Pierrepont School Rowing Program

The program

This is a beginner level program designed to introduce our young athletes to all aspects of rowing. Athletes are exposed to both sweep (one oar) and sculling (two oars) and experience rowing in singles, as well as, team boats. Focus is on technique and improving fitness. In addition to spending time in the boats, athletes will do land training (erging, running, and calisthenics) to help improve fitness and technique for rowing on the water.

Why Rowing?

Rowing is both a strenuous and graceful sport. It offers a connection between the body, one’s equipment, and nature. When done correctly, there is nothing like the sensation of quietly gliding through the water. Almost anyone can row, regardless of age or fitness level.

Benefits of Rowing:

• Rowing is a complete exercise using all major muscle groups: legs, arms, back and abdomen.
• Rowing provides aerobic conditioning as well as strength conditioning.
• Rowing is a great calorie burner, faster than biking at the same perceived level of exertion.
• Young athletes learn the importance of teamwork while having fun, meeting new friends, promoting school spirit, and developing competence in the sport of rowing.
• Rowing promotes problem solving and provides a sense of both personal and group achievement.
• Rowing offers a variety of options. One can row indoors or out, on water or on land, competitively or recreationally, intensely or easily, alone or with others.

Who is eligible?

The program will be open to Pierrepont students ages 12-18 who are able to swim. Parents must sign a Medical Authorization and a waiver from SGA confirming that their child is a capable swimmer, and releasing SGA from any liability concerning this program.

Training curriculum

Practices during the winter season are completely indoors. The indoor training will consist of using the rowing machines and other cardio vascular exercises. The athletes will be expected to do some training on their own outside of practice. Water training begins in April. A coach from the Saugatuck Rowing Club and Kevin Ford will supervise the students at all times.

When will we practice?

Saturdays from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Tuesday mornings from 6:00-7:00 am. The program will begin on February 6th and run through May 15th.

There will be no practice on February 13th, March 20th, March 27th, and April 17th.

Where?

The Saugatuck Rowing Club, 521 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT 06880

What to wear?

For land training the athletes should wear non-baggy t-shirts and sweat pants or shorts. For water training athletes must wear non-baggy brightly colored t-shirts and spandex running pants or shorts (i.e. Under Armor).

When will we compete?

Our goal is to compete in the Head of the Connecticut River Regatta in October 2010.

Who is our competition?

We expect to compete against, the Saugatuck Rowing Club Youth Program, Norwalk Leander Club, Norwalk River Rowing Club, Greenwich Rowing Club, New Canaan Rowing Club, and several independent schools from Connecticut.

Cost

$650 per student for the 10-week program. Pierrepont will offer financial assistance to students who require it. Please email Nancy to request assistance.