The new OARCA programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are now available via the RCA online registration system at:
https://membership.rowingcanada.org/JoinProgram?id=107394
You can now pay online as part of your registration. If you rather pay by cheque or e-transfer, contact us for more details at: oarca.treasurer@gmail.com or membership@oarca.org.
PROGRAMS:
Non-Rowing – Members of this program are not eligible to race as OARCA members or access OARCA boats.
Coastal Rowing Supporter 2025-2026 (Non rowing). This program is for those who are interested in being part of the coastal rowing discussion. It is not meant as a rowing program and thus does NOT entitle you row or race for OARCA. It is just for those who want to connect with other coastal rowing enthusiasts. It is only $25 and to save those who are not members of other clubs, we offer the option to pay the fee directly to OARCA and thus not incur the additional RCA and Rowing BC fees. Contact oarca.treasurer@gmail.com for more details. If you are already a member of RCA and RowingBC then you can pay your fees online since you will not be charged for those fees a second time.
Expand your rowing skills or join us for a Learn to Row – Our first Learn to Row of the season is ready to go! You can sign up for this program via the Rowing Canada registration system at: https://membership.rowingcanada.org/JoinProgram?id=107394
- Novice Coastal Rowing – Drop In Punch Card. If you can’t commit to a regular program but have taken one of OARCA’s Learn to Coastal Row or are an experienced rower and want to row with a coach available, this “drop-in” punch card is for you. The punch card is good for 8 of OARCA’s Novice programs coached sessions. It will be your responsibility to check the regular program times and sign-up for the sessions you wish to attend. The link to the sign-up sheet will be sent out to all Novice members at beginning of each program.
Cost is $200 + ($55.90 annual RCA & PRA member fees) – Note if you have already paid the member fees for this fiscal year you won’t have to pay them again.The punch card expires March 31, 2026.
- Novice Coastal Rowing – Drop In Punch Card 2. For those who have already used up their first Novice punch card, there is now a second card available. The registration system won’t allow you to registered for the same card twice, hence this second option. No changes from the first card except the name.
Cost is $200 (Since you have already paid the member fees for this fiscal year you won’t have to pay them again.)The punch card expires March 31, 2026.Note: In case you are wondering whether it make sense to just switch to a full membership, the difference is that you would no longer be entitled to coaching. The full membership is for experienced rowers who are happy to row on their own.
- Novice Coastal Rowing for August. Summers are busy and everyone’s schedule is complicated so we are now offering basic sessions for our Novice rowers on a more informal basis. You just need a Novice drop in card (see above), and you can then sign up for any of the coached sessions that work for you. The sessions will be based out of our Tulista Coastal Rowing Centre at Tulista Park (Sidney). They will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Sessions are currently scheduled for the following dates: August 12, 14,19, 21, 26, 29 and September 2 & 4.
All participants are asked to sign up at least 24 hours in advance and we need at least 3 participants to run the session. If a session is cancelled for some reason, not to worry. Your punch card is valid until March 31, 2026 and more sessions will come as we find coaches to run them.
If we don’t have a program that suits your needs, you can always contact us about private coaching.
General Rowing Programs – We are offering a variety of new programs for 2025-2026. Check them out below. (Note: If you have already paid your RCA and Rowing BC fees for the 2025-2026 fiscal year then you will not have to pay them again when you register in one of the OARCA programs.)
- OARCA Full Membership. For experienced rowers who want to row in coastal boats on the Salish Sea. Membership provides you with access to the coastal boats (3 solos, 3 coastal doubles and 2 coastal coxed quads, with oars) stored at the Tulista Coastal Rowing Centre at Tulista Park (Sidney) and launching privileges at the Tulista boat ramp. You also get access to the doubles and solos stored at Cadboro Bay. Rowing members are required to complete an orientation that covers launching, landing, basic safety, and equipment care/handling, and how to file a float plan before each row. Fee is $400 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) = $455.90
- Coastal Rowing Season Spring 2025. This seasonal spring membership covers the months of April, May and June only. It is for experienced rowers who want to row in coastal boats on the Salish Sea but don’t want to commit to more than a 3 month membership. As a member, you will have access to the coastal boats (3 solos, 3 coastal doubles and 2 coastal coxed quads, with oars) stored at the Tulista Coastal Rowing Centre at Tulista Park (Sidney) and launching privileges at the Tulista boat ramp. OARCA also has doubles and solos at Cadboro Bay that you can access. Rowing members are required to complete an orientation that covers launching, landing, basic safety, and equipment care/handling, and how to file a float plan before each row. Fee is $250 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) = $305.90
- Coastal Rowing Season Summer 2025. This seasonal summer membership covers the months of July, August and September only. It is for experienced rowers who want to row in coastal boats on the Salish Sea but don’t want to commit to more than a 3 month membership. As a member, you will have access to the coastal boats (3 solos, 3 coastal doubles and 2 coastal coxed quads, with oars) stored at the Tulista Coastal Rowing Centre at Tulista Park (Sidney) and launching privileges at the Tulista boat ramp. OARCA also has doubles and solos at Cadboro Bay that you can access. Rowing members are required to complete an orientation that covers launching, landing, basic safety, and equipment care/handling, and how to file a float plan before each row. Fee is $250 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) = $305.90
- Punch Card 2025-2026. This punch card is for experienced rowers to enjoy exploring our local waters in coastal boats. The punch card is good for 10 rows, and expires at the end of March, 2026. The first punched row must include an orientation session that covers launching, landing, basic safety, and equipment care/handling, and how to file a float plan before each row. The punch card may not be used for boats at a regatta. Fee is $200 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) =$255.90
- Punch Card 2025-2026 (Club version). RCA member rowing clubs outside the Greater Victoria area may purchase a standard “Punch Card 2025-2026” to be shared by multiple club members. If interested, contact OARCA for more details at: membership@oarca.org
- Coastal Racing Membership 2025-2026. Have your own coastal boat and want to enter some RCA sanctioned races? Race for OARCA under this membership. You will get voting privileges within OARCA but you won’t have access to OARCA equipment, facilities, programming or any discounts on boat rentals at events. Fee is $50 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) =$105.90
New in 2025-2026 a Youth Program!
OARCA Rowing Youth Membership 2025-2026. For youth under 19 years of age who want to row coastal boats on the Salish Sea. Membership provides you with access to the coastal boats (3 solos, 3 coastal doubles and 2 coastal coxed quads, with oars) stored at the Tulista Coastal Rowing Centre at Tulista Park (Sidney) and the doubles and solos at Cadboro Bay. You will have unlimited access to club rows with club equipment and will have priority access (along with full OARCA members) to club equipment for coastal regattas. You will be required to complete an orientation that covers launching, landing, basic safety, and equipment care/handling. (Note, this is a non-voting membership.) Fee is $300 + RCA fee ($29.40) and Rowing BC fee ($26.50) =$355.90
We look forward to having you join us!
How to get to the OARCA’s coastal rowing compound at Tulista…
Tulista Park is easily accessible by public transit (bus #72, bus stop at the north end of Tulista near Ocean Ave, by the skateboard park), and bike (follow the Lochside trail. Bike racks are located near the ArtSea building). If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of free parking on Ocean Ave, Weiler Ave. or Lochside Dr. And of course, it is easy walking distance from Sidney.
