Cost

You can join 

If you're not sure if rowing is for you Riversport offers a Discover Rowing experience allowing you to learn the basics of rowing in a single afternoon.  The cost is currently $40 and you can sign up here.

If you have never rowed before the starting point is a learn to row lesson.  You will learn the basics of rowing in a single weekend.  Lessons are sometimes offered during the week when resources are available.  At the end of the class you will be considered a "novice" and will be invited to continue learning with the Learn to row 2 lessons.

Learn to Row 2 builds on the skills learned in Learn to Row 1.  

After you have completed the Intermediate rowing program you will be invited to join the masters.  There are two options, coached or uncoached sometimes referred to as "open rowing".  The uncoached option gives you the opportunity to row during the open rowing sessions Monday - Thursday 6:00pm to 8:00pm which coincides with the masters coached rowing practices.  There will usually be a staff member in a launch on the water for safety should something unexpected happen.

Included in your membership regardless of which option you choose is access to all Riversport facilities and activities including whitewater rafting, adventures, kayaking and fitness equipment.

Note that the fee is charged to your credit card at the beginning of each month.

To continue developing your skills there is the coached rowing option providing a coach at the regular practices Mon-Thur evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday mornings at 7:00am.  Most of the masters athletes that race on a regular basis participate in this program but it is not mandatory to be part of the masters rowing group.

Included in your membership regardless of which option you choose is access to all Riversport facilities and activities including whitewater rafting, adventures, kayaking and fitness equipment.

Note that the fee is charged to your credit card at the beginning of each month.

If you'd like one on one attention to hone your skills the coaches are available for private lessons typically available during the day when no other lessons or coached sessions are in on the water.  You can get more information at the Riversport contact page.

Regattas (races) are a great way to match your skills against rowers from across the country.  Most regattas have an entry fee for each event in which you choose to compete.  These fees are typically paid directly to the club or organization sponsoring the event.  You can learn more at Regatta Central which tries to centralize information about all upcoming racing events. 

Boats are provided by Riversport including singles targeted at various levels of ability, doubles, quads for sculling and 4s and 8s for sweep rowing.  Boats are assigned on a first come first serve basis if you don't let the coach know in advance of your intention to participate on any give day.  

Like any modern sport you can spend as much or as little to participate as you desire.  After you've joined the masters with either of the two options shown above (Open Rowing or Coached), there are option items that you may want to consider.  Ask other masters about shoes, oars, stroke coaches, boats, etc.  Everyone will have an opinion and happy to share.

When you progress into more advanced boats most are equipped with the "bat logic" shoe clip system so you can use your own rowing shoes.  

Some masters prefer to purchase their own oars especially after they have been rowing for several years.  There are several oar manufacturers, Concept2, Croker and Dreher.  If you provide your own oars and wish to store them at the boathouse there is an annual oars storage fee and space is typically limited. 

If you provide your own oars and would like to keep them at the boathouse there is an annual fee of $60.  If you are storing a boat at the boathouse, oar storage is included in the boat storage fee.

Get involved in our community and make a difference. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from organizing events to supporting local causes.

Some masters do have their own boats typically singles and doubles.  Good used boats are available and posted in the classified section of row2k.com.  New boats are available from a variety of manufacturers.  As 10 masters and you'll get 10 different opinions on the best boats. 

Note that if you have or buy a boat there is a storage rental fee and that space is usually limited with a waiting list.

If you have your own boat or decide to buy a boat and want to store it at the boathouse the cost is $450 per year for a single (and 1 set of oars) and $650 / year for a double (and 2 sets of oars). 

Note that there is limited storage for private boats and usually a waiting list. 

You may also consider investing in an "Erg" which is just a fancy name for a rowing machine.  Riversport provides Ergs manufactured by Concept2. for use at the boathouse but many of masters also purchase for home use.