Aviron Knowlton Rowing

Founded in 2017, Aviron Knowlton Rowing (AKR) now rows from Douglass Beach. The club began rowing in the summer of 2018 at the Marina thanks to the generosity of Gerry and Jaime Moar. In 2021, AKR will row from a new shed built by the Town of Brome Lake. The shed will enable the rowers to secure their boats and also to use rowing machines if the weather is bad.

Rowing Camps

Thanks to strong demand in 2020, AKR has doubled the number of camp places in 2021 for youth aged 8-10 and 11-14. There will be weekly camps for youth in July and August. In addition, thanks to grants from the Lions Club, Placements Sports and the Brome Missisquoi PACT, AKR will organize a series of test camps with students from Knowlton Academy and campers from Salamander. In charge will be internationally renowned youth coach, Akram Othmani. What AKR learns from these test camps will help them plan to expand school rowing to include all local schools. They hope one day Lac Brome will be to rowing what Mont Glen was to skiing.

Adult Rowing Program

Marlene Royle, one of the top Masters Coaches in North America, will continue her work in running the adult rowing program. Adults of all ages are welcome and the club has room for all abilities. The club has rowers older than 70! Many will enjoy the group rows in the early mornings where small groups row with Coach Marlene before work. While they row in single boats, much comradeship is developed.

High Performance Athletes

Also rowing from the new shed will be the High Performance Athletes from the Quebec program who train to reach the top national and international events. Under Provincial Coach Gavin McKay, these rowers have already represented Canada in many International events. One, Gabby Smith, will row for Canada at the Olympics this summer. Imagine how these wonderful young men and women influence the youth rowers!

Rowing and Covid

A final word about COVID. Rowing is outside, using single boats. Even in a red zone, rowing will continue under protocols set by Rowing Canada and administered by Rowing Quebec. AKR is confident that rowing will continue to grow in Lac-Brome. For more info: avironknowlton.com.