Capital Lakes Rowing Club, located at the Kingston Foreshore development at the east end of Lake Burley Griffin, runs a rowing program for people with physical or intellectual impairments. The program allows people with a wide range of ages and impairments to enjoy recreational or competitive rowing in a supportive club environment. CLRC has been working closely with both Rowing ACT and Rowing Australia to help build para-rowing participation in Australia.

Newcomers are first invited to attend a ‘Come-and-Try Day’ to find out what is in involved in para-rowing and what CLRC has to offer. They may then take part in a Learn-to-Row course of one session per week for 5 or 6 weeks. Participants are assigned a personal coach and mentor. Para-rowers are normally accompanied by a coach in a tinny, but all para-rowers must be competent to manage a boat capsize in deep water.

Those who wish to continue then join the Club in either the special para-rower category – entitling them to attend Sunday morning para-rowing sessions and additional sessions as arranged with their personal coach, or as regular Club members. Emphasis is placed on enjoyment and safety.

Parents/guardians and carers are invited to assist practically with para-rowing. They may also wish to become rowers and undertake the Learn-to-Row course and/or get a tinny license so as to assist with coaching.
If you would like to participate in the para-rowing program, please contact Charlie Barton for details.

Para-Rowers Rob Oakley and Mikaela Dingley enjoying Lake Burley Griffin

Help Needed

The coaching is provided by Club members and brings with it a great sense of achievement. If you have coaching experience, or are licensed to drive a tinnie, or if you feel you can assist in other ways, Capital Lakes would greatly appreciate your help.