The 2024 Season
The season officially begins Saturday, June 1. As NVRC members, you can choose which days and how many days you want to row each week. Rowers will be asked to provide advanced notice of their planned attendance for each practice so that coaches can prepare boats, coxswains, lineups and workouts accordingly.
Practice times for all rowers:
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June through August
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:15 pm 8:30 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am -10:30 am
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September
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:45 pm-7:45pm, Saturdays 8:00 am - 10:30 am
October
Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 am - 10:30 am
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The cost to rowers for the 2023 season: Membership fee: $200 + Rowing costs: $625 = $825
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Experienced Rowers Program
Rowers at NVRC have a wide variety of experience, skill levels, and competitiveness. For many (most) of our members, it’s all about the competition and racing! But some members join primarily to improve their rowing skills, as well as for the exercise, camaraderie, and chance to be out on the water and take in the beautiful scenery and fresh air. These rowers still have the opportunity to participate in “home” races on the Occoquan if they desire. And sometimes, once a more recreational level rower gets a taste of some good competition, they change their minds and want to race more.
When it comes to practices and racing, there are a multitude of factors that our coaches take into consideration when developing boat lineups – such as commitment, availability, skill level, fitness level, age, height, and boat “chemistry”. Coaches will work with rowers to find the optimum boat placement for that rower for any given practice or race.
For the more competitive/racing-minded rowers, rowing skills, fitness, and commitment are required. Not only do these rowers compete in races, they also compete within the team for seats in top performing boats. Additionally, the practices have the potential to be difficult, as they are part of a race training regimen. Erg scores may need to be provided, and seat racing may be common at these practices. People who intend to compete in races to which we travel (local, national, and international) should make as many practices as possible. Cost: $625 + $200 membership
Novice Rowers Program
The fun continues for those graduating from our Learn to Row (LTR) program who would like to continue rowing. This is also a great start for someone who may have rowed in high school or college a while back would like to re-familiarize themselves with rowing again. To ensure continuity and continued rower development, the Learn to Row coach will also be coaching the Novices. Since LTR graduates have already paid the $200 membership fee, the cost to continue rowing for the season will be $625.
Coxswain Development Program
Were you a coxswain in college or high school and want to dust off your skills and get back in the game? Are you an adult of smaller stature or weight* (140 lbs or less) who:
- Loves the thrill of sports/competition;
- Wants to be an integral part of team;
- Enjoys being out in the fresh air and having a lot of laughs?
If yes, then come join our coxing crew! In this coxswain’s program, new coxswains will learn about the rowing strokes, the equipment, commands, steering, maneuvering, drills, and strategies. New and experienced coxswains will enhance and apply their skills in competitive practices and races (1k & 5k) situations.
Rowing knowledge or experience is not required – that’s what this program is all about. Our coxswains are indispensable members of each boat and our team - come join us! Cost: free - Membership fee is waived
NOTE: Experienced adult coxswains are paid. Email communications@row4nvrc.org if you would like to apply.
*Most crew boats have rather small (short & narrow) coxswain seats, therefore the unfortunate size limitations.
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NVRC also welcomes and encourages high school coxswains to join us - at no cost. Here you will further develop your coxing skills and strategies - as well as life skills - learning from our experienced rowers and coaches, and helping to prepare you for college rowing programs, college, and life in general.
Coxing with NVRC can also be applied towards high school volunteer service requirements.
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NVRC Speakers Program
In 2024, we will again try to have guest speakers share their expertise with the membership. Past speakers have focused on topics of interest to masters rowers. We hope to bring in physical trainers, coaches, and yoga instructors to speak on subjects including injury prevention, incorporating rowing into a whole healthy lifestyle, and introduction to yoga. These program are free of charge to NVRC members and will be offered separately from practices.
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Learn to Row (Intro to rowing for adult athletes)
For adults (21 years and older) who want an exciting team sport that doesn't involve running after balls, or who have been curious hearing their kids talk about crew and want to understand what it is all about, we've got the program for you! Tell your friends, teammates, and coworkers about the fun you are going to have on the river and encourage them to join you. The program costs $225 and consists of six sessions.
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Please note: If you have not been recently active in strenuous sports activities, then we highly recommend consulting a doctor before coming out to row. Rowing is a full-body exercise that includes intense and sustained exertion, as well as the lifting of heavy equipment. (A rower needs to be able to lift 30 lbs overhead then carry that weight at shoulder height when moving large boats to and from the water.)