Winter Programming
2026
New Rowers
Indoor Learn to Row
4 Sundays
10:30 AM – 12 PM
February 22 – March 15
Held at Trinity College in Hartford, CT this 4 week clinic will use rowing machines and the rowing tank (or simulated indoor boat) to learn the basics of the rowing stroke. Rowers will learn rowing terms, stroke positions and practice their strokes with the help of a real blade and sliding seat.
This is a great opportunity for new rowers to learn the rowing stroke in advance of the spring on water season. The tank set up allows for a more comprehensive coaching environment where direct feedback and video review help to advance each rower’s overall understanding of the rowing stroke. An on water outing will be scheduled for interested participants once weather and temperatures allow (late March – early April).
All FVRA programs require a current USRowing Waiver & Membership (Learn to Row or Basic) which includes an additional fee of $10-$25.
Cost: $160
Participants: 16 per session
Registration Due: Wednesday, February 18th, 2025
Experienced Rowers
Indoor Technique Clinic
4 Sundays
9 – 10:30 AM
February 22 – March 15
Held at Trinity College in Hartford, CT this 4 week clinic will allow rowers to warm up their on water muscles before heading out on the river using Trinity’s rowing tank. Each week rowers will focus on an area of the stroke through drill work, technique discussion and receive video feedback. Rowers will also have the opportunity to row both port and starboard throughout the sessions.
All FVRA programs require a current USRowing Waiver & Membership (Learn to Row or Basic) which includes an additional fee of $10-$25.
Cost: $160
Participants: 16 per session
Registration Due: Wednesday, February 18th, 2025
Upcoming On-Water Programs
Spring/Summer 2026
Learn-to-Row - Sweep
In sweep rowing each rower holds one oar. Sweep classes are taught in an eight-person or four-person boat that are steered by people called coxswains. In this program, rowers will learn boat-handling skills, water safety, and will be introduced to the basics of rowing technique in a small group. There is no pre-requisite for this program, but you must be able to swim. Two times are offered per session, early morning or late morning.
Prerequisites:
- USRowing Waiver – Click to print, sign and bring with you
- The ability to swim
Fees, Dates & Times TBD
Recreational Sweep
Are you looking to expand your rowing experience and increase your fitness while enjoying the outdoors? Our Rec. Sweep session will build your technique and fitness in a friendly small group setting. Recreational sweep is for sweep rowers who have previous participation in the Indoor Winter Beginner Program, a Learn-to-Row class, or similar introductory rowing experience. You must also be able to swim. This group meets weekly at Camp Shalom in Windsor, CT. Rowers will primarily be rowing in an 8, but may be broken up into 4s. This is a coached session that will work on building basic understanding of rowing technique, control and boat feel.
Interested in joining but can’t make it for the full session?
Email info@fvra.org and get on our Drop-In Rower list. If a spot is available you will be contacted to join the row! Drop-in rows are $35 each
Prerequisites:
- Indoor Winter Beginner Program, a Learn-to-Row class, or similar introductory rowing experience
- A current USRowing Waiver & Membership (Learn to Row or Basic) which includes an additional fee of $10-$25.
- The ability to swim
- Emergency contact sheet on file
Fees, Dates & Times TBD
Join FVRA as a Coxswain
A coxswain [ kok-suhn ] is a key part of team sweep boats. They steer, act as the in-boat coach – running practice drills and workouts, and listen to the coach to communicate changes.
Private Sculling Lessons
Work with a coach in a small boat for a session catered directly to your experience and technique focus. Learn to scull, build boat speed or fine tune your stroke during a 2 hour row scheduled directly with one of our FVRA coaches.
- Scheduled per athlete with coaches as available
- Only available from mid/end May to mid/end Oct (on weekends in Fall Sept/Oct) due to water temperatures and light availability.
Prerequisites:
- A current USRowing Waiver & Membership (Learn to Row or Basic) which includes an additional fee of $10-$25.
- The ability to swim
- Emergency contact sheet on file
Lesson Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of sculling for an upcoming holiday or birthday! We have Sculling Lesson certificates available provided as a pdf. that can be purchased at any time.
Registration Opens in Spring