Ever thought about trying rowing?
There’s an opportunity for everyone to come and try rowing at the Nicomekl Rowing Club’s open house on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
The open house and ‘come try rowing’ event is part of the City of Surrey’s Spring Fest, which takes place at Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House, as the club’s boat house is located near both, in Elgin Heritage Park, 13723 Crescent Rd., Surrey.
Attendees will be able to tour the boat house, try out the club’s ERG (ergometer) rowing machines with help of certified coaches, and take a seat in a rowing scull.
READ ALSO: Nicomekl Rowing Club hosts annual Head of the Nicomekl Regatta on Sept. 23
“This is a wonderful opportunity to dip your toes into the lifelong sport of rowing,” noted Betty McDougall, the rowing club’s membership co-ordinator, in an email. “The benefits of rowing are both physical and mental. The sport offers a thorough physical challenge for all age groups and abilities… rowing works your entire body and offers significant cardio and muscle toning benefits.”
The club, which has been operating since 1996, offering a home to competitive and recreational rowers alike, Mc Dougall said.
“We have regularly scheduled, coached rows for all skill levels throughout the year. Our competitive members participate in regattas throughout British Columbia during the spring and summer months. In the autumn, we host the annual Nicomekl Regatta, drawing crews from across the province.”
McDougall said anyone curious about rowing is invited to come and check it out at the open house.
Describing rowing as a social sport and a community, McDoungall noted the Nicomekl’s five kilometres of sheltered, flat water offers a diverse natural setting for rowers to enjoy, including local wildlife.
“Rowers frequently encounter seals who pop up close by to have a look. In season, there is a wide variety of migratory birds to try and identify; coyotes, deer and otters have been spotted on the shore,” she said.
For more details, visit the Spring Fest page at surrey.ca