Visit Your Local Boat Club for National Learn to Row Day, Saturday, June 3, 2023

Saturday, June 3, 2023, marks the annual celebration of National Learn to Row Day, a tradition organized by U.S. Rowing in an effort to introduce the sport of rowing to people of all ages and fitness levels. This year’s theme is “Opening the Boathouse Doors,” which encourages rowing clubs to focus on inclusivity and diversity.

For rowing groups eager to host a Learn to Row event this year, U.S. Rowing has assembled resources for planning and advertising to your local community. It is also incorporating a few challenges and giveaways into the mix to motivate clubs and their members to get into the LTR spirit. Starting May 25, rowing groups can create National Learn to Row recruitment videos for the chance to win a brand-new set of Concept 2 Oars. Another sweepstakes invites people to share why they row on Instagram as an entry to win a brand-new Concept 2 RowErg machine. (Follow U.S. Rowing on Instagram for more details.)

As a company founded by rowers for rowers, Rowing Pad is passionate about spreading the good word about our sport and its many benefits. Rowing connects you to nature and provides a full-body workout. Even if you don’t think you have access to a waterway for rowing nearby, you might be surprised to learn that a rowing club is operating somewhere not too far—many different types of rivers, lakes, bays, inlets, and more can be used for rowing. It’s an excellent activity for teens in search of a challenge and plenty of camaraderie. And of course, rowing is equally rewarding for adults of all ages—our community is incredibly welcoming!

Rowing Pad’s home state of New Hampshire has a rich rowing heritage, with high-energy high school and collegiate programs and an abundance of scenic waterways. Many local clubs go to great lengths to connect with potential new participants in their communities and make rowing accessible for all. Check out our roundup of regional Learn to Row events taking place June 3, 2023. (Tell them your friends at Rowing Pad sent you!)

Looking to row in another location? Use U.S. Rowing’s map (featured toward the bottom of the LTR site) to find a boat club near you and check out the offerings for new rowers. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to try something new or to share your love for rowing with someone you think might enjoy it. Happy rowing to all for the 2023 Learn to Row. Always remember to grab your Rowing Pad boat or erg pad before setting off on your next rowing adventure.

GREAT BAY ROWING CLUB (DOVER, NH)

Join Great Bay Rowing Club at the Dover Boathouse on River Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 3. Along the banks of the Cocheco River, GBR coaches and athletes will provide tours of the docks and boathouse, teach the basics of the rowing stroke on the erg (rowing machine), and get willing participants out in a boat to test their new skills on the water. This wonderful non-profit local club offers everything from learn-to-row programs and sculling classes for juniors (grades 8 through 12) and adults to competitive racing for all ages and levels. It also has adaptive rowing equipment available. The positive energy at GBR will surely win you over—check out the Instagram account to catch up on the recent accomplishments of their members, including a program-best showing at the 2023 Northeast Youth Championships.

AMOSKEAG ROWING CLUB (HOOKSETT, NH)

Those along the more northern reaches of the Merrimack River have a great rowing resource in the Amoskeag Rowing Club, which operates out of its boathouse in Hooksett. From 9 to 11 a.m., you can stop by for an open house, tour of the facilities, and some instruction on rowing technique, then hop into a boat for a free on-water lesson. Who knows? You might want to sign up for one of the adult or junior learn-to-row sculling programs on the spot and find yourself participating in the annual Blue Heron Regatta come August.

CONCORD CREW (CONCORD, NH)

To celebrate Learn to Row 2023, this nonprofit, competitive regional rowing team based on the Merrimack will be holding an open house for middle and high school students as well as adults. Concord Crew, with its youth programming for boys and girls in grades 8 through 12, has a long tradition of teaching kids sweep oar and sculling technique. Now the club has added both adult recreational and competitive masters programs to its offerings! Stop by on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take a tour of the boathouse (located at 15 Loudon Road), talk to the coaches, try out the rowing machines, and even head out on the water with some of the club’s experienced rowers and coxswains to get a feel for the sport.

SQUAM COMMUNITY ROWING (HOLDERNESS, NH)

Squam Community Rowing makes it home base on Squam Lake, a smaller but equally scenic neighbor to Lake Winnipesaukee. This excellent local club was established in 2013 to bring together individuals with a passion for rowing, maintain lifelong fitness and protect the natural beauty and peaceful character of Squam Lake. On Saturday, June 3, Squam Community Rowing will open its doors to people of all ages interested in the sport. Meet the members and get familiar with the boats and rowing terminology. Attendees 18 years and up can test out an erg machine and hopefully even hop into a boat to explore Pipers Cove. Looking for a more in-depth introduction to rowing? Check out the club’s 2-session Learn to Row program for 2023, which kicks off the week of June 5. You can sign up during Saturday’s event. In an area defined by its serene bodies of water, the cost seems well worth it to explore a sport that allows you to enjoy them from a new perspective.

UPPER VALLEY ROWING FOUNDATION (HANOVER, NH)

Visiting the Upper Valley Rowing Foundation on June 3 is sure to give anyone interested in rowing a complete view into the fun and camaraderie that comes with belonging to a local boat club. For this active nonprofit rowing club, located about 2 miles north of Hanover, this Saturday marks the season kick-off, which involves Learn to Row programming. The full day of events kicks off at Kendal Riverfront Park at 7 a.m. with a race for U23 rowers, followed by a “Smackdown” that mixes masters and juniors rowers for some friendly competition. Next up is the christening of several new boats and a potluck brunch. From noon to 2 p.m. the official Learn to Row programming gets under way, with rowing basics, a coach’s meet-and-greet, and the opportunity to get out in the boats for a turn on the river. UVRF offers recreational sweep and scull classes for newbies through masters level as well as competitive juniors and masters programs, and a unique rowing program for cancer survivors called, CReW: Cancer Recovery through Rowing. Don’t miss this chance to explore the beautiful Connecticut River with an awesome community of rowers.