How do I get involved?
Throughout the year our women's rowing club goes out Monday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Weekend outings will be taking place Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Toward summer, according to demand, we plan to add Thursday evening outings. Watch the web site for announcements. Please show up a minimum of 15 minutes before the outing to sign in, put on life jackets and help prepare the boat. The location is Sooke Marine Industries on Kaltasin Road. Turn left across from Saseenos Elementary School. The entrance to the ship yard is at the bottom of the hill on the left. Please park on the side of the road, as there is not much parking in the ship yard. Anyone wishing information on joining a rowing group for one outing or on a regular basis should contact the Edward Milne Community School Program Office at 642-6371. Our boats have served thousands of participants over the years and are lovingly maintained by volunteers. The boats do require funds for maintenance. Our suggested donation for a regularly-scheduled two-hour outing is $5 per person.
Who can row?
The maritime program is open to all those who can handle the oars - youth starting from approximately 13 years old and up. Currently, our Monday morning crew consists mainly of women ranging in age from 22 to more mature years. They all handle the oars and sails with relative ease and great skill. If you are in good health and reasonably fit, and would like to experience the west coast in a truly unique way, come down and join us! Note: The Rowers head out on most Mondays, and are deterred only by high winds and excessive rain.
What to expect
The longboats are propelled by 10 heavy but balanced oars, as well as by sails. Newcomers can be quickly and easily incorporated into the boat crew under the direction of the coxswain. Basic oar movement and commands are reviewed at each outing. Once underway, wind conditions permitting, the sails are hoisted and the rowers can rest and enjoy the scenery of the Sooke Basin. Of course, when tacking is required all hands have tasks to perform, again under the direction of the coxswain who is in charge of the boat and responsible for the safety of its crew. You should dress for the weather (layers, waterproof outerwear) keeping in mind that it is always cooler on the water. Lifejackets are mandatory and are supplied for all participants.
Maritime Training
Our regular outings are great for fun, socializing, exercise, and pleasure. Those of you who are also interested in learning about sailing can work toward certification with the longboats. The first step is the "Competent Crew" certificate. This involves orientation on the boats, learning parts of the boat, safety, sailing, basic knots, anchoring and person overboard drills, crew seamanship, weather, tides, safety equipment, Canadian buoyage system, oar commands. The more advanced level is "Harbour Coxswain" certification, which prepares participants to lead a crew. Extra skills include interpreting tide tables and charts, knowledge of rules of the road, and leadership skills to manage a crew on the boats. Those wishing to undertake this training can do so during regular outings. Interested? Contact us and we can tell you how to get started.