Anyone wishing information on joining a rowing group for one outing or on a regular basis should contact the Sooke Classical Boating Society:
Linda 250-216-2042 or email
Dawn 778-686-8644
Our boats have served thousands of participants over the years and are lovingly maintained by volunteers. The boats do require funds for maintenance and we do ask for donations to help with our overhead costs.
Throughout the year our women’s rowing club goes out Monday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Weekend outings will be taking place Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Toward summer, according to demand, we plan to add Thursday evening outings.
Watch the web site for announcements.
How to Become a Member of the SCBS
Simply download and complete the 2-page SCBS membership/waiver form and return to your coxswain.
Click here for the membership/waiver form
Who can row?
The Longboat Program is open to all those who can handle the oars – youth starting from approximately 13 years old and up. Currently, our Monday morning crew consists mainly of women ranging in age from 22 to more mature years. They all handle the oars and sails with relative ease and great skill. If you are in good health and reasonably fit, and would like to experience the west coast in a truly unique way, come down and join us! Note: The Rowers head out on most Mondays, and are deterred only by high winds and excessive rain.
What to expect
The longboats are propelled by 10 heavy but balanced oars, as well as by sails. Newcomers can be quickly and easily incorporated into the boat crew under the direction of the coxswain. Basic oar movement and commands are reviewed at each outing. Once underway, wind conditions permitting, the sails are hoisted and the rowers can rest and enjoy the scenery of the Sooke Basin. Of course, when tacking is required all hands have tasks to perform, again under the direction of the coxswain who is in charge of the boat and responsible for the safety of its crew. You should dress for the weather (layers, waterproof outerwear) keeping in mind that it is always cooler on the water. Lifejackets are mandatory and are supplied for all participants.
Location
Please show up a minimum of 15 minutes before the outing to sign in, put on life jackets and help prepare the boat. The location is Jenkins Marine at 2019 Kaltasin Road in Sooke. Turn across from Saseenos Elementary School. The entrance to the ship yard is at the bottom of the hill on the left. Please park on the side of the road, as there is not much parking in the ship yard.
Map
