Rowing

For over a century rowing on the Rock River has provided participants a new “view” of the river. After you have crewed on the ROCK, you will know what unites rowers everywhere. The coordination, camaraderie, sense of purpose and the total body workout keep the tradition alive.

The mission of the YMCA Rowing Crew is to promote the sport of rowing in all its forms including competitive, recreation, and wellness, under the highest standards to all who are interested in a safe, healthy, and fun activity. Steeped in tradition, our Rowing Crew plays host the Head of the Rock Regatta every October. This decades-old event draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country and more than 5,000 spectators to the banks of the Rock River.
 
Looking to improve strength, flexibility, and toughness during the summer? Then we are looking for you! Rowing is an ideal cross-training sport that improves strength, endurance, and flexibility with little risk of injury. The YMCA Rockford Rowing Crew offers both Masters and High School aged classes to all who are interested in learning to row.

Discover Rowing through the YMCA´s "Learn to Row" program. Discover Rowing is a weekend introduction to the sport. Our goal with this class is to introduce the new rower to the basics and fundamentals of rowing. Following Discover Rowing, participants move on to the Learn to Row program.

2023 Offerings:
May 19, 20 and 21
5:30am - 10am

Master's Discover Rowing is for Ages 18+. We have an additional Jr. Discover Rowing event below.

Call 815-489-1210 to learn more or click below to register.
  Register Here

This is a 6-week program to follow the Discover Rowing class or Previous Rowing Experience. This class is designed to be a structured practice to improve your skills and feel comfortable in the boat. Once completed you become a member of the Rowing Crew. Ages: 18+.

2023 Offerings:
June 6th - July 13th
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:30am -7am

You can register below or call 815-489-1210 to learn more.
  Register

The mission of the YMCA of Rock River Valley Rowing Club is to promote the sport of rowing in all its forms including competitive, wellness, and adaptive under the highest standards to all that are interested in a safe, healthy, and fun manner. The Rockford YMCA Rowing Club (RYRC) is a program of the YMCA. For more information call Jane, 815-489-1210. Register

Jr. Discover Rowing is for youth ages 13-18 and is meant to be an introduction to the sport. Our goal with this class is to introduce the new rower to the basics and fundamentals of rowing. The 2023 program runs June 12-16 from 5:30-7:30am.

Call 815-489-1210 to learn more. Registration is now open for 2023. Register

This is a summer rowing program for middle and high school youth. Rockford Public Schools recognizes the YMCA Jr. Rowing Program as a Varsity sport. All athletes who complete the program and who are enrolled in Rockford Public Schools will receive a Varsity letter.

Open to all (Ages 13-18) No tryouts required - just be willing to work. A swim test is required. Call 815-489-1210 to learn more. Registration for 2023 will open soon.

*Need a place to store your boat – we have space in our boathouse. We offer storage for the season starting at $100.
 
For more information on the Rowing Crew, contact:
Jane Johnson
Rowing Director

janejohnson@rockriverymca.org
815-489-1210