Maple Bay Rowing Club Annual Regatta Recap: Exciting Finishes and National Team Athletes

The Maple Bay Rowing Club hosted their annual regatta this past weekend, attracting ten rowing clubs and a total of 223 entries to the event. The sunny skies provided the perfect backdrop for some intense racing and exciting finishes.

Event organizer Dave Symonds expressed his gratitude for the favorable weather conditions, stating, “The weather gods ruled in our favour this year.” The regatta adopted a new two-day format, allowing athletes to test their race plans in a heat and make adjustments for the final, resulting in two races for each event.

Representing the Cowichan Valley were Maple Bay, Brentwood College School, and Shawnigan Lake School, with Maple Bay boasting 18 entries, Brentwood with 32 entries, and Shawnigan Lake with 18 entries. The Maple Bay Rowing Club athletes showcased their talent, with standout performances from Jordan Volk, Rylan Deck, and Agata Minka, who clinched the win in the U19 women’s 1x event.

In addition to Minka’s victory, Maple Bay Rowing Club secured several podium finishes, including second place in the U17 women’s 4x- and U17 men’s 2x events, as well as third place in the U17 women’s 4+ and U19 men’s 4+ events.

Brentwood College School dominated the competition, winning five events and securing multiple podium finishes. Shawnigan Lake School also put on a strong showing, claiming victories in two events and earning several top-three finishes.

The regatta also saw members of the Canadian national team in action, with athletes participating in practice races and joining in on the excitement of the final races.

With upcoming come-try days, learn to row programs, and Youth Summer Camps, the Maple Bay Rowing Club continues to provide opportunities for individuals to get involved in the sport. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website at https://maplebayrowingclub.ca.