Join Us

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 2026-2027 (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 $50 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

1. 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 + ($67.75 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, 2027.

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 2026-2027. Check them out below. (Note: If you have already paid your RCA and Rowing BC fees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year then you will not have to pay them again when you register in one of the OARCA programs.)

1. 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 and Rowing BC fees ($67.75) = $467.75
2. OARCA Summer Beach Sprints Program. Develop and practice your beach sprints skills: clean entries and exits, quick launches, fast turns, good wave management, and expert boat handling.  The program offers 2 coached sessions per week and is ideally suited for any rower interested in racing at the Western Canadian Beach Sprint Championships, Cascadia Beach Sprints or RCA Beach Sprints Selection Camp.
   Open to university, senior, junior and masters rowers.

   Tentative Schedule: Thursdays 3-5 pm, Sundays 9-11 am (It may be possible to adjust the schedule to suit the athletes who sign up).

   Location: UVIC Sailing and Coastal Rowing Compound at Cadboro Bay, Victoria

   Fee is $250 + RCA and Rowing BC fees ($67.75) = $317.75

3. Punch Card 2026-2027. 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, 2027. 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. (Please contact membership@oarca.ca to arrange an orientation session.)
   Rowers are expected to assess risks, take responsibility for their own safety, and know how to get help as outlined in the OARCA safety code. There will not be a coach or safety boat on the water. OARCA has 3 solos, 3 coastal doubles and has 2 coastal coxed quads. These boats will be available for general rowing and/or training purposes. There is a sign-out sheet to ensure all crews have access to the boats.
   Clubs not in the Greater Victoria area may purchase a punch card to be shared by current, active club members. Contact OARCA (membership@oarca.org) prior to purchasing the punch card for more details. 
   Note: Punch cards may NOT be used for regattas.

   Fee is $200 + RCA and Rowing BC fees ($67.75) = $267.75

4. 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
5. Coastal Racing Membership 2026-2027. 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 and Rowing BC fees ($67.75) =$117.75

Available in 2026-2027 a Youth Program!

OARCA Rowing Youth Membership 2026-2027. 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 and Rowing BC fees ($67.75) =$367.75

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.