Program Pathways
At ONEC, it’s our mission to inspire and support everyone on their rowing journey. That’s why we provide a wide array of programs for people of all ages and experience, with a clear set of pathways for beginner to advanced rowers.
We take pride in the fact that all of our programs are coached by Rowing Canada certified instructors, so everyone has the opportunity to receive feedback and progress in their own unique way.
The below rowing pathway is for programming on offer for ages 18 - 80 plus. We also offer a recreational rowing program for youth aged 11 - 17. Visit our ONEC Rowing Camps page for more details.
Learn
To Row
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This is where you begin your rowing journey at ONEC if you are brand new to rowing.
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You'll learn sculling (rowing with two oars)
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15 hours of classes
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All instructors are Rowing Canada Certified Learn to Row Coaches
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Your program fees include year one membership so you can row with us all season
Return
To Row
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You already have experience with sculling (rowing with two oars). If you haven't rowed in 2 years or more, we recommend taking Learn to Row.​
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6.5 hours of classes
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Club Orientation and on-water coached sessions
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All instructors are Rowing Canada Certified Learn to Row Coaches
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Your program fees include year one membership so you can row with us all season​​
Depending on skill level, you may be able to by-pass the minimum one year rowing experience requirements for more advanced programming.
​Independent
Rowing
Once you've graduated from our Learn to Row program, you will have the skills necessary to venture off along the Ottawa River when it suits your schedule in one of our stable boats.
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For new rowers, we recommend you have a rowing buddy (never go out alone). ​This is a great option for those with busy schedules that may not have the ability to commit to more structured programming.
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You'll be given access to our boat reservation system so you can book a boat when it suits your schedule.
​Group
Rowing
An accessible and friendly program for those who are looking for a social (crew) rowing experience in our stable boats.
Meet some of our more experienced members who will help you join a crew boat. The primary focus of this program is Quad rowing (rowing in a boat with four rowers and a coxwain.
This program is a great way to connect with rowers who enjoy Tour rowing.
Coached
Skills & Drills
New for 2025.
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Coached by Rowing Canada Certified Coaches.
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Continue to consolidate your rowing skills acquired during your Learn to Row program.
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There is no additional fee!
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A great way to stay connected with your new rowing community while gaining confidence to master your new sport and continue to improve fitness in our learn to row boats.
Learn to Row Graduate
(your first year of rowing)
One Year of Experience
plus group rowing experience
One Year of Experience
plus coached skills & drills
Tour
Rowing
Tour rowing, or row touring, is an adventure-focused form of rowing that involves exploring unfamiliar waterways and landscapes, generally in touring boats, rather than racing on a marked course.
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Touring in rowing shells is rapidly increasing in popularity in Europe and North America. It’s a wonderful way to benefit from physical exercise, take in beautiful scenery, and enjoy the company of friends. And ONEC members are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic waterways
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Coached
Distance Program
The main objective of our distance rowing program is to train throughtout the season in preparation for the Canadian Sculling Marathon - Canada's premier distance rowing event offering both 1/2 and full marathon distances that takes place every year at the end of August.
Practices start at the end of May and will be roughly 1.5 hours including: dynamic dryland warm-up, coached row and debrief with stretching.
Coached
Masters Program
A fun way to connect with other ONEC rowers who are interested in venturing off to some of Ontario's great distance regattas, or maybe you're looking for some coaching in your pursuit of the perfect rowing stroke.
Either way, we'd love to have you come join us for our structured coached workouts. The ONEC Masters program is open to everyone and all boat types are welcome. Workouts will be roughly 1.5 hours on Tues and Thurs am at 06:00.
Learn to Row
Racing Shells
The benefits of rowing racing shells are numerous, most importantly they greatly improve our balance and because of their light weight, they impart less wear and tear on our joints.
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Small class sizes
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Rowing Canada certified instructors
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3 classes of 1.5 hours each
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Mentorship doubles program included
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Evaluation, with access to racing shells upon successful completion.​
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