Welcome new rowers!
Every year, Aqueduct Rowing Club offers a summer program for those wishing to learn to row. Learners can row in sweep boats (those with one oar for each rower) and can also learn to scull (using two oars). The Learn to Row Program is two evenings a week working with a dedicated coach. Novice rowers should be in good physical condition and capable of strenuous activity although your conditioning will improve throughout the session. Rowers must also be able to swim and/or float unassisted. Upon completion of one session, novice rowers are invited to join the club for a reduced fee and finish the season. Novices are also eligible to compete in club hat races and in regattas. See the pictures below for a look.
2024 PROGRAM — Session is full and registration is closed. Join us next year if you missed the boat!!!
Total duration 4 weeks (8 sessions). Rain dates will be decided if necessary.
Practices are held at the Aqueduct Boathouse (next to the Rexford Bridge)
Corner of Balltown Road and Aqueduct Road
Niskayuna, NY
Cost for 2024 learn to row is $225
Rowers who complete our Learn-to-Row program are eligible to continue on as regular members for the rest of the year at no additional cost.
Email Amy at aqueductrowingclub@gmail.com for more information.
Here’s how to sound like you row, even if you don’t yet.
The coxswain calls “Hands on!” which means take hold of the boat and be ready to pick it up. We carry the boat from the boathouse to the water and back each row.
Hands on!
Everyone in the boat helps carry it down to the dock
Rolling the boat down into the water
Cox or coxswain (pronounced cox-n). The person in the stern facing forward and “driving” the boat. Rowers listen to and obey coxswain commands to stay coordinated and apply power as requested.
The coxswain
Stroke. Each full movement of an oar is a stroke but the stroke is also the rower in the stern who sets the rhythm and cadence for the other rowers. In an 8 seat boat, the cox faces the stroke.
Port and starboard. These are the left and right sides of the boat BUT when you row you face backwards so the port oars are on the right as you sit in the boat.
Coaches in safety launches typically accompany rowers
Push off in 2. 1, 2. A call from the coxswain to push the boat away from the dock. Most actions are coordinated by the coxswain with a 1, 2 count.
Seat number. Boats with more than one rower have seat numbers. The one in the front of the boat (or the one behind everyone else, remember we face backward) is bow seat, the first one in the back of the boat is stroke seat. Everyone else gets a number.
And off they go!
Photos courtesy of Gerard Dupin