The Rowing program is designed to teach and promote the sport of rowing. Programs are designed for every skill level, from beginner to advanced. 

  • Learn to Row: Session(s) designed to introduce the sport of rowing.  Great for beginners.
  • Adult Rowing Program: Ages 18+.  Participate in weekly trainings and optional regattas.  Must complete a Learn to Row or have previous experience.
  • Junior Rowing Program: Ages 12 - 18. Participate in weekly trainings and optional regattas.  
  • Adaptive Rowing Program: Ages 12+.  Participants with physical and intellectual impairments will work directly with the coaching staff to develop the best modification and training plans for each individual. 
  • Private Rowing Lessons: 1-1 or small group setting with coach to learn more about the sport of rowing or advance skills.

Interested in rowing? Not sure where to get started with our program? Complete our interest form and we will be in contact with you shortly. 

Rowing Interest form

Learn to Row

Interested in the sport of rowing? Our Learn to Row events are designed to introduce you to the sport of rowing.  After completing a Learn to Row, you are welcome to join either the Adult Rowing Program or Juniors Rowing Program.  All programming will take place at the P. Sue Beckwith Boathouse unless indicated otherwise.

Get outside this spring and learn about the sport of rowing in this 3-day series!  No experience needed.  We will teach you the rowing stroke on land, and then head on to the Iowa River in boats.  During this time, you will learn about the sport, how to carry equipment to and from the boathouse and dock, and then make the boats move on the water.    

This series builds off skills learned the previous session.  You are highly encouraged to attend each day to get the most out of the event, as well as help the group progress efficiently. Following this series, you will have the skills to join the adult rowing program if you choose.

All fitness and athletic backgrounds welcome.  Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.  Baggy clothing is discouraged due to the design of rowing equipment.  Registration is required due to the number of seats in the boats. 

There are no refunds for cancellations 3 days prior to the event. 

Questions should be directed to Head Coach, Danelle Stipes. Danelle-Stipes@uiowa.edu

Series Dates: 

  • April 7, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • April 14, from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
  • April 21, from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 

Ages: 18+

Fee: $175

Registration

Learn to Row!

Rowing is an amazing sport that offers all athletic backgrounds the chance to thrive and learn in a team-oriented environment. At this learn to row we will teach the basics of rowing and how to work together to make a boat move down the Iowa River!  Designed for ages 12-18 years old.

Wear fitted athletic apparel and shoes. Activities will be outdoors, so please plan to bring a water bottle, and have a hat and/or sunglasses and sunscreen. Due to the design of rowing equipment, each participant should be at least 5’0 tall and be able to carry a minimum of 20lbs.

Participants will have the opportunity to join into the Junior Rowing Program from this session. There are no refunds for cancelations 3 days prior to the event.

Questions should be directed to Assistant Coach, Amy Smith. Amy-Smith-1@uiowa.edu

Date

  • Session 1: June 24 - 27
  • Session 2: July 29 - August 1
  • Session 3: August 12 - 15

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: P. Sue Beckwith M.D., Boathouse

Fee: $200

Registration is required. Attendance each day is recommended. No refunds three days prior to the start of each session.

Registration

For an introduction to rowing, schedule a 1-1 or small group sessions to learn more about the sport of rowing.  Private lessons can also be available to advance skills.

Private Practice – minimum 2-hour booking 

  • 1 person = $60/hr per person 
  • 2 persons = $30/hr per person 
  • 3 persons & over - Contact staff for pricing.

Contact Amy Smith for more information. 

Rowing

Adult Rowing

Adult Rowing is for individuals 18+ including UI students, faculty, staff, and community members. Athletes can compete as part of Hawkeye Community Rowing or practice with the team for exercise and to improve rowing skills.  

Athletes must have completed a previous rowing session, or be an experienced rower to join.

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Rowing

Junior Rowing

Junior rowing program is open to athletes ages 12-18. This team is designed to improve rowing skills while getting in great shape. Challenge yourself in ways you didn’t think possible and meet others from all around the Iowa City area. You will have the opportunity to race, but it is not required. Anybody that wants to row, can row!

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Rowing

Adaptive Rowing

Adaptive rowing is the sport of sweep rowing or sculling for people with physical or intellectual impairments.  An adaptive rower is a rower who requires modifications to equipment, coaching and program structure to allow for maximum functionality of the rowing stroke. 

Individuals work directly with the coaching staff to develop the best modifications and training plans to meet their goals. Session are provided in a 1:1 or 1:2 athlete-to-coach ratios and are reserved within the rowing programs and facilities' schedules.

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Events

National Learn to Row Day is June 1. Join us for a morning learn to row that will give you a quick glimpse into the sport of rowing. You will learn the rowing stroke on land and then move to boats on the water.

All fitness and athletic backgrounds are welcome. Items to wear and bring for participation: weather-appropriate apparel, hat, sunglasses, water bottle and sunscreen. Baggy clothing is discouraged as it may get caught in the equipment.

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Fee: $75

Ages: 18+

LocationP. Sue Beckwith Boathouse

Registration

Contact Danelle Stipes for more information. 

Experience ROWFitness!

Did you know rowing utilizes 90% of the body’s muscles? Join us to get the most out of your cardio. Sessions include instruction on proper rowing technique, as well as interval training for all fitness levels. Additional activities for core and strength added into sessions.

Dates:

  • Jan. 18
  • Jan. 25
  • Feb. 1 
  • Feb. 8 

Time: 12-12:45 p.m.

Cost: $40

Location: N462 Indoor Rowing Room, Field House  

Register

The Iowa Chase took place on the Iowa River on October 22, 2023. Crews took to the water and raced downstream from Crandic Park to the Lagoon Shelter House on campus. Spectators viewed the racing from the shores of City Park or along the banks of the river near Hancher Auditorium. 

Date: October 22, 2023

 

Iowa Chase

TRY ROWING! Join us for Juniors Sneak Peek Week.

Anyone in middle or high school (ages 12-18) is invited to learn more about the sport of rowing!  

Join our team at their scheduled winter practice times to see if our Junior Rowing program is a fit for you. 

After the Sneak Peek Week, you are welcome to join the Junior’s rowing team for the remainder of the season. Practices as schedule below: 

Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 1.  

  • Monday – Wednesday | 4:30-6 pm 
  • Thursday | 3:30-5 pm 
  • Friday | 6-7:30 am  

Cost: Free; Registration Required

Location: Practices are primarily held in the Indoor Rowing Room at the University of Iowa Field House, and occasionally in the Indoor Tank Room at the P. Sue Beckwith Boathouse. 

Register

If interested, contact Amy-Smith-1@uiowa.edu for additional information

The Hawkeye Community Rowing Program is excited to welcome you to the Iowa Indoor Rowing Challenge. 

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

LocationField House 225 S. Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA 52242

Contact Danelle Stipes for more information. 

IDRC

Learn more about our rowing program!

Help us grow

Giving to the Hawkeye Community Rowing program makes a difference in the lives of our participants and helps us grow and improve our programs and facilities. To give to the program follow these instructions: 

  1. Go to the ‘Give to Iowa’ page
  2. Select (ADD/EDIT) and type “other” into the ‘search all available funds’ field
  3. Enter your gift amount and type “Hawkeye Community Rowing Gift Fund 30-070-166” in the box indicating where the contribution should be directed.

Contact us

Danelle Stipes headshot

Danelle Stipes

Title/Position
Head Coach, Rowing
Amy Smith headshot

Amy Smith

Title/Position
Assistant Coach, Rowing