Rowing

Whether you are looking to learn to row or get back into a boat, Hampton Roads Rowing Club has a program to meet your needs.

In the summer we host a junior rowing program, learn to row adult program, coached open row sessions at least 4 times a week, as well as numerous recreational and competitive boats. Seven days a week, you can you find a HRRC boat out on the Lafayette.

What is rowing?

Rowing is a lifelong sport for men and women of all ages. Some of our members learned to row in high school, others picked up an oar for the first time in their sixties. We have some boats with a 30 year age range amongst the rowers.

Rowing is an excellent way to meet new people and get a total-body workout in a relaxed, friendly environment. As a club we have several on and off the water events throughout the year as well. In the words of our 2015 president, Helen Greenhough,

I signed up for LTR because it gave me the opportunity to try a sport without a heavy/expensive commitment. As well as falling in love with the sport, getting involved with the club was really fundamental to feeling at home here (at the time I had only been in the area 6 months).

Rowing can be both competitive and recreational. It is completely up for you to decide what you’d like to pursue and what your schedule will allow you to do. There is no pressure placed on you to compete. HRRC does not charge an extra fee for competitive rowers. Also, our coaches provide guidance for all rowers, regardless of whether they are a competitive or recreational rower. All members receive training plans and workouts from the coaches. It is up to the rower and their boat, if applicable, whether they wish to follow the plans.

Rowing is a time efficient workout that exercises all of your major muscle groups. A common misconception is that rowing focuses on your arms. On the contrary, rowing uses your legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms to complete a single stroke. It also provides anaerobic and aerobic conditioning.

There is a great sense of camaraderie and team work with rowing. We are a very diverse club representing multiple countries, ages, and rowing abilities. We look forward to meeting you!

“Where is the spiritual value of rowing? . . . The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as a whole. — George Yeoman Pocock