10 things to know before you start rowing
Curious about rowing but not sure what you're getting into? Here's what actually helps to know before your first practice, from the coaches at The Cleveland Foundry.
01
You don't need to be an athlete
Plenty of people start rowing with no sports background at all. The Foundry works with youth and adults at every level, from first-timers to competitive crews. Technique matters more than raw strength, and technique is something you learn.
02
It's a leg sport
People assume rowing is all arms. It's not. Most of the power comes from your legs. Once that clicks, it feels completely different.
03
You'll start on land and in the tankhouse
Before you get in a boat on the Cuyahoga River, you'll learn the stroke on an erg and in our indoor rowing tank. The tank lets you practice the real motion in the water while you get the hang of it, so nothing feels like a leap.
04
Balance is a skill, not a talent
Rowing boats feel tippy at first. That's normal. Your body figures it out surprisingly fast, and coaches start you in stable setups while you build confidence.
05
Rowing is a team sport
In a crew boat, you move as one unit. Your timing matters to everyone else in the boat, and theirs matters to you. That shared rhythm is a big part of why people love it, and it's where the teamwork and discipline the sport is known for come from.
06
Early mornings come with the territory
The water is calmest early, so a lot of rowing happens at sunrise. It sounds brutal. Ask any rower and they'll tell you a still Cuyahoga at dawn is worth it.
07
Dress to move and to layer
Wear fitted clothing that won't catch in the equipment, and layer up. It's cooler on the river than on shore, and you warm up fast once you're working.
08
Blisters are a rite of passage
Your hands will complain for the first week or two. Then they toughen up and you stop noticing. Everyone goes through it.
09
There's more than one way in
You don't have to commit to a competitive team to start. The Foundry offers learn-to-row for brand-new rowers and Rowing for Fitness classes, one-hour sessions several days a week for all levels. You can find the pace that fits your life.
10
The first good row will surprise you
There's a moment when the boat stops fighting you and just glides. People chase that feeling for years. You might feel it your first season.
