About Masters Rowing

The classification of Master applies to anyone over the age of 18, with or without previous rowing experience. We pride ourselves on the fact that we create a community around the sport of rowing. We create a great experience for both the seasoned athlete as well as the novice rower.

For the Experienced Rower
Twice per week the masters get together for a coached row. Rowers may participate in the coached row or come out and take their own lineup while the safety launches are out.  We typically row in fours and eights although we have both competitive and non-competitive small boats available for use.  Depending on skill level and familiarity with the Great Miami River, some masters rowers may be eligible to take out boats without a coaching launch.  This is evaluated on a case by case basis and safety always comes first at the Great Miami Rowing Center.

Some of our masters like to race and some come only for the weekly practice. While racing is not a staple in our programming, we encourage everyone to race and will facilitate those who wish to.  Masters wishing to travel must pay an additional regatta fee (as is true for all of our programs).  In the fall it's best to piggy back on the youth schedule or somewhere the trailer is already going as those tend to be the cheapest in terms of regatta fees.

For the Novice Rower
If you are new to rowing and would like to get involved, or have previous rowing experience, we have a program for you!  You’ve never rowed, but you’d love to try it? Sign up for our Learn to Row Class. All sessions are ideal for those looking for a low-impact yet tough, cardiovascular team sport. You’ll learn the basics of the sport and improve your overall fitness level. And you’ll meet people from all over the county!

General Information

Practice Will Not Be Canceled
Practice will occur rain or shine. In the event of a thunderstorm or other inclement weather, the class will be moved on land for rowing on ergometers and education. When necessary any cancellations will be posted on the website and communicated through email.

Guest Passes
Each member has an unlimited number of guest passes in order to promote membership to the club. Each guest is allowed one row with the Great Miami Rowing Center's Masters Rows. Guest passes must be approved by the Program Director in advance of the practice attended and each Guest is allowed only one guest pass. All appropriate paperwork must be filled out. Please arrive 15 minutes early to practice to meet the Program Director, fill out the paperwork, get a boathouse tour, and receive a welcome packet.

Taking it to the next level
Rowers who wish to row more frequently or race may take out equipment independently of practice with a full membership. All rowers in the crew (including coxswain) must have successfully completed the Safety Training course. Additionally, rowers wishing to take out small sculling or sweep boats (1x, 2x, 2-) without a safety launch must complete a flip test. This is true for ALL rowers regardless of their rowing experience prior to joining GMRC. We put safety first and each rower must demonstrate their competence during the probation period so we all stay safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rowing?
Rowing is the oldest sport in the modern Olympics, and the founder was actually a rower. This is a physically demanding sport involving strength, endurance, and coordination. This sport engages all muscle groups, not just the upper body – a common misconception.

We row our boats with a style of rowing called sweep rowing, which requires us to row in pairs in 2, 4, or 8 person boats. In sweep rowing the rowers have both their hands on one oar (sculling is with one smaller oar in each hand). Rowing has both long distance events, which take about 12-16 minutes, and sprint distances, which take about 7-8 minutes. The events are rowed on lakes such as Lake Harsha just east of Cincinnati, and rivers, such as our own Great Miami River.

Who rows?
The simple answer is EVERYONE! Adults row competitively as well as for recreation and the Great Miami Rowing Center can provide the level of competition you desire. There are many regattas in the midwest region in which "masters" (aka adults) can race in and there are races for recreational crews as well.

There are many rowing programs in this region including The Cincinnati Rowing Club, The Clermont Crew, The Dayton Boatclub, and The Greater Dayton Rowing Association. These clubs house masters crews as well as youth crews.

Please visit this USRowing website for a list of all Ohio boat clubs.

What if I don't know how to row?
We all have to start somewhere! We offer Learn to Row classes for the novice rower. Our courses run throughout the warm months and are 4 weeks long and meet twice per week. Once you have completed the Level 2 course you are eligible to become a member of the boatclub. Check out our schedule of classes.

I rowed in college and I want to continue to be competitive. Do you have a program for me?
Anyone with previous rowing experience may skip the Learn to Row sequence and become a member of the boatclub. As a member you have access to all the clubs rowing equipment. After a safety meeting and a short probation period you may take equipment out on the river without a safety launch.

Our current members range from Learn to Row graduates to post collegiate rowers. We do our best to connect competitive rowers together and get you on your way to racing!

What season does rowing compete?
Rowing occurs all year round. The warm months are spent outdoors on the Great Miami River and the winter months are spent indoors on rowing machines.

For those looking to compete, during the fall season we train over longer distances and the races are generally between 4,000 and 6,000 meters. The spring season is our sprint season and we race 2,000 meters, which can take anywhere from 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the crew. The winter months are too cold to practice outdoors, so we train indoors on rowing machines. Additionally, there are indoor rowing contests in Cincinnati and around the US that are performed by connecting several rowing machines together.

Do I have to participate in all seasons?
You will pay yearly dues and may choose to participate as much or as little as you have time for. Regular attendance will be required to participate in a competitive boat, however, you may row recreationally as you are able.

How safe is it?
We are serious about safety, and we follow an extensive plan in accordance with the United States Rowing Association (the national governing body for rowing) to assure that we continue to conduct our rowing safely. The coach follows a much more elaborate set of rules, as well as applying the use if their own judgment and experience.

Can I do this?
Our rowing classes are skill development classes open to any interested in learn the sport of rowing. You do not need to be in great shape in order to start rowing. You do need to be able to carry 30lbs (your portion of the boat) 200 yards to the dock from the boat enclosure. Also, you do not need to be a great swimmer. We row ON the water not IN the water. Our forms do ask that your vouch for your swimming competency (the ability to swim 100m any stroke and tread water for 10 minutes).

How do I get started?
The best way to get involved is to come out and give it a try! If you're inexperienced, sign up for one of the Learn to Row courses. For those of you with previous experience, come out to masters practice to give it a shot! Email Head Coach Emilie Graham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions, concerns, or to schedule your first practice!