The Kitchener Waterloo Rowing Club is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides the sport of rowing to the Region of Waterloo.  We are located on the Grand River across from Freeport Hospital. The club is affiliated with the City of Kitchener (Community Services), the City of Waterloo, RowOntario and Rowing Canada Aviron. Come join us on the Grand River to experience this wonderful sport!    

Our Regional Coach

Walter Martindale has been coaching at the Kitchener Waterloo Rowing Club and at the Cambridge Rowing Club since March 2011.  Walter started rowing at the University of British Columbia while completing his Masters of Physical Education degree, with studies focusing primarily on biomechanics and exercise physiology. 

In 2001, he completed the requirements for his full Level 4 NCCP certification with Rowing Canada.  Walter has coached in all four western Canadian provinces, at four Canada Summer Games and two Western Canada Summer Games.  In the late 1990s, Walter was a master/mentor coach in southern New Zealand and worked as a Coach Development Manager for Rowing New Zealand.  He is also a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) with Coaches of Canada.

We are thrilled to have Walter with us as he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with rowers of all abilities! 

What is Rowing?

A long thin boat known as a shell is used in rowing. The rower leans forward to begin the stroke and pulls the oar back to his/her body.  At the same time, the seat slides forwards and backwards.  There are two basic types of rowing: sculling and sweep.  In sculling, the rower uses two oars, whereas in sweep, only one oar is used.  A sweep oar is longer than a sculling oar.  Rowing is a low impact sport which emphasizes aerobic conditioning and flexibility.  Rowing is a fun sport for all ages.    

The Different Types of Shells

There are seven different types of shells common to rowing in Ontario:

• An Eight is a boat which has eight rowers, each with one oar, and a coxswain* to steer the boat and call commands.
• A Straight Four has four rowers each using one oar. The steering is generally done by the bow person using their foot.
• A Coxed Four has four rowers each with one oar, and a coxswain* to steer the boat and call commands.
• A Pair has two rowers, each using one oar. The bow person is generally the one who steers with their foot.
• A Quad has four rowers, each with two oars. The boat is generally steered by the bow person.
• A Double has two rowers, each with two oars. The boat is steered by the bow person.
• A Single has only one rower with two oars.
• Boats that use two oars per rower are known as sculling boats, while boats that use one oar per rower are known as sweep boats.

*Coxswain: member of the crew who sits stationary at the stern of the boat facing forward. The coxswain’s main job is to steer the shell, and also to help the coach and motivate the crew. Also known as a ‘coxie’, he/ she is selected for small size and savvy. Coxswains NEVER yell “Stroke!” 

The Kitchener Waterloo Rowing Club has several different types of shells and we are always looking to expand our selection of shells. Indoor stationary ergometer training can be done at the club from spring until fall; rowers can continue to work on their physical fitness and strength at other sports facilities throughout the winter months.