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Varsity Rowing

2026/07 Fall Varsity Information

Welcome to the Ontech Rowing Team selection process! We are looking forward to another successful year full of determined and dedicated athletes who strive for success both on and off the water. This document will outline the selection and training criterion as well as the expectations of athletes wishing to join the Varsity/Junior Varsity rowing team.  In order to have success on the water in the fall, a commitment to training needs to happen throughout the year.  Are you up for the challenge?
 
Important Notes: 
  1. Team communication will mainly be through Whatsapp and email.
  2. Whatsapp chat link:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQsjkPxLjH36xlRH3sWzLd
  3. The yearly Training Plan is available in the OntarioTech Training documents on Drive;
  4. Weekly required erg submissions during winter training are to be sent to the Head Coach Jenn Durward via Whatsapp or email. See selection requirements below for further information on erg submissions. 
 
NOVICES: If you are planning on trying out for Fall 2026, you are required to register and complete the new athlete registration, and have the medical questionnaire completed after April 1, 2026 (not before). This is so that come the fall you will be considered a returning athlete and will not be held up by the physical.  This will allow you the time to visit your family doctor.
 
It is strongly recommended that you row competitively during the summer with your local club. We understand this may not be possible for some athletes with regards to school and work schedules. Please talk to your respective coach for alternative options for training. 
 
Those who make Varsity standards will be guaranteed a place in crew on-water selection.
 
Those who do not make Varsity standards, will have on-water technical efficiency and winter erg submissions considered, and may be invited into the on-water crew selection.
*Athletes who do not make the minimum JV standard may not be invited back to train with the team after training camp.
 
Selection Requirements
 
Step One: Initial Application
  • Must be a full-time registered student at Ontario Tech University that is academically eligible to compete. The University’s student-athlete policies are applied.
  • Must be able to pass a medical exam prior to training camp to ensure physical capability in performing intensive training and competition. 
  • Complete athlete registration and medical questionnaire.
  • Must be able to fully attend training camp. 
  • Athletes must read and sign a team athlete agreement document created by the coaches in collaboration with athletics addressing proper sportsmanship, positive behaviour, accountability and teamwork prior to the start of training camp. If this document is breached at any point during the season due to poor behaviour, athletes will be asked to leave the team.
 
Step Two: Fitness Testing and Erg Training
Must meet minimum varsity 2K erg standards to be considered for the varsity team. You will have two opportunities to hit standard during training camp.
Must meet minimum JV 2k erg standards to be considered for the JV team. You will also be given two opportunities to hit standard during training camp. Please see all standards for men and women in the chart below

 

 
Category Standard for 2000m
Heavyweight Men 6:40
Lightweight Men 6:50
Junior Varsity Men 7:05
Heavyweight Women 7:40
Lightweight Women 7:50
Junior Varsity  Women 8:05
 
Step Three: Technical Skill Evaluation 
  •  Athletes will participate in on-water rowing selections, where they will be evaluated on their rowing technique, boat handling, and ability to work in a team environment.
  • Beginning days of camp will be technical assessment, where the coaches will take notes, video and discuss your overall technical skills in both sweep and scull, large and small boats.
  • Seat racing will be completed as needed. Those who are invited to row within the Junior Varsity group, seat racing will be up to the discretion of the coaches. 
 
Step Four: Commitment Expectations
  • Athletes are expected to attend all team activities, including practices, meetings, and social/team-building events. Missing practice or regattas without prior approval may result in removal from the team.
  • In-season: Daily practices, typically early mornings and occasional afternoons (6 days per week, weather permitting).
  • Out-of-season: As previously discussed, athletes are expected to complete year-round training including erg workouts, cross training, as well as strength and conditioning sessions. 
 
 Step Five: Team Culture and Code of Conduct
The Ontech Rowing Team values respect, discipline, and a positive work ethic. Attitude, respect and sportsmanship will be heavily considered in team selections. 
Athletes are expected to:
  • Uphold the values of the university and demonstrate respect for teammates, coaches, competitors, and the rowing community. Be respectful and responsible as you represent Ontech.
  • Adhere to all training rules, competition regulations, and university policies.
  • Work Together: Rowing is a team sport, and individual success is achieved through collective effort. All team members must support each other, push their limits, and contribute to the team’s success both on and off the water.
 
*Under NO circumstances will bullying, poor sportsmanship, negative attitudes, complacency and constant complaining be tolerated. YOU are responsible for your words, actions, training and overall success…no one else. 
We understand the fall season can be very stressful for all and encourage you to seek the proper help you may need.


Training Camp
 
Dates:  Monday, August 31-September 6, 2026
Session 1:  5:30-7:30am (NEW)
Session 2:  8:30-10:30am
  • First CAMP 2K competed in Session 2 on day 2 of camp, the optional 2K re-do will be session 2 on the Friday if required.
  • Camp is one of the requirements of trying out for the Varsity/Junior Varsity team, make it a priority.  If there is a significant conflict, please email jennifer.durward@ontariotechu.ca, and the coaches will review.
 
First Year Varsity (new to team OR Novice from previous Fall)
Erg standards will be applied, but coaches will take into consideration on-water technical efficiency and will review 2K times if standards are not met. We may keep first years who may not make the minimum JV erg standards on the team for development, and standards will be strictly applied after completion of the first Varsity/JV year.
 
 
Selection for Canadian University Rowing Championships
 
Criteria for selection:
  1.  Able to personally fund your spot on the trip; fundraising will be done throughout the year to offset costs, but could be upwards of $2000 (if no fundraising is done) depending on location of the regatta that year.  
                        2026:  London, Ontario
                     2027:  Burnaby, BC
                     2028:  TBA
  1.   Must be top 10 at Brock Invitational and OUA Championships regatta. Final CURC crew selection will happen after OUA Championships.
  2.  Must be able to take five days off of school and work. We will leave the Wednesday before, and return on the Monday. We leave early so that we can get in practice time on the race course leading up to the regatta, as our docks come out on OUA weekend.
  3.  Will be responsible for booking and funding your own flights, accommodation and food.  Air BnBs have been the most affordable, and you get a kitchen to make real food.  Coaches will give guidance or assist with booking accommodations if needed.