Capital Rowing Club’s young—but growing—Sculling Program seeks to offer something for scullers of all skill levels. Depending on personal preference, Capital offers a structured competitive program, as well as classes for those interested in just learning how to scull; less structured coached sessions and occasional special clinics are also available; and there is plenty of beautiful, calm water to be found on the Anacostia River for those who just want to get out there and row. For more information on particular programs, please visit one of the links below:

* Competitive Sculling Program

* Intermediate Program

* Novice Program

Competitive Sculling Program

In the spring of 2006, Capital Rowing Club introduced a structured competitive sculling program as part of its Small Boats Program. The competitive program pushes athletes towards higher levels of achievement, giving them the skills necessary to maximize performance at local, national and international regattas. The program structure includes both theoretical and practical instruction, with a particular emphasis on boatmanship. The program also embraces the team and community spirit that is the hallmark of Capital Rowing Club.

Requirements and Experience

Rowers should have prior sculling experience, and be in good physical condition. The rower should also have a solid understanding of technique and boat issues such as set, run and timing. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the competitive sculling coach or the Small Boats program representative, competitive scullers are expected to attend all practices, and scheduled regattas.

Workouts

Practices are held, rain or shine, Monday through Friday from 5:00 am until 7:00 am, from the last weekend in March through the second weekend in November. Workouts are generally on the water, but may also include land training. Practices may be cancelled due to inclement weather (high winds, heavy fog, or lightening). Cancellations are at the discretion of the program coach or program representative.

Racing

Capital rows in both Sprint (1000m-2000m) and Head Races (5000+m). Most regattas occur on the weekends and are often within a few hours driving distance from Capital Rowing Club. The Club’s competitive programs also participate in national and international events (Master’s Nationals and World’s FISA) which may involve longer travel distances, and require extended participation. Costs associated with racing are the responsibility of the rower.

Being Part of a Volunteer-Run Community Club

All of Capital Rowing Club’s competitive programs enjoy a balance of racing and club spirit. Crews train hard but also pitch in to help with a wide variety of volunteering needs, including but not limited to loading trailers, repainting oars, or helping out with novice rowing classes. Being a part of the competitive program at Capital means joining a team that participate in community and club events as well as regattas and practices.

Equipment

* Quad

* Doubles

* Singles

Contact Capital’s Sculling Rep, Michelle Fryc (Michelle_Fryc@capitalrowing.org), for additional information.





Intermediate Program

Capital’s newest sculling program aims to help competent scullers with varying degrees of experience improve their technique, conditioning, and confidence on the water. Whether you’re a recent graduate of a novice class, an out-of-practice racer, or a recreational sculler looking for others to go out on the water with, this program will help you meet your rowing goals. Practices will be led by an experienced coach and held 3X week, Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 9:00am.

Contact Capital’s Sculling Rep, Michelle Fryc (Michelle_Fryc@capitalrowing.org), for additional information.

Novice Program

For those people interested in learning how to scull and who have prior sweep experience, Capital offers novice classes led by experienced coaches. Novice sessions are held throughout the rowing season. Classes are generally held twice a week and each session runs for six weeks. Each class will consist of 6-8 novice scullers total. At least the first three weeks of class will be spent working in doubles, learning technique and getting comfortable with handling two oars. Moving into singles will be based on the coach's discretion. Focus will be placed on safety, boat handling skills, and learning basic sculling technique.

Please contact Capital's Sculling Rep Michelle Fryc (Michelle_Fryc@capitalrowing.org) if you wish to be placed on the waitlist for the 2008 classes.

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