The Rowing program is designed to teach and promote the sport of rowing both on campus and in the Iowa City and surrounding areas. Programs are designed for every skill level, from beginner to advanced. We offer learn to row sessions, adult, high school, collegiate, and adaptive rowing programs. 

 The P. Sue Beckwith, M.D., Boathouse, is not available to be rented out. If you have questions about the Boathouse, please contact Athletics Facilities staff

Interested in rowing? Complete our interest form and we will be in contact with you shortly. 

Rowing Interest form

Events:

Spring Learn to Row Series

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 of the event, as well as help the group progress efficiently.

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. 

Event information:

LocationP. Sue Beckwith Boathouse

Date & Time

  • April 16, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
  • April 23, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • April 30, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

Fee: $140

Registration

National Learn to Row Day

National Learn to Row Day is held nationwide on the first Saturday in June.  This will give you a quick glimpse of rowing and allow you to learn the rowing stroke both on land, and in boats on the river.   

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.

Event information:

LocationP. Sue Beckwith Boathouse

Date & TimeJune 3, 2023

  • Session 1: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

  • Session 2: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $60

Registration

Rowing Programs

Rowing is an easily adaptable sport for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. Modifications to equipment, instruction, and the rowing stroke can be made as needed. Because the rowing stroke can be segmented into the legs, trunk, and arms, adaptive rowers may row all three parts of the stroke, trunk and arms only, or arms only depending on their physical capabilities and comfort level. The repetitive nature of the rowing stroke also makes Rowing well-suited for people with intellectual disabilities.

Participants with physical and intellectual impairments will work directly with the coaching staff to develop the best modifications and training plans for each individual.

Practices are scheduled on an individual basis and held year-round (outdoors/indoors depending on the weather). Adaptive Rowing is open to participants age 14 and up.

We offer programming for 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.

Rowing memberships are required to participate.

Register online or at our Member Services desks at the CRWC, Field House, or Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex.

If you are an experienced rower who is interested in being part of the Hawkeye Community Rowing program or for information regarding the practice schedule, please contact Danelle Stipes.

Our Youth Rowing Team is for any middle/high school students between the ages of 12-18 who are interested in the sport of rowing. Rowing is a great sport that offers many benefits, both physical and mental. It is a great way to learn teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence. It also has the potential to open doors to many scholarship opportunities for the future. We practice 4-5 times per week at the P. Sue Beckwith boathouse, and during the racing season, we will compete against other programs all around Iowa and the Midwest. 

  • Spring season | March - May
  • Summer season | June - August
  • Fall season | September - November
  • Winter season | December - February

Please contact Amy Smith for more information about the program! 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Recreational Services in advance at ​319-335-9293.