Why do we row?
Whether sculling in 2-, 3-, or 4-person shells, or sweeping in 4- or 8-person shells, rowers may be seen not long after sunrise and on most calm days along the waterfront. Club rowing combines superb upper body and lower body conditioning with the calming pleasure of connecting with the open water and connecting with other rowers in a team activity.
What if I have no rowing experience of any kind?
Most, if not all, of the other students in your novice class have no rowing experience in our types of boats, called sliding seat shells, so you will fit right in.
What if I don't have a lot of body strength?
Rowing can be enjoyed at a wide range of strength levels. Since the main power comes from your legs, not your arms, and since most people have more strength in their legs and upper body, you will do just fine.
What parts of the body are most stressed in rowing?
One of the beauties of rowing is that it exercises most muscle groups of the body--the legs, back and stomach, arms, shoulders, and hands. Although there is no hard impact on the body, such as in running or contact sports, the lower back is a vulnerable part of the body in rowing. Proper warm up and stretching can prevent most back injuries.
How safe is rowing?
Rowing is inherently a potentially dangerous sport since we are out in deep, cold water, subject to dangerous weather conditions, and exposed to navigational hazards and other boat traffic. The safety of every rower in our Club is of paramount importance. In the first class, conducted in a classroom rather than on the water, you will view a video on rowing safety, and we will discuss the Clubps safety regulations. Our safety launch will accompany you are all times, and is equipped with VHF marine radio and cell phone, life jackets, and other safety equipment. If weather and water conditions are considered unsafe by the launch driver, the row will be cancelled or terminated early as needed.
What do I wear for rowing?
Dress in layers to provide enough warmth while getting the boats ready on shore and launching them. This allows you to reduce a layer once you are warmed up in the boat. Loose fitting clothing is not good as it can get caught in the sliding seat or snag your hands during the rowing stroke. You will appreciate some type of rowing shorts that are thick enough to provide some padding to sit on the hard boat seat. Much of the year you will want to wear some tight fitting long pants, usually worn over your rowing shorts, as well as a long sleeved garment. A hat to reduce heat loss through your head is a good idea on cooler days. Since we must wade into the water to launch the boat, wear some type of rubber foot wear to protect from the beach gravel. Kayak socks work well, as they are small enough to be able to fit in the foot stretchers in the boat. Some rowers take off their foot wear once in the boat, and wear heavy wool socks while rowing. There are online suppliers of good quality rowing apparel, such as www.potomacrowing.com.
How do I get an experienced crew together?
Call your buddies
Set up a call list
Bribe a launch driver
