The seasons may have changed, but our passion for rowing hasn’t cooled off! Don’t let the chill keep you away—bundle up and join us on the water or in the boathouse for dryland practice.
Exciting news: our new Head Coach has a plan to keep us moving and improving all season long! Whether you're pulling hard on the water or building strength indoors, there’s plenty in store to keep us fit, fast, and ready for the next season.
Important Dates/Events
Dec 4 - AGM for the Boathouse Society Dec 22 - Masters invite NRC Alumni & Juniors for a Christmas Row Dec 23 - Jan 5 - NRC closed for winter break
Jan 6 - NRC re-opens for 2025
Exciting Leadership Change:
Welcome Head Coach - Matthew Gall
We’re pleased to announce that Matthew Gall has joined our team as the new Head Coach, bringing fresh energy and expertise to our rowing programs. Matthew has a wealth of experience in coaching and a strong commitment to fostering skill development and community at every level.
Matthew has returned from coaching in England and has accepted the position of full time head coach with NRC. Previously, he spent three years as assistant coach at St. Michael's University School and was a board member at NRC from 2018-2021. He has competed at all of the island regattas as a junior as well as CSSRAs, and Canadian Henley Royal Regatta.
Matthew's experience, positive attitude, work ethic, and cooperative team oriented nature will be a great asset to our club!
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge Coach Emiko Abe who recently resigned. We thank her for her contributions to our club and wish her all the best.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Matthew back to NRC!
Notice of Annual General Meeting for the Long Lake Flatwater Training Centre Society
(aka Boathouse Society)
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
7:00 pm
This very short Meeting will be virtual using Zoom or Teams
The Long Lake Flatwater Training Centre Society (LLFTCS) will be having its virtual AGM Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm. As a member of the Nanaimo Rowing Club or Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club you are automatically a member of the LLFTCS.
The Meeting will provide information about the planned rowing and paddling centre facility as well as elections for our board for the next year.
Please send any nominations for the board by December 1st to LLFWTC President Craig Rutherford:
rutherford.cr@gmail.com
Watch for more sign up details and meeting documents coming soon!
2024 Head & Tail of the Gorge - Wrap Up
The HOG/TOG regatta was the perfect way to close out the 2024 rowing season. Our rowers took to the water, showcasing their skills and team spirit
Congratulations to all our rowers!
December Edition of the Boathouse Clean-up:
It started with cleaning the boats from the Head & Tail of the Gorge Regatta and continued on in November with full on cleaning of the boats that were in desperate need of attention.
From NRC Boathouse Manager Kiersten
Next Up:
Meet the new Head Coach Matthew!
Erg maintenance
Powerwash/clean aluminum coach boat
Clean and check rigging on Shawnigan (8+)
Clean and rig Fergus (may take some time)
Quick clean of Dr. Phil and Big Boy (if time allows)
General boathouse/compound tidying (branches, sweeping, etc.)
Assemble slides, seats, and foot stretchers for Dave Parfitt
Goal: Prepare the 8+ boats for the annual alumni row and ensure they’re ready for spring season.
We need at least 8 people at 10 AM to lift boats off and another 8 around 12 PM to put them away. Any time you can spare is appreciated.
Come and meet the new Head Coach & bring snacks -- Halloween treats, early Christmas baking- anything - we're not picky! Clean up last month was awesome and we'll have as much fun as the last one!
—thank you!
Winter Training & Cold Weather Precautions
A reminder to rowers that wind, fog or rain can change an on-water session to a dryland session. All members attending practice should bring the following items – to every practice:
• Running Shoes
• Extra layers of warm, dry clothes
• Headlamps (if possible, for early morning or late afternoon practices)
Coach Note:
Due to the short daylight hours we will not be on the water for all practices for the next few months but will be doing lots of erg, running, and some weight training. This will be really important training to set us up for the spring racing season and for the up coming Kraken Erg Regatta. So it is important to remember to bring good running shoes to all practices and dress for the weather with good layers for running. Also a reminder that morning practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 6am-7-40am are open to all juniors to attend and encouraged to attend. .
We Survived the Bomb Cyclone!
Good news - there is was no damage to the boathouse or any of the boats! Lots of branches down but we are in good shape!
After Sunday's Masters row Nov 17 After the bomb cyclone Nov 20
Alumni & Junior Christmas Row - Sunday, December 22
Calling all past and present rowers!
The Masters are inviting NRC Alumni and current Juniors to join us for a special Christmas Row—the last row of 2024!
For our alumni, whether you rowed at NRC as a Junior or Master, we’d love to see you back on the water. We’re excited to take out our “new-to-us” eight for this festive event!
Stay tuned for more details—and keep an eye out for some throwback photos from last year!
Consider Making a Donation:
The Nanaimo Rowing Club has added several 'new-to-us' rowing shells this year, made possible through generous donations and fundraising efforts. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated to help us further enhance our equipment!
Donations: NRC has an equipment trust fund set up with BC Amateur Sport. All donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. It’s easy to donate online to our project, click here: P202 Nanaimo Rowing Club’s Equipment Acquisition Drive.
Got rowing gear you're no longer using?
Let’s give it a second life!
If you have any gently-used rowing clothing, we’d love to put it to good use. Simply drop it off at the boathouse before or after practice, or shoot us an email to arrange a handoff.
Let’s keep the good vibes—and gear—going!
Masters Dryland Practices Are Underway!
Masters, join us at the boathouse every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM for dynamic dryland sessions! These workouts include erging (or "berging" on our two bike ergs), circuit training, weights, and erg spinning.
The boathouse is looking better than ever, and this is your chance to stay active, build strength, and boost your fitness while winter sets in. Don’t settle into a cozy evening at home until your dryland practice is done—let’s make those gains together!
NRC Wear
To ensure everyone has the items they need for regattas, we will leave the shirts, hats and socks at the boathouse.
**Please have the coach text Karen with your purchases - I will send the e-transfer details to you via email for payment.**
Get NRC clothing:
NRC Headsweats Race Hat - $32
NRC Dry-Fit T-Shirt (short sleeve) - $28
NRC Cotton T-Shirt (short sleeve) - $20
NRC Training Socks (red & black plaid) - $15
Race hats and socks are one-size. Cotton & Dry-Fit T-shirt sizes: Youth L, and Adult: S, M, L,
Sample shirts are available for size at the boathouse.
Spond app – Our tool for messaging and sign-ups for for practices, regatta and other events are done here. Helps us schedule staffing and set practice plans.
Download the app & click this link to find us: https://group.spond.com/WRHAX Note: We must have at least two athletes signed up for a practice to go ahead (Safe Sport - Rule of 2). Use this tool to update attendance to practice – even last-minute changes. Coaches check Spond before each practice.
Rowers can use several apps to check conditions at Long Lake prior to practice. A couple to try are Sailflow and Windy. Heading into fall, know that practice is always on regardless of weather conditions – sometimes it will be dryland.
