Overview

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The goal of the Masters Program is to improve the rowing ability and fitness level of rowers with a wide range of technical ability and fitness levels. Each practice session is focused on building each rower’s technique, endurance, and strength on and off the water. 

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Every rower should (when leaving a practice) be able to say to themselves either, “I learned something new today that will help improve my technique” or “I got a good workout in today that will help my speed and endurance,” and preferably both.  

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Program Structure

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Masters Program practices may include both sculling (in doubles or quads) and sweep rowing (in pairs, fours, and eights), based on demand, safety concerns, and coaching availability.

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Coaches will be ready to provide additional off-the-water training suggestions, if asked by program participants.

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Racing at regattas is an excellent way of measuring improvement over the course of the season, as well as meeting the Club’s Mission of visibility and outreach; therefore participation at regattas is encouraged, but not required.  Details on racing can be found below.

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Program Schedule

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The 2022 Masters sweep schedule is being developed. Check back soon for dates! The season starts in early April and continues through the first week of November.

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For 2021, the practice schedule was:

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• Mornings: Tuesdays and Thursdays (twice a week) 5:15 AM - 7:00 AM

• Evenings: Monday - Thursday (four times a week) 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM

• Weekend Morning: Sundays 9:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Members of the Masters Program can attend any practice their schedule allows; participants can row both in the morning and evening, even on the same day. This allows rowers increased flexibility to try new coaches by attending different practice times that they choose. 

The practice schedule is subject to change dependent on demand and shell and  coaching availability.

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Cost

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For DC Strokes members not currently enrolled in any program, the program fee for 2021 is $675. Payment in 3 monthly installments is available.

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Students enrolled full time receive a 50 % discount on all Program Fees. Dedicated coxswains do not pay program fees.

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As always, additional payment plans and discounts are available for those with financial hardships. Please contact the treasurer at treasurer@dcstrokes.org for more information.

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Racing

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Preparing for racing is strongly encouraged in the Masters Program.  Whereas in the past establishing and preparing racing lineups fell primarily on the Program Coaches, this Masters Program structure moves the onus more onto the rowers wishing to race.

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Coaches or rowers can propose a race lineup, with the lineup having a goal regatta to prepare for.  Over the course of Masters Program practices, a set of rowers may be self-identified or identified by the coaches that feel ready to put the extra effort into preparing to race.