Every day, athletes gather in the boathouse to warm up as a team. The coaches announce line-ups and everyone heads down to the boatyard. Athletes then bring out the coaches’ launches and walk their boats and oars down to the dock. Each athlete is responsible for ensuring their oar is brought down to the dock and the equipment at their seat has been properly tightened. Once the boats are on the water, athletes will warm up with some technical drills and then complete that day’s workout. At the end of practice, the boats, coaches’ launches, and oars are all brought back to the yard. When everything is put away, the groups meet with their respective coaches and discuss the practice.

While ending up in the water is rare, we require all athletes to be able to tread water and get themselves back to the boat if they do end up in the water.

Athletes should wear close-fitting shorts or spandex, a comfortable shirt, a hat/visor, sunglasses, socks, and shoes they do not mind getting wet. If it is cold enough for a sweater, try to avoid pockets in the front as your oar handle can get caught, making it difficult to row. You will not need shoes to wear in the boat. You will however want sneakers for land workouts and lightweight shoes that can be easily removed, get dirty, get wet, etc. Crocs or slides are great options. High visibility colors are especially appreciated.  As we are outside for practice, please be prepared for the weather (raincoats, layers, spare clothing to put on after practice, etc.). Water shoes are not to be worn in the boats.

No! Athletes and rowers come in all shapes and sizes. There are lightweight categories for smaller athletes to participate in. There is also a position called the “coxswain”. This athlete has a vital role on the team. They guide the boat safely down the river or race course, are responsible for executing the race plan, and, with practice, have the ability to greatly impact the results of a race.

No! Rowing is a strength-endurance sport. This means the muscles you build will be lean muscle.

No. Some of our athletes choose to row all year and some prefer to row one or two seasons. However, like any sport or skill, the more consistently you practice the faster you will learn.

Regattas are regional to Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Michigan.

Yes. Some of our athletes choose to participate in Fall or Spring sports and row during their off-season or vice versa.

Absolutely! All potential athletes are welcome to try the program through a Learn to Row. If none are available, please contact us to determine if and when you can attend a practice to check it out before committing.

Race days for rowing are a lot like race days for cross country. Athletes should be dropped off at the trailer where they will spend the majority of the day. There will be a parent tent at most regattas where parents can relax during the day. Depending on the course, you may only be able to see a small portion of the race. Check www.regattacentral.com for information on your child’s race times. It is a good idea to bring a camp chair, food, and water to make your experience more comfortable. As most regattas are held at public parks, there will typically be porta-johns near the parent tent area.