ABOUT US
The Fort Langley Youth Rowing Society ("FLYRS") was established in 2009 to introduce, engage and develop youth rowers in the Fraser Valley. In 2008 the Township of Langley built a new boathouse and dock on the Bedford Channel in Fort Langley providing the local community with a first-class venue on which to establish rowing programs. Fort Langley and the Bedford Channel were identified by Rowing BC as a high-quality site to introduce youth rowing. After the inaugural 2009 summer Learn to Row sessions, a core group of youth rowers emerged and the club was established under the guidance of Teri Gambrel and Liz Chisholm, Head Coach, University of the Fraser Valley. The FLYRS club status became official in May 2010 with the election of a Board of Directors. The FLYRS registered as a Society in August 2010 and officially became a member of Rowing BC in November 2010. In December 2010 we became a member of Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA). The dedication of coaches, rowers and parents has created a strong rowing club with a commitment to grow and foster a life-long love of rowing for youth in Langley and the surrounding communities.
The FLYRS provides an excellent opportunity for high school aged youth to come out and experience the sport of rowing. Our coaches, Nadine Mross-Pankratz and Tanner Wick are dedicated and passionate about rowing, passing on their enthusiasm and expertise to the FLYRS team members. Our rowing program is based on the RCA Long Term Athlete Development guidelines, giving our members the best opportunity to develop their skills and build confidence both in rowing and in themselves. We strive to ensure that our athletes are provided with a safe environment to grow and develop as youth rowers, while advancing their skills at a pace that compliments their physical abilities. Rowing is a team sport that provides youth with the important life skills of responsibility, teamwork, and commitment, while improving their health through physical fitness. The FLYRS is committed to providing excellence in rowing programming for youth in our community.
MEET OUR COACHES
Nadine Mross-Pankratz
Nadine has been the head coach of the FLYRS since 2011. Having competed competitively in the sport previously, she brings knowledge and enthusiasm to push our rowers to the next level. Nadine began rowing back in University and has competed at the national level. Not only a coach for our club, Nadine is also a nutritionist and regularly brings her knowledge of health to the rowers ensuring they not only are improving their skills but that they also are taking care of themselves. Nadine brings a positive attitude and competitive spirit to coaching the rowers that inspires them to be their best at all times.
Tanner Wick
Tanner is the newest member of the FLYRS coaching team, having started in 2018. He is also an alumni, having rowed as a FLYR throughout high school. Tanner is currently studying Kinesiology and Urban Forestry at the University of British Columbia and is a member of the University Varsity Rowing Team. He has competed in many regattas throughout his rowing career, all the way up to the International level and brings his vast experience to the FLYRS. Tanner's competitive rowing experience gives him a unique perspective as an athlete and a coach.He conveys that knowledge to all members of the FLYRS team, so they strive to achieve their potential.
