Dedication to Judy Gilligan
Your First Longboat Row
Come out for your first row and see if you like it... or love it!
No previous rowing or boating experience is required. Newcomers can be quickly and easily incorporated into the boat under the direction of the coxswain. New rowers will learn about safety essentials, basic oar movements and commands.
We row all year around unless deterred by heavy winds or rain. Watch the website for announcements about the status of the next outing.
Currently we have a Sunday and Monday morning outing at 9:00 am.
On Mondays, sometimes we take sails out in one of the two boats for those interested in sailing.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
Who can row?
Anyone who is:
- Reasonably fit
- In general, good health
- Age 13 or over
No previous rowing or boating experience is required. Newcomers can be quickly and easily incorporated into the boat under the direction of the coxswain. New rowers will learn about safety essentials, basic oar movements and commands.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
What to expect
Our two longboats are docked at Jenkins marine in Sooke.B.C. Each boat has the capacity to hold 10 rowers. Experienced coxswains provide direction to the rowers and our responsible for the safety of the crew. Basic commands and oar movement instructions are covered at each outing. Depending on the crew make up and weather permitting, sails can also be hoisted on one of the boats.
Each row is approximately 2-hour s in length – from 9 am to 11 am, Sundays and Mondays. Breaks are included in each row.
Rowers should come prepared by dressing for the weather, keeping in mind that it is often cooler on the water. Dressing I layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves and hats are recommended.
Life jackets are mandatory and are supplied for all participants.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
Your Next Step
Simply download and complete the 2-page SCBS membership/waiver form and submit it to the coxswain on arrival.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
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.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
What does it cost?
Currently the annual membership is $40. Each outing costs $20.
If you decide to join us for more rows, then (in your first year only) the first two outing fees go towards covering your annual membership fee. More about becoming a member
Our boats have served thousands of participants over the years and are maintained by volunteers and the marina. The boats do require funds for maintenance so contributions to the Society are always welcome.
Dedication to Judy Gilligan
Come row with us!
If you would like to experience the west coast in a truly unique way, come out and join us for a row.
Please email us or call to let us know if you are interested.
Get in Touch!
Row with us
We look forward to welcoming you to your first row on our longboats! Click below to learn how.
Membership
If you'd like to join our crew for a year or even join our society, please click below for more information.
Group Outings
The Sooke Classical Boating Society welcomes bookings for eligible groups.
Any other questions? Just email us.
We thank the District of Sooke for their support.
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We strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members and visitors to the longboats, recognizing the diverse identities of persons and the rights of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, class, age, or national origin.
We respectfully acknowledge that we enjoy our activities on the unceded traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke First Nation of the Coast Salish peoples. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize their stewardship throughout history and into the future.