The Nanaimo Rowing Club is welcoming the public for the national Come and Try Rowing Day on Saturday, June 7, at Long Lake. The club also recently hosted their Nanaimo Sprints regatta on the May long weekend. (Nanaimo Rowing Club)

By Dan Marshall

On the Water

Nanaimo Rowing Club invites the community to try paddling on Long Lake

Jun 4, 2025 | 1:58 PM

NANAIMO — Clubs across the country, including Nanaimo, are celebrating National Come and Try Rowing Day on Saturday, June 7.

Anyone interested in rowing can come to a free session at Long Lake.

Nanaimo Rowing Club secretary Kiersten Mort said no experience is required.

“June is the perfect month to discover rowing, so we’re excited to be part of this national initiative to get more people on the water. We invite you to give rowing a go for free, and in addition, we’re hosting three more free sessions in June to give everyone a chance to get involved.”

Discover rowing sessions are presented through ParticipACTION, with additional sessions taking place on June 13, 20 and 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Loudon Park side of Long Lake.

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The Nanaimo Rowing Club (NRC) is coming off a successful Nanaimo Sprints competition on May 24.

Clubs from across the island and Lower Mainland took part in one, two and four-person boat races on a 1000-metre spring course.

There were over 220 boats in the regatta, with participants ranging from 13 years old to 70+.

Many of the athletes were first-time racers.

Out of the 21 entries from Nanaimo, there were five first-place finishes, as well as a second-place finish and another local who came in third.

NRC competitors won in U19 men’s and women’s singles, U19 mixed doubles, masters women’s singles and masters mixed doubles categories.

Mort said it was a tremendous effort from the racers and the many volunteers.

“Rowers and community members came together to set up, run and clean up the event. Volunteers set a race course, provided food, safety and first aid coverage. They loaned boats and equipment and supported athletes throughout the day. The Nanaimo Rowing Club wants to say a big thank you to everyone that volunteered, coached, competed and cheered on the rowers.”

As the spring and summer season continues, the club is offering youth and adult ‘learn to row’ camps.

Information about the camps is available on the Nanaimo Rowing Club website.

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