Newcomers

New to Rowing and/or to LHRC? Read on or jump to youth or adults (24+).

What we offer

We are a community-based non-profit that offers Youth (middle school and high school) and Master’s (adult) scull and sweep rowing on beautiful Bantam Lake in Litchfield, CT. While we are proud to offer rowing to all youth, our athletes who attend Wamogo and Litchfield High Schools can earn varsity letters in the spring racing season through a partnership with those schools.

We offer programs for beginner and advanced rowers, for younger and older rowers, and for everyone in between. If you’re not quite sure what to sign up for, email Head Coach Drew (directorlhrc@gmail.com) and we’ll help you figure out the best place for you to start.

We also have a great team of coaches who will help you develop into a confident, skilled rower — no matter where you’re starting from.

What to expect

Each of our programs operates a little differently. Learn-to-row programs typically start on land and teach you proper rowing technique and safety protocols. We also introduce you to all the necessary rowing equipment and terminology. We’ll get you on the water, but if you’re feeling a little apprehensive, rest assured that we will get you feeling comfortable first.

If you’re coming to us with a little more experience, you’ll likely go out in a team boat with our more experienced rowers. We have programs for athletes with a variety of skill levels, so if you’ve already learned to row but you’re not interested in racing (yet!), there’s still a place for you!

 

Youth

In the rowing world, “youth” refers to all rowers under 23 years old. If you are 24 or older, please see the Adults section. LHRC offers multiple youth programs:

  • Dev: Dev is LHRC’s learn-to-row program for middle-school-aged athletes. Dev is a fun and challenging program to introduce our future champions to rowing. Practices run 2x per week. Athletes often have the opportunity to participate in an inter-club scrimmage race.

  • Advanced Dev: Advanced Dev is for middle-school-aged athletes who have been training with us for 1-2 years (typically athletes in 8th grade, but exceptions are allowed). These athletes are ready to up their game by beginning to train with our Novice program. Practices run 3x per week. Athletes participate in our inter-club scrimmages and may be invited to some large regattas.

  • Novice: “Novice” is rowing’s term for first-year racing athletes. LHRC novice rowers are high-school-age athletes in their first year of racing. Practices run 6x per week. Athletes participate in all youth regattas.

  • Varsity: LHRC varsity members are high-school-age athletes who have completed at least 1 year of rowing training. Practices run 6x per week. Athletes participate in all youth regattas.

  • Coxswain (Novice/ Varsity): The coxswain is a vital part of any rowing team. Coxswains steer the boat, command the races, and motivate their teammates. They are small in stature but big in personality. To learn more about this unique position in sports, check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxswain. Our coxswains practice and race with our Novice and Varsity crews.

If you’re a parent and your child is interested in rowing, contact Head Coach Drew to answer all your questions at directorlhrc@gmail.com. You can even plan to join them or other coaches in the launch!

ADULTS (24+)

In the rowing world, adult rowers (24+) are referred to as “Masters” rowers, no matter how experienced they are. LHRC offers rowing programs for masters of all ages and at all levels. If you’re unsure where to start, contact Head Coach Drew at directorlhrc@gmail.com for guidance.

  • Learn-to-Row: Our learn-to-row program is for rowers who have yet to touch an oar. We’ll start with the basics and get you comfortable in a boat in no time. Give rowing a try, then choose the path that works for you! After completing Learn-to-Row, athletes often move to rec row or our intermediate program depending on their desire regarding racing. Each rower’s goals are different and we’re here to help you on your journey (including repeating learn-to-row to continue building confidence).

  • Rec Row: Our rec program offers rowing to those who have completed a learn-to-row program and want to spend more time on the water, but who don’t necessarily want to row competitively. Our rec rowers span from recent learn-to-row graduates up to those with decades of rowing experience who want to row in a more relaxed environment. This program allows our rowers to enjoy our beautiful lake and experience the joy of rowing. We focus on skill improvements and getting meters in with occasional fun and friendly intra-squad competitions.

  • Intermediate/ JV: Our JV team is made up of club members who want to make rowing more of an intense experience. Intermediate practices focus on improving endurance and skill while moving toward our competitive team. JV athletes are typically not committed to racing (yet!). Athletes can compete if they would like, but are not expected to.

  • Competitive Team: LHRC’s master’s competitive team is for athletes with at least one season of rowing experience who are interested in competing at local and national regattas. Our competitive program is for those who find competition brings out their best selves, or for those who like having others hold them accountable while enhancing rowing skills and fitness. Our competitive team trains to race against others in our club, other local clubs, and at larger regattas.

If you rowed in the past but haven’t rowed in a while, make sure to contact us (directorlhrc@gmail.com)! We are so excited that you are rejoining our amazing sport! Everyone’s prior experience is a little different; if you fall into this category, contact us and we can help you figure out the right path for you!

Tips for a great first session

  1. Wear athletic clothes that are comfortable but form-fitting clothes
    In rowing, we sit on a small seat that glides on wheels back and forth in the boat. Clothes that fit too loosely can get stuck in the track wheels. This is especially true of baggy shorts and long t-shirts (we recommend a super trendy tuck-in of the shirt). Hoodies, though comfy, are not great rowing attire because they are sponges if you get splashed; also, kangaroo pockets are dangerous places for catching oar handles.

  2. Bring a change of clothes
    Soggy rides home are never fun. We are a water sport and we row in most weather (no lighting) and getting damp (or drenched) happens. It is always a smart idea to be prepared; please bring dry clothes to change into so you are more comfortable on your ride home.

  3. Arrive early
    Rowing is about more than just being on the water. It’s best to arrive early to make sure all your equipment is set before practice. Sometimes a practice will be ending just as yours starts so there is less to do to prep equipment, but we can always use extra sets of hands at the beginning and end of practice. Getting to know the set-up and break-down parts of rowing will also contribute to your overall boat and rowing knowledge. You can pick up a lot of great tips from hearing coaches lead practices that are not yours. This is also a great time to get to know your teammates. Rowing is an incredibly team-based sport, so you’ll want to get to know your boatmates! “If you’re on time, you’re late,” to quote Tom Coughlin, former NY Football Giants Coach (GO BIG BLUE!).

  4. Bring a great attitude
    We are a friendly bunch and we will welcome you with open arms, so bring your smile! Also, remember that rowing is a very unique sport in a lot of ways; since we’re going BACKWARDS in a boat, it can take a little bit of time to get used to. Just like most things that are worth doing, it takes consistency and persistence to get it right. Those of us who have been rowing for years are still constantly making changes and improvements to our strokes. Our head coach, Drew, loves to quote the world-famous rower and coach Harry Parker: “In rowing, I found a sport that demanded some skill, granted, but placed a much higher premium on plain hard work and persistence.” We’ve all been beginners, and we are a close-knit team that really wants to see everyone succeed. So be ready to work hard and play hard too!

FAQs

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. We are a water sport, we have safety launches equipped to meet all Coast Guard safety regulations, personal flotation devices (PFDs, aka life preservers), and coaches who are CPR/ First-Aid certified and trained to handle most anything. But rather than tempt fate, being comfortable in the water is a must.

Do I need to know how to row?
Definitely not! We offer programs for total beginners! All are welcome.

Are there toilets and water at the boathouse?
We have grand plans for boathouse upgrades, but unfortunately do not currently have running water. Please bring drinking water to practice (if you plan to bring a water bottle in the boat with you, please put it in a sock to protect our delicate equipment). Additionally, we have a port-a-john available—which is usually pretty clean!

I’m worried I’m not in good enough shape. Do I need to work out before I can start rowing?
Rowing is a great, low-impact exercise activity. If improving your fitness is one of your goals, rowing is a great place to start that journey! Plus, rowers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels. As long as you can safely get into and out of a boat, you are absolutely in good enough shape to row.

How do I fold a fitted sheet?
It’s hard, but since you’re a rower we know you can do anything!

Can I watch a practice before I sign up?
Absolutely! Riding the coach’s launch and experiencing practice from that perspective is a great way to get excited about rowing. Plus, our coaches often tell lame jokes, so practice all your dad-puns to keep up! Reach out to Coach Drew if you’re interested.

Question not answered here?
Email Coach Drew at directorlhrc@gmail.com.