Builder

Lynda Dundas - 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee

Lynda Dundas
Induction Year: 2023 
Category: Builder

Born in Toronto, Lynda Dundas started rowing at the Don Rowing Club in 1989. She has since worn many hats in rowing, including coach, umpire, race director, volunteer, board member, and President.

With over three decades of involvement in rowing, Dundas’ contributions to the sport of rowing in Ontario at the regional, provincial, and national levels are plentiful. Soon after joining the Don Rowing Club as a competitor, she became a volunteer for the club off the water. Her first major accomplishments at the club were starting the recreational rowing program and learn-to-row program along with fellow club member Nancy Sweete. She also helped in establishing the masters women’s rowing program after recognizing the need to provide a competitive platform for rowers of mature ages. She spearheaded the creation of a welcoming and supportive environment for masters rowers, that has empowered many individuals to continue their passion for rowing well into their later years. Through this initiative, she has made a positive impact on the lives of countless rowers. Dundas remains involved with the club and has served as Club President on multiple occasions.

At the provincial level, Dundas spent 17 years on the Row Ontario Board of Directors which included stints as President (2006-12), VP of Events and Umpires (2004-2008), Director (2013-19) and Chair of the Awards Committee (2012-19). She is also a past board member with Rowing Canada Aviron (2006-12) and currently sits on the RCA Awards Committee and Safety and Events Committee.

Dundas has been very active as a coach with the DRC as well as in the Ontario coaching community as a coach, developer and mentor for other coaches and is fully certified as LTR Coach Facilitator and RCA Coach contexts. She’s coached the DRC recreational program for many years and has also been involved with the junior and high school introductory programs.

She’s a level three umpire and has umpired at regattas throughout Ontario and Nationally for many years. She has served as Chief Umpire at several events including in the Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships and 2017 Invictus Games. She’s also been a member of the organizing committee for many events including the Invictus Games, many Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships, and most recently the 2023 World Rowing Indoor Championships.

On the regatta course, she’s also an accomplished masters rower, and has either won or medalled at many events nationally and internationally over the years, including the Head of the Charles Regatta, and the FISA Masters.

Throughout her involvement in rowing, Dundas’ strong leadership skills have been instrumental in guiding and inspiring those around her and her ability to unite teams and foster a sense of camaraderie has created a positive and encouraging atmospheres for all involved in the sport. Her tireless efforts and remarkable accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the world of rowing.

Career Highlights

  • Member of Row Ontario Board of Directors for 17 years
    • President 2006-12
    • VP of Events and Umpires 2004-08
    • Director 2013-19
    • Chair of Awards Committee 2012-19
  • Member and volunteer with Don Rowing Club for over 30 years
    • Served as Club President on multiple occasions
    • Established the masters women’s program at the club
    • Along with fellow DRC member Nancy Sweete, started the recreational rowing and learn to row programs at the club
    • Coached DRC’s recreational, junior and high school programs
  • Level 3 Licensed Umpire
    • Chief Umpire at several events including Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships and 2017 Invictus Games
  • RCA Board Member 2006-12
  • Fully certified LTR and RCA Coach Facilitator, has served as coach developer and mentor for many coaches in Ontario rowing community
  • Member of organizing committee for many events, including Invictus Games and 2023 World Rowing Indoor Championships
  • Accomplished masters rower, has won or medalled at many events nationally and internationally