The Branksome Hall rowing program started in 1986 with a single crew and a borrowed shell. In our very first Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association (CSSRA) Championship, Branksome Hall won a silver medal! Over 20 years later, Branksome Hall consistently wins multiple medals each year at the national championships.

Over the years, the Branksome Hall Rowing Team has grown from five athletes in 1986 to 35-50 athletes currently. The athletes, together with the half-dozen coaches, make up one of the best high school girls’ rowing programs in North America.

In the winter, the Branksome Hall Rowing Team trains out of its own training center within Branksome Hall. The training center, or “Erg Room”, contains more than 20 Concept 2 Rowing Machines and other training equipment.

On-the-water training takes place at the Argonaut Rowing Club on Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto. The training course consists of over 4,500 meters of break-wall-protected water. Winter training and on-the-water training takes place most mornings before school.

Through the generosity of rowing families, Branksome Hall has accumulated an impressive number of rowing shells, coach boats, oars and related equipment. As of April 2007, the fleet of shells included 3 eights (eight rowers and a coxswain), 4 fours (four rowers and a coxswain) and a pair (two rowers).

In recent years, Branksome has ranked among the top women's high school rowing programs:
2007 – Fourth
2006 – Fourth
2005 – Fifth
2004 – First
2003 – Second

This is a remarkable accomplishment considering the large number of schools from Canada and the U.S. that participate in the CSSRA (“School Boys”). It is even more remarkable, given the relatively short season in Toronto for high-school rowing. The keys to the success of the program are:

• Outstanding coaching
• Great support from the school
• Motivated and committed athletes
• Terrific support from the parents
• A solid partnership with the Argonaut Rowing Club
• Excellent equipment