Delta Deas Rowing Club: A Legacy of Excellence and a Bright Future
Located in the heart of Deas Island Regional Park in Delta, British Columbia, Delta Deas Rowing Club (DDRC) has long been a hub for rowing excellence. Situated along the serene waters of Deas Slough, DDRC is home to many practices, regattas, and community events. Our members train on this protected waterway, which is an ideal spot for rowing throughout the year.
A proud member in good standing with Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA), DDRC competes in RCA-sanctioned events as well as numerous competitions organized by local high schools and other rowing clubs. The dedication of our club’s staff, members, coaches, volunteers, and families fosters a supportive environment that encourages athletes to reach their full potential.
Our History
The inaugural rowing event on Deas Slough was the BC Championship held on May 10 & 11, 1986, which proved to be a tremendous success. Inspired by the event’s success, Olympic rowers Lyle Gatley, Joy Fera, and Bill McKerlich, along with other volunteers, worked tirelessly to form a society that would become the Delta Deas Rowing Club. The club was officially incorporated on December 3, 1986.
Coaches Murray Johnson and Lyle Gatley prepared athletes for the 1987 B.C. Summer Games, which were hosted by DDRC. The following year, DDRC was granted permission by the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) to operate out of Deas Island Regional Park. With the generous support of a "Go B.C." grant and donations from the Delta Credit Union and Delta Cablevision, construction began on our boathouse in March 1988. Local students, including those from South Delta Secondary School under Mr. Gatley’s guidance, worked hard to complete the boathouse in time for the B.C. Youth Championships in 1989.
Over the years, DDRC continued to expand and improve its facilities to meet the growing needs of the club and the community. From expanding the dock in 1995 to the construction of a 1,500-square-foot boat shed, DDRC has continued to evolve and grow. Our members and volunteers worked together to enhance our rowing site with paving stones, and in the summer of 2015, we once again worked on the dock to extend its lifespan while awaiting plans for a future replacement.
For more than two decades, DDRC has been proud to host an annual High School Regatta in May, which has become a key event for the novice rowing community, and is very well attended.
A New Era: Our Coaches and Future Vision
In 2022, DDRC was very proud to welcome two exceptional new coaches, Mark Henry and Ciara Stevenson, who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the club. Both have competed at the national level and are committed to bringing their knowledge and skills to our athletes. Their leadership will inspire our Juniors and Masters to reach new heights in their rowing journeys.
Looking ahead, we are focused on continuing to grow the club and expand our reach, offering even more opportunities for athletes of all ages to develop their skills. With a renewed commitment to excellence and a vision for an even more vibrant and thriving rowing community, we’re excited to build on our legacy and create new memories on the water. Together, we look forward to the next chapter in DDRC’s story.