Adaptive Rowing Program

The sport of rowing is a safe and effective tool in developing the skills of goal setting, teamwork and discipline through a positive and challenging environment. The Island Lake Rowing club is proud and excited to be able to offer an adaptive rowing program to the developmentally disabled students of Orangeville District Secondary School. Through funding received from the Trillium Foundation, we are able to offer a one-to-one mentorship to students in the adaptive program.

This program is based on a 4-6 session Learn to Row format requiring 1 - 1 ½ hours twice a week for 3-4 weeks. Each participant is taught the basics of rowing with an added emphasis on life skills development teaching the values of teamwork and communication while building self-confidence. Coaches for this program are selected for their excellent communication and leadership skills.

The following is a breakdown of the program:

SESSION 1 Getting To Know You – Students will meet the coaches and begin to build their mentor/ student relationship as well as become familiar with the equipment and review safety guidelines for on and off the water.

SESSION 2 Building A Team – With an emphasis on teamwork, coaches will instruct students on the movement of the boat and the rowing stroke. This will be a dock session.

SESSION 3 On The Dock – Students will review the rowing stroke and begin to row with each other and their mentors in synchronization.

SESSION 4, 5, 6 On The Water – Students and mentors will venture out on the water to perfect their rowing skills. All on-water sessions will be dependent on weather. Coaches will make the final decision. The final session will include a celebration of each student’s efforts and achievements.

Note: All on water sessions will have a coachboat in operation with the rowing shell. All students will wear a lifejacket that has been specially designed for rowing.

More information about our Adaptive Rowing Program.