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Inside Rowing

Rowing

What boosts strength, teamwork, community spirit and fitness? What takes you to the river, and then keeps you there with safe, affordable fun?

It’s rowing - and this could be your year to finally jump in and make some waves!

Bring your energy and enthusiasm to the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse and get rowing with Riverfront Recapture’s Community Rowing Program. 

With convenient classes just north of downtown Hartford in Riverside Park, our Rowing Program is a fabulous way for adults and teenagers to tighten their bodies—and their bonds with nature and each other.

Beginner classes teach basic rowing technique, proper boat handling and safety procedure. Intermediate, advanced and competitive classes are also available.

We offer instruction in both Sculling where each person uses two oars in a single or double boat, and Sweeps where each rower uses one oar and acts as part of a team. All you have to do is choose which method is most appealing and get onboard!

Anyone who is at least 14 years old and knows how to swim is invited, regardless of boating experience. Corporations, youth groups, and clubs can take advantage of group instructions and everyone, from teens to seniors, can engage in this unique adventure on the Connecticut River.

Hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds have already learned to row through our program. Why not join them? 

The great truth about this sport is you’re never too old and it’s never too late!

Adult Rowing

Men and women of all ages and physical abilities are invited to join our adult rowing program. College students may also participate at a reduced rate. So tell your friends, grab your oars and make this a Riverfront summer!

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SUMMER ROWING

Sweep Rowing Classes

Sweep programs are taught in an 8-person training barge and 4- and 8-person boats that are steered by people called coxswains. Each rower has one oar, and oars alternate on opposite sides of the boat.

Beginner Sweep Classes

Riverfront provides all the equipment necessary to learn this Olympic-level sport. Fundamentals of rowing are taught on land and in a stable training barge and then in eight-oared rowing shells. Basic safety instruction and procedures are emphasized. The goal of the program is to develop a solid foundation of skills that are taught in a fun and supportive environment.  For individuals with no previous experience. 

2008 Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, June 19 (Memorial Day will be made up on May 30)
Session 2: Monday, June 23 - Thursday, July 17
Session 3: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon. & Wed. 6:15 - 7:30 am Fee: $145 per session
Or
Mon. & Wed. 5:30 - 7:00 pm Fee: $145 per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Intermediate Sweep Classes

Classes are offered at this level with an instructional and recreational focus to improve and hone skills mainly in eight-oared shells. The goal of the program is to further the skills developed in beginning rowing.

Prerequisite: Beginning Rowing or equivalent experience.

2008 Dates
Session I: Monday, June 23 - Thursday, July 17
Session II: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon. & Wed. 6:00 - 7:30 am Fee: $145 per session
Or
Mon. & Wed. 5:30 - 7:00 pm Fee: $145 per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Experienced Sweep Classes

These classes involve more rigorous workouts at a higher technical level in both eight- and four-oared shells. 

Spring Prerequisite: Four Riverfront sessions or equivalent rowing experience required.
Summer Prerequisite: Two or three Riverfront sessions or equivalent rowing experience required.

2009 Spring Training Dates TBD* *Spring Training held @ off-site location, rowers responsible for coxxing, wet-docking, previous season’s worth of on-water experience required, please call for details. 

2008 Summer Dates
Session I: Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, June 19 (Memorial Day will be made up on May 30)
Session II: Monday, June 23 - Thursday, July 17
Session III: Monday, July 28 - Wednesday, August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon. & Wed. 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Fee: $135
OR
Tu. & Thur. 6:00 am - 7:30 am Fee: $135

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Annual A.M Experienced Sweep Rowing Classes/Team and Open Row
Annual P.M Experienced Sweep Rowing Classes/Team and Open Row


For experienced adults wishing to register for classes on an annual basis, and row outside of class time (both rowers and coxswains must meet experience thresholds to row outside of class).  Depending on numbers some rowers may scull.  The purpose of these classes/this Team is to provide a non-competitive, yet challenging, work-out for experienced rowers to improve both technique and fitness.  Experienced rowers not on the Racing Team but who wish to attend races or have more organized practices are encouraged to talk to Brian.

2009 Spring Session*: TBD
Fee: TBD

*Spring Session held @ off-site location, rowers responsible for coxxing, wet-docking, previous season’s worth of on-water experience required, please call for details. 

Summer & Fall Session:  Tuesday May 27 – October 2, Experienced classes twice a week in A.M (T/Th A.M in summer; M/W P.M in summer; TBD in fall),

Fee: $450

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Sweep Racing Team

Men’s and Women’s Racing Teams are offered to experienced rowers who wish to compete to the best of their ability at races, and who meet skill, fitness, and attendance thresholds.  Please contact coaches or captains for details.
Men’s Team Coach: Renee Jones, 713.3131 ext 327, or rjones@riverfront.org
Men’s Team Captain: Mike Puckly, 305.2515 (cell), or mike.puckly@cox.net
Women’s Team Coach: Brian Wendry, 713.3131 ext 314, or rrirowinginc@sbcglobal.net
Women’s Team Captain: Gretchen Gregg, 841.7952, or ggregg@snet.net

Dates
Spring Training April 7 – May 22 (off site)
Men: Tuesday & Thursday P.M
Women: Monday & Wednesday P.M
Annual Fee: $175, plus racing, trailering, and coxswains fees

Summer/Fall season: May 27 – October 25
Men & Women: Tuesday & Thursday P.M
Annual Fee: $450, plus racing, trailering, and coxswains fees

2008 Racing Team Summer Sprint Races (Proposed)
Derby Sweeps & Sculls (CT), Saturday June 7
Lowell Festival (MA), Saturday July 12
Cromwell Cup (MA), Sunday July 13
Narragansett Sweeps & Sculls (RI), Saturday July 26
Diamond States Masters Regatta (DE), Sunday July 27
Coastweeks Row on the Mystic (CT), Sunday September 16

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

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Sculling Classes


Sculling is a type of rowing where each person uses two oars. Beginners learn in a wide, stable one- or two-person training boat. Experienced scullers may use singles during Open Row times.  Sculling is a great way for college sweep rowers to improve their technique.

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Beginner Sculling Classes

Beginner sculling is designed for people who have never sculled in a single shell. The program begins with an on-land introduction to equipment, safety and technique. Participants then progress to a wide, stable single shell and eventually to a more narrow shell. Each participant will progress at her/his own pace. Spaces and training shells are limited so please register early.

2008 Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, June 19 (Memorial Day will be made up on Friday, May 30)
Session 2: Monday June 23 – Thursday July 17
Session 3: Monday July 28 – Thursday August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon & Wed 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $145 per session
Or
Tue & Thu 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $145 per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Intermediate Sculling Classes


This program is a continuation of the Beginners’ class, or for those with some experience who want further coaching. Spaces and boats are limited so please register early.

2008 Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, June 19 (Memorial Day will be made up on Friday, May 30)
Session 2: Monday June 23 – Thursday July 17
Session 3: Monday July 28 – Thursday August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon & Wed 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $145 per session
or
Tue & Thu 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $145 per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Experienced Sculling Classes


Experienced sculling is a continuation of the Intermediate class, or for those with other experience who want coaching. Spaces and boats are limited so please register early.

2008 Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, June 19 (Memorial Day will be made up on Friday, May 30)
Session 2: Monday June 23 – Thursday July 17
Session 3: Monday July 28 – Thursday August 21
Each session is comprised of eight classes; classes meet twice a week for four weeks.

Days & Times
Mon & Wed 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $135 per session
or
Tue & Thu 8:00 - 9:00 am Fee: $135 per session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Private Sculling Lessons
If interested in private lessons please call 860.713.3131 ext 314 to discuss options.

Summer Open Row Sculling


Experienced scullers may use Riverfront’s equipment during Open Row times.  Please read safety policies, swimming statement, etc. and contact us to discuss experience level.

2008 Dates
May 27 - Aug 29

Days & Times
M-F 6:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Saturday 7:00-10:00 a.m.
M-Th 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Annual Fee: $450
Summer Only Fee: $270

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FALL ROWING

Intermediate Sweep Classes


Rowing experience required. This program is a recreational program designed for experienced rowers. These classes involve more rigorous workouts at a higher technical level in both eights and fours.

2008 Dates & Times
Tues September 2 – Thursday October 2 (5 weeks).  Twice a week @ 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.; twice a week @ 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  DAYS TBD
Fee: $145

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Experienced Sweep Classes

Rowing experience required. This program is a recreational program designed for experienced rowers. These classes involve more rigorous workouts at a higher technical level in both eights and fours.

2008 Dates & Times
Tues September 2 – Thursday October 2 (5 weeks).  Twice a week @ 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.; twice a week @ 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  DAYS TBD
Fee: $135

Annual A.M Experienced Sweep Rowing Classes/Team and Open Row
Annual P.M Experienced Sweep Rowing Classes/Team and Open Row

For experienced adults wishing to register for classes on an annual basis, and row outside of class time (both rowers and coxswains must meet experience thresholds).  Depending on numbers some rowers may scull.  The purpose of these classes is to provide a non-competitive, yet challenging, work out for experienced rowers to improve both technique and fitness.  Experienced rowers not on the Racing Team but who wish to attend races or have more organized practices are encouraged to talk to Brian

Summer & Fall Session:  Tuesday May 27 – October 2, Experienced classes twice a week in A.M (T/Th A.M in summer; M/W P.M in summer; TBD in fall),

Annual Fee: $450

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Adult Sweep Racing Team

Men’s and Women’s Racing Teams are offered to experienced rowers who wish to compete to the best of their ability at races, and who meet skill, fitness, and attendance thresholds.  Please contact coaches or captains for details.
Men’s Team Coach: Renee Jones, 713.3131 ext 327, or rjones@riverfront.org
Men’s Team Captain: Mike Puckly, 305.2515 (cell), or mike.puckly@cox.net
Women’s Team Coach: Brian Wendry, 713.3131 ext 314, or rrirowinginc@sbcglobal.net
Women’s Team Captain: Gretchen Gregg, 841.7952, or ggregg@snet.net

2008 Dates & Times
Annual Season: May 27 – October 23 Fall Men & Women: Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 – 7:00 P.M (practice time will shorten due to diminishing daylight), plus rower-organized practices

Fee: $450, plus coxswain, trailering, and race fees

2008 Head Races (Proposed)
Head of the Riverfront, Sunday Oct 5
Head of the Housatonic (CT), Saturday October 11
Head of the Connecticut, Sunday October 12
Head of the Charles (MA), Sunday October 18
Head of the Schuylkill (PA), Saturday October 25
Head of the Fish (NY), Sunday October 26

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!


Experienced Sculling Classes

Experienced sculling is a recreational sculling program for those with rowing experience.

2008 Dates & Times
Tuesday September 2 – Thursday October 2 (Five weeks)
8:00-9:00 a.m., twice per week. Days TBD

Fee: $135

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

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WINTER ROWING

The goal of our winter program is to maintain fitness, improve technique, and have fun. The training will consist of rowing on the ergometers, calisthenics, lightweight training, and rowing in the water tanks at Trinity College.

2009 Dates & Times
Option A:  T/TH, 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm
Session I. January 8 - February 14
Session II. February 26 - April 3
Fee: TBD

Option B:  W, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Session I. January 8 - February 14
Session II. February 26 - April 3
Fee: TBD

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

ADAPTIVE ROWING


The Adaptive Rowing program is designed for individuals with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments. We work in partnership with Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, CT Chapter.  For more information visit http://www.rehabct.com and click on Connecticut Adaptive Rowing Program on the right hand side of the home page.  Call Paige McCullough-Casciano or Joan Karpuk at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital at 860-714-2421, or pmccullo@stfranciscare.org for details.

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Sunday October 5, 2008 - Over 2,000 rowers and 10,000 spectators from around the northeast will attend Riverfront’s Annual Fall Head Race at Charter Oak Landing.

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Boat Storage


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There is currently a wait-list for rack space in the boathouse.  Please call for details.
Fee:
$450 for 1 person boat
$650 for 2 person boat
For larger boats please call for pricing and availability.




Sculling - Club Boat Usage


If you’re an experienced rower who would like to use Riverfront’s boats, we provide use of Riverfront equipment during Open Row periods (depending upon equipment availability).

2008 Annual fee: $450
2008 Summer Only fee: $270

2008 Summer Staff Hours: May 27 – Aug 23, Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.; Saturday 7:00 – 10:00 a.m.; Monday – Thursday 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
2008 Fall Staff Hours: In the Fall, coaches will generally be at the boathouse twice a week in the a.m., in the afternoon (with high school), and in the p.m.  Those wishing to row when coaches are not present must follow the buddy system and other safety requirements (i.e. pfd after Oct 1) outlined in our Safety Policies.  Scullers new to the area should join in the summer if at all possible; for safety and staffing reasons it’s difficult to incorporate scullers new to Riverfront, and the CT River, during the Fall season.

Please call 860.713.3131 ext 314 for more details.

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High School Rowing

SUMMER ROWING

Riverfront offers many opportunities for high school students to learn how to row or improve their rowing. Hartford and East Hartford residents attending Hartford and East Hartford public schools receive free instruction, and free transportation is provided from some Hartford and East Hartford high schools during the summer and fall. 

Students who attend other high schools participate for a fee.  Students from the Watkinson School participate in Fall rowing as a School Club (in the summer as individuals); many Glastonbury and West Hartford (particularly Hall) students participate in our programs, and students from schools such as Mercy, and towns as far as Longmeadow, MA, have attended. 

Sweep Rowing Classes
Sweep programs are taught in an 8-person training barge and 4- and 8-person boats that are steered by coxswains. Each rower has one oar, and oars alternate on opposite sides of the boat.

Sculling Classes
Sculling is a type of rowing where each person uses two oars. Beginners learn in a wide, stable one- or two-person training boat. 

Summer Sweep Evening

Open to all interested high school students. No experience necessary.

2008 Dates & Times
Session 1: Tuesday May 27 – Thursday June 19, T,W,Th, 3:00 – 5:00
Session 2: Tuesday June 24 – Thursday July 17, T,W,Th, 3:00 – 5:00
Session 3: Tuesday July 29 – Thursday August 21, T,W,Th 3:00 – 5:00

Fee:  $120

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

Possible Races (dependent upon number of participants, skill level, and attendance)
Inter-squad, June 19
Lowell MA, July 12
Narragansett RI, July 26

Summer Sweep Morning

Session 1: Tuesday June 24 – Thursday July 17, T & Th, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesday July 29 – Thursday August 21, T & Th 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
MINIMUM PARTICIPATION (generally 10 students) IS REQUIRED OR CLASS WILL NOT BE HELD.  THIS DETERMINATION WILL BE MADE ABOUT TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO CLASS.

Fee:  $95

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

College Coaches’ Summer Camp

During this four-day camp, college rowing coaches will teach both beginners and experienced rowers/coxswains in a fun and supportive atmosphere.  Beginners will learn the basics.  Experienced rowers/coxswains will improve their technique and can learn about rowing in college.  Experienced coxswains can attend for half price.

Dates:  Monday June 23 - Thursday June 26

Fee: $350 for rowers and novice coxswains; $175 for experienced coxswains

Click here for more information.

Private Group Lessons

Youth groups interested in scheduling group lessons are encouraged to call 860-713-3131 x 314 for more information.

FALL ROWING

Riverfront offers many opportunities for high school students to learn how to row or improve their rowing. Hartford and East Hartford residents attending Hartford and East Hartford public schools receive free instruction, and free transportation is provided from some Hartford and East Hartford high schools during the summer and fall. Other high school students participate for a fee. 

Students from the Watkinson School participate as a School Club; many Hall students are currently participating in our programs, and students from schools such as Mercy, and towns as far as Longmeadow, MA, have participated. 

Riverfront’s Fall High School Racing Team:  The team operates similar to any high school varsity sport (EHHS and CIBA students receive varsity points for their participation) and competes against other schools and clubs.

The fall season generally runs from the end of August (Aug 25) or after Labor Day (Sept 2) to approximately October 17.  Exact 2008 dates TBD

2008 Tentative Fall High School Races
Dual Race vs Glastonbury High School
Dual Race vs Lewis Mills High School
Head of the Riverfront Regatta, Sunday October 5
Head of the Housatonic Regatta, Saturday October 11
Head of the CT Regatta,Sunday October 12
Head of the Charles Regatta (one boat only via lottery), Sunday October 18

Fee: $350, plus, personal racing tank top (app $30) and tights (app $30).  Also, if a boat is granted entry via lottery into the Charles, entry fee will be divided among participants, (Riverfront pays the entry fees, app $60-$100 per boat, for the Head of the Riverfront, Housatonic, and CT regattas)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

2007 Tentative Fall High School Races

Dual Race vs Glastonbury High School
Dual Race vs Lewis Mills High School
Head Race Sunday September 30th, Head of the Riverfront
Head Race Saturday October 6th, Head of the Housatonic
Head Race Sunday October 21nd, Varsity Girls Head of the Charles

WINTER ROWING

The goal of our winter program is to maintain fitness, improve technique, and have fun. The training will consist of rowing on the ergometers, calisthenics, lightweight training, and rowing in the water tanks at Trinity College.

Session I. January 8 - February 14: W, 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm 

Session II. February 26 - April 3:  W, 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm

Fee: $90 for Session I or Session II/$150 for both sessions

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ROW!

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News and Coach’s Message

Coach’s Message

Check here for information from Coaches Wendry and Jones regarding class cancellations plus reminders of upcoming events including monthly picnics, fun races and more!

River Level Graph

Before you row, Click Here to check the current river level.

Contact Us

Contact Us: rrirowinginc@sbcglobal.net, or 713.3131 ext 314

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: Classes are held rain or shine.  If the river/weather conditions are unsafe adults will work on technique indoors using the ergometer rowing machines; high school students would use the ergs and also do body-weight circuits.

What to Wear; What to Expect

Wear clothing that is comfortable and weather/exercise appropriate: sweatpants and long-sleeve shirts on cooler days; shorts and t-shirts during warm weather.

The boathouse features showers for those who would like to clean up and/or change clothes before or after work; just remember that the boathouse and the park are public places, and valuables should never be left unattended.

Beginners: these sessions will focus on the basics of rowing. It will take a few classes and some patience to fully understand the fundamentals, so remember that when it comes to rowing, perseverance is a plus!

Safety Practices

To view our Safety Practices, click here.

Swimming Certificate

If you are rowing outside of a scheduled class, independent of a safety launch, you will need to print and have a lifeguard (of your choice) fill out a Swimming Certificate.  Click here to access the form.  Upon completion, give the pleted form to Rowing Coach, Brian Wendry.

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50 Columbus Boulevard 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106-1984 | T. 860.713.3131 | info@riverfront.org
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