Rowing and Sculling

What boosts strength, teamwork and community spirit?  What’s a fabulous way to improve your fitness, and your bond with nature?  It’s rowing - and this could be your year to give it a try on the unique waterways of the Genesee River and Erie Canal.  Join the hundreds of people who row with Genesee Waterways Center (GWC)!  

There are two types of rowing. Sweep rowing is generally done in two, four and eight person boats and each rower uses one oar held with both hands.  Sculling is generally performed in one, two and four person boats and each rower uses an oar in each hand.  Rowing can be enjoyed at any age and in many ways.  It can be done on the water or indoors on rowing ergometers or in rowing tanks.  Rowing can be performed in groups or in solitude, leisurely or at high intensity. Whatever your interest and goals, GWC is committed to offering the best programs available to help you achieve them.

GWC programs are open to anyone 14 and over.  On–the-water sweep and sculling programs for beginners, recreational and competitive athletes are held throughout the spring, summer and fall. GWC’s winter indoor training can’t be beat!  Our coaches train functional movement patterns that promote proper rowing technique and that increase core and overall strength.

John Bernfield, known by most in the rowing community as “JB”, is GWC’s Head Coach and Rowing Program Director.  He is a US Rowing Level III Certified Coach and has over 45 years experience in competitive rowing.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in exercise physiology and biomechanics.  He is also a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  JB incorporates all of his experience and knowledge into developing programs that promote powerful, effective rowing technique and that reduce the chance of injury from ALL your life activities. 

An Overview of GWC’s Rowing Programs

Novice Learn-to-Row:

This is an introductory program for individuals who have not previously participated in an on-the-water rowing program.  The emphasis is on safety, boat handling and the introduction of biomechanically correct and efficient movement patterns.  Our coaches use learning progressions that JB has developed and refined through his experience teaching functional movement to athletes.  The progression is designed to promote proper rowing technique right from the beginning to minimize the possibility of improper technique or “bad habits” being formed.
 
Click here for schedule and registration
 

Masters Recreational and Competitive Sweep Rowing

This program is for men and women 21-80 plus years of age who have previously participated in a learn-to-row program on the water.  Whether you wish to row at a recreational or competitive level, the goal is to improve rowing technique and increase your fitness level.  Boat line-ups for practices will be formed based on technical proficiency, fitness level and goals.
 
If you wish to compete, we will start our racing season locally at the Pittsford Regatta on May 26th.  If you haven’t raced before, this is a perfect opportunity to see what it’s all about.  Racing categories include, novice, recreational and experienced masters.
 
GWC has a growing number of athletes training and competing at an elite level.  We will have many racing opportunities this summer and fall that include travel in the northeast region.  Please see the regatta schedule for details.
 
Click here for schedule and registration.
 

Masters Sculling

The goal of this program is to improve sculling technique.  The emphasis is on the development of movement patterns that are both biomechanically safe and effective for sculling.  Regardless of your sculling aspirations, being able to scull with good technique and confidence will help insure effective on-the-water boatmanship.
The program is open to everyone age 21-80 plus.  Training sessions are open to all experienced scullers and rowers regardless of current sculling level or future sculling aspirations.
 
Click here for schedule and registration.