Come Try Rowing: Event brings people to Halifax’s Northwest Arm

The Halifax Rowing Club held an event Saturday, June 13, 2026 encouraging people to try rowing for the first time. (Valentine Nkengbeza/CTV Atlantic)

The Halifax Rowing Club offered a free learn-to-row event Saturday at the St. Mary’s Boat Club as part of National Come Try Rowing Day.

“We give people the very basic fundamentals of a rowing stroke and the different movements of your body. Then we take them out in a boat to try it,” said San Patten, communications director for the Halifax Rowing Club.

Patten said Halifax is a perfect area for rowing with the Atlantic Ocean and many other bodies of water around.

“People who come learn to row realize this is a full body workout with a lot of teamwork involved. People from the ages of 13 all the way into their 80s are rowing, so it is a lifelong sport,” said Patten.

“The most important thing about rowing is it takes a lot of balance and patience, but there is a lot of reward in it. You get to be outside and out on the water.”

Anyone interested in learning to row can sign up for the Halifax Rowing Club’s Learn to Row program taking place throughout the summer.

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