OUR
STORY
Northern Virginia Rowing Club (NVRC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to teaching the sport of rowing to masters rowers, as defined by US Rowing. Our club is a community of passionate rowers who are committed to promoting the sport and supporting each other in achieving their rowing goals.
OUR MISSION is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for adult rowers of all levels. We offer coaching, training, and competitive opportunities for our members. Whether you're new to rowing or an experienced master rower, NVRC is the perfect place to pursue your passion for the sport.
MEET OUR COACHES
Gary Goddard
Gary is in his fourth year coaching for NVRC, previously served as a coach with Bull Run Rowers. He has 30+ years combined high school, college and masters coaching, and is currently the Lake Braddock boys' varsity coach.
He both rowed and coached at George Mason University and is US Rowing Level 2 certified.
Gary says there are four words for you to succeed in this sport -- hard work, commitment and dedication!
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Megan Jorgenson
Megan has been coaching Masters and Juniors rowing for two years in Virginia. She rowed at Gonzaga University. Megan is also a military spouse and has 3 children.
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Emily Cleveland
Emily started rowing on the Occoquan in 2005 and was a Junior Coach with Prince William Rowing Club from 2006 to 2009. After completing graduate school, Emily rowed with Raleigh Rowing Center in 2017 and was a Novice Coach with their program. Upon returning to the Northern Virginia area, Emily started rowing with Occoquan Boat Club in 2019 and continues to compete as a rower today. In 2022, she started coaching for Northern Virginia Rowing Club and became the experienced women's coach in 2023.
Emily's coaching goal for every practice is to have a better boat return to the dock at the end of practice than the boat launched at the start of practice.
Parker Smith
Parker is a student studying Maritime and Supply Chain Management at Old Dominion University, where he also serves as the coach of the co-ed rowing club. He has five years of experience rowing, coxing and coaching.
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BENEFITS of
ROWING
01
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rowing improves your cardiovascular fitness and builds muscle strength without jarring impacts to joints. It is the ultimate low-impact, full-body workout and is perfect for current and former adult athletes who, due to knee injuries, can no longer do running-based sports and miss working up a good sweat and intense competition.
02
STRESS RELIEF
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Occoquan River, and an endorphin buzz to boot.
03
SOCIALIZATION
Learn teamwork and make new friends on your boat and throughout the club as rowers work together to move the boat in the most efficient manner possible.
04
COMPETITION
NVRC races in several local regattas and also travels to regattas throughout the country including the US Rowing Masters National Championships
NVRC is comprised of adults (21+), some who row competitively, some who row recreationally, and those who do some of both.
All rowers come to practice to focus on skills to achieve their goals, all guided by professional coaching. NVRC coaches have experience preparing rowers for success at all levels, including the US Rowing Masters Nationals Championships while fostering teamwork and the competitive spirit.
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NVRC is committed to making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority, and we are dedicated to continue to grow and evolve as we invest more in these efforts. We pledge to devote time and resources to make a lasting impact and be an agent of positive change in our rowing community and broader society.
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NVRC rows on the beautiful Occoquan Reservoir, which is considered one of the best rowing venues on the East Coast. We have over 12 miles of rowable river, with no power boats over 10 hp motors allowed. While on the water, you will see other rowers, the occasional kayaker and fisherman, along with the wildlife that make the Occoquan its home: herons, osprey, bald eagles, and the occasional otter.
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Off the water, our members participate in local community volunteer events, as well as enjoying summer Boathouse Breakfasts, after practice Saturday Coffee Talks, visiting speakers, periodic non-rowing outings, the occasional informal Happy Hours, and our End of Season Banquet – to name a few. During the off-season, members can participate in winter training activities, community and social activities & adventures. As you can see, we are a lot more than just rowing, and there are tons of things to do if you want to get involved!
WHY ROW?
