Programs
Pulling Together: Shawnigan and Rowing Canada
Shawnigan’s long-standing relationship with Rowing Canada Aviron is paying dividends for both organizations on and off the water.
National team rowers regularly train out of the Shawnigan boathouse, where our student athletes get to work and learn alongside the best rowers in Canada. Those national team rowers can often be seen in Duke’s Café after their morning sessions, sipping coffee alongside Shawnigan students. Rowers also take part in workout sessions in the mezzanine, where they get exposure to high-end physical training.
While students were away last November Break, Shawnigan and Rowing Canada furnished part of the Sportsplex with equipment for national team members and School athletes. The room gives all Shawnigan athletes access to the fitness equipment, which includes high-end gear for rowing training, such as rowing ergs and specialized bikes. The equipment is owned by Rowing Canada, and the space is owned by Shawnigan, and athletes from both organizations have access. During academic hours, Rowing Canada has priority, but after academic hours, or on weekends and holidays, it’s Shawnigan’s to use, with proper supervision.
It isn’t just the athletes who benefit from Shawnigan’s affiliation with Rowing Canada.
There are advantages for the Shawnigan coaches, as well.
“I get to pick the brains of their strength and training people, and go out in (coach) boats and get advice,” explains Shawnigan Head of Rowing Mrs. Jen Parfitt. “A lot of informal things just happen because they’re there and we’re there; their athletes speak to students about health and wellness, career paths, and challenges that they’ve faced.”
The partnership between Shawnigan and Rowing Canada dates back decades, but was formalized in 2019 when the School and the national organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU was renewed in 2022, then again last week when Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont and Rowing Canada CEO Jeff Powell put pen to paper, ensuring the partnership will last until at least fall 2028.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
