in which boats and get things organized.
Ordinary athletic clothes are fine to wear, but it’s best not to wear a big baggy T-shirt as it could get caught in things. Sunscreen is good, but shoes don’t matter because they’ll be left on the dock.
Shells can flip, although it doesn’t happen often. And if it does, coaches will be there to fish you out and help you into the launch. However, the club advises if you aren’t comfortable swimming, this isn’t an event for you.
If it’s too windy, the event won’t go ahead. In that case, SJRC would look to reschedule for the following Sunday. Check for an update Sunday morning on the club’s website (sjrc.ca).
If you attend and end up wanting more, the club has a range of programs for rowers of different ages and levels of experience. Adult novices and fixed seat rowers can join adult rec program; half-season memberships begin after the Regatta and drop-ins are possible.
SJRC also welcomes fixedseat teams that would like to stay together for more of the summer, although there are no six-seat sliding-seat boats.
Young novices can join the SJRC learn-to-row program, which runs weekday mornings (9-12 a.m.) during the summer.
More info can be found on the program page on the club website.