Answers

Sweep rowing is a style of rowing where each rower uses one oar, held with both hands. In this type of rowing, rowers are paired so that there is an oar on each side of the boat, creating a balanced and synchronized movement. This is different from sculling, where each rower has two oars, one in each hand, allowing for a different technique and balance. (Read more about each here: US Rowing)

Yes. Rowing takes place on the water, and while falling out of the boat is very unlikely, it is possible. Therefore, when registering for any rowing program, each participant must confirm that they are able to swim 100 meters and tread water for 5 minutes.

Rowers should wear non-baggy shorts/sweats (i.e. spandex type or bike shorts), a t-shirt, and athletic shoes. When we row in the cooler fall weather, warm clothes (sweats, jacket, hat) might be recommended. BEWARE of baggy pants - when you start to row, they will get caught in the tracks of the sliding seat and your rowing will come to a very abrupt end.

While the NVRC storage shed is locked during practice, it has is very limited storage space. Keys and other small items can be locked in the shed during practice, however, it is best to leave anything valuable locked in your car and out of sight, or better yet, at home.

Remember, rowing is a “water sport.” As such, we row out on the river in the rain, the cold, and the heat. However, if there is thunder and/or lightning, or it is very windy, we immediately get off the water and either do at home workouts or go to a nearby restaurant and socialize.

No. There are only water fountains and Port-A-Johns available at the park.

NVRC does not operate the boathouse. We rent race space the from Sandy Run Regional Park who owns and manages both the park and boathouses. You need to contact the park manager to inquire about personal boat storage availability. They can be reached by phone or email. T: 703-690-4392 or E: Sandyrun@NVRPA.org.

Actually, off the water, our members do lots of things. NVRC members participate in local community volunteer events, as well as enjoying summer Boathouse Breakfasts, after practice Saturday Coffee Talks, 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 and 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!

NVRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching the sport of rowing to adults (21+) of all ages and skill levels in the northern Virginia region. Our goal is to introduce and teach the sport of sweep rowing and coxing to adults who have never rowed before; provide recreational and competitive rowing opportunities; and to help develop a sense of community, volunteerism, health, and fitness in the northern Virginia area.

NVRC is located in Sandy Run Park at 10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. The club is approximately 25 miles south of Washington, DC.

NVRC offers four different programs: Learn to Row, Novice Program, Coxswain Development, and an Experienced Rower Program.

No, although some of our members do scull on their own, NVRC is solely a sweep rowing club.

Yes, we offer our Learn to Row camp in the last three weeks of May for those new to sweep rowing. The fun continues for those graduating from our Learn to Row (LTR) program who would like to continue rowing by joining our Novice Program. This is also a great start for someone who may have rowed in high school or college a while back would like to re-familiarize themselves with rowing again before possibly advancing to the more experienced boats/teams.

Our rowing season is 5 months long – either from the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June, to the beginning of November, ending with the last local race (Head of the Occoquan). There is an annual house held in late April to early May. Learn to Row begins at the start of May and lasts 3 weeks, ending before the start of the season.

Visit the Experienced webpage for instructions, then click Register or the link here for registration and payment. (If you click on the registration link and the site does not load, that means that registration is not yet open. Please check back)

You can check the current prices here at the Regatta Central site. Prices fluxuate per year. Please note: All rowers must pay for a membership, including Learn to Row students. Learn to Row graduates only need to pay for the Novice Program and do not have to pay for a membership again if they decide to continue rowing that season. Experienced rowers will pay for a membership and for the Season Fee- add these 2 numbers up for the total cost to row this season. For example, if the membership fee is listed as $200 and the Season Fee is $625, then the cost to row that season will be $200 + $625 = $825. A 2-part payment plan for the Season Fee is available as an alternative if needed. Coxswains have their fees waived, and can be paid if 21 or older- please contact us at communications@row4nvrc.org for more info.

Membership fees are not refundable. ​ The Season Fee is refundable before or up to 2 weeks after the season starts. ​ After 2 weeks, the Season Fee is no longer refundable; however, members may request a partial refund if circumstances allow. ​For exact dates or for the full refund policy, please check on the Regatta Central page after registering.

Yes. NVRC trains rowers for competitive racing. We always participate in four regattas on the Occoquan: Occoquan Memorial Sprints, Occoquan Challenge, Occoquan Chase, and Head of the Occoquan. We may choose to participate in additional regattas year to year.

During the off-season, NVRC offers Winter Conditioning Programs to maintain and build physical condition, strength, and endurance. The program is open to all, however NVRC members have priority. Club members also continue to participate in community and social activities.

We are always looking for experienced, committed, and reliable coaches, and we offer the best pay in the area. If you have coaching experience and are available to coach weekday evenings from 6:15 – 8:30pm (Mon &Thur) and Saturday mornings 7:30-10:30am, please contact NVRC at info@row4nvrc.org.

No, not at all – that’s why we’re here – to teach you.

There are a couple things that could limit your participation: You must be 21 years old, or older. If you have not been recently active in strenuous sports activities, then we highly recommend consulting a doctor before coming out to row. Rowing is a full-body exercise that includes intense and sustained exertion, as well as the lifting of heavy equipment. A rower needs to be able to lift 30 lbs overhead then carry that weight at shoulder height when moving large boats to and from the water.

Yes, we welcome novice and veteran coxswains! In our coxswain’s program, new and experienced coxswains will enhance and apply their skills in competitive practices and races (1k & 5k) situations and have a heck of a lot of fun driving their rowers to their maximum abilities. Our coxswains are indispensable members of each boat, our teams, and our club.

Yes, NVRC welcomes and encourages high school coxswains to join us – at no cost. Here you will further develop your coxing skills and strategies - as well as life skills - learning from our experienced rowers and coaches, and preparing you for college rowing programs, college, and life in general. Coxing with NVRC can also be applied towards high school volunteer service requirements.

If you feel fairly confident in your ability to quickly pick back up where you left off, then sign up for the Experienced rower program. If you aren’t quite sure, then sign up for the Novice program. There you can dust off your skills, and after a while, in consultation with your coach, join the Experienced rower’s team.

No, NVRC is a "Masters" rowing program - which requires rowers to be 21 years old or older. However, virtually every high school in the Northern Virginia area has a rowing team, many of whom row out of Sandy Run park. We recommend contacting your high school to ask about their rowing program.

It’s generally desirable for a coxswain to be smaller in stature – usually weighing less than 140 lbs. This is because most crew boats have rather small (short & narrow) coxswain seats, therefore the unfortunate size limitations.

If so, email us at info@row4nrvc.org and we'll get right back to you!