FAQS – GENERAL
How can I support Row New York?
To make a donation to Row New York, you can give online using a credit card or send a check payable to Row New York to:
Row New York
10-27 46th Avenue, Suite 101
Long Island City, NY 11101
All monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
What types of programs do you offer?
We offer programs for middle school girls, high school girls, co-ed adult learn-to-row, and soon we will be adding competitive masters rowing.
Do you offer boys programs?
We do not currently offer boys programs. We do, however, intend to offer programs for boys in the near future.
Where do your programs take place?
All outdoor rowing takes place at the Row New York boathouse in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, Queens. Winter training and all academic activities take place at the Row New York office in Long Island City, Queens, and at the Flushing YMCA in Flushing. Directions to all Row New York program locations can be found here. Our office and mailing address is: 10-27 46th Avenue, Suite 101, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Does Row New York need volunteers?
Row New York is always looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering their time and expertise. We are especially in need of volunteer coaches and academic tutors to assist with our programs, as well as individuals with building and/or mechanical skills to help with upkeep of our facilities and equipment. To contact us, please send an email to info@rownewyork.org with your name, address, email, phone, rowing/coaching/tutoring experience and how you would like to get involved with Row New York.
FAQS – HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIVE ROWING
What is the goal of the program?
The goal of our competitive rowing team is to fulfill our mission of empowering young people to pursue excellence in all facets of their lives. All participants develop general rowing skills and work towards racing at a high level locally and regionally, an experience that provides a solid base for collegiate rowing. As a consequence, participants hone a number of attributes: focus, discipline, teamwork, toughness, fitness level, etc. These attributes work hand in hand with our comprehensive academic supports [link to academic page] to help all Row New Yorkers be engaged and motivated learners. Participants also tend to find that in such an intensive program, the support level of the staff and the other team members becomes an integral part of the experience (and it’s fun!).
What time are the practices held?
Competitive practices run after school, Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:15pm, and Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Over the winter, varsity athletes complete their workouts on a more flexible schedule. In the fall, novices (first years) have an extra weekday off. On Mondays, we offer several academic services in our office in Long Island City, and some participants are required to attend.
Where is your programming held?
All outdoor rowing takes place at the public boathouse on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, Queens. Winter training and all academic activities take place at the Row New York office in Long Island City, Queens and at the Flushing YMCA. Directions to our all Row New York program locations can be found here. Our office and mailing address is: 10-27 46th Avenue, Suite 101, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Is there a fee for the program?
Row New York is committed to access and affordability in the sport of rowing. Most of our junior rowers row for free. For households who earn $100,000 or more in gross annual income, we charge a fee per season to recover a portion of the substantial cost of providing our services. The fee can change season by season. The fee for the 2010 Spring Season was $375.
I have no rowing experience. Is that okay?
The novice program is specifically designed for participants with no experience.
What about swimming?
If you don’t know how to swim, you will have the opportunity to enroll in free swim lessons. Until you pass the test, you will be required to wear a life jacket on the water, and you will train in an extremely stable boat or barge.
What about transportation?
Participants are welcome to arrive on their own, but we offer shuttle pick-ups from the 7 train stop at Willets Point/ Citi Field. Other shuttle stops may be created for your convenience. Participants are dropped off at these locations after practice.
Will the program interfere with my schoolwork?
Individuals tend to find that because their discipline and time management skills improve, their grades actually go up. Our academic services are geared to maximize your performance in the classroom and help you get into college. For many, rowing may be just the edge they need to gain admission to the college of their choice.
What should I wear?
You should wear shorts/sweats, a t-shirt, and athletic shoes. When we get on the water in early spring, wear warm clothes (sweats, jacket, hat). BEWARE of baggy bottoms when we get on the water…they get caught in the sliding seat.
Do I have to come to every practice?
Make every effort to come to every practice. Spring is our most serious season. Serious athletes will gain first access to our traveling racing boats.
What about racing?
We race both locally (Long Island), upstate, and across the northeast. The Row New York team competes in 10 to 15 regattas per year. We never miss school for competitions; the races are always on Saturday or Sunday.
Will this program help me with college?
Yes. We offer top of the line academic services, including college guidance. As a sport, rowing offers a tremendous opportunity to add depth to your college application and to garner recruitment and athletic scholarships.
What if I am late, can’t make it, or have any problems?
Please contact our program staff:
Previn 718-433-3075 (previn@rownewyork.org)
Melissa 718-433-3075 (melissa@rownewyork.org)
Why am I doing this again?
Get fit. Hang out with friends. Travel. Visit colleges. Get great academic support and SAT prep. Compete at a high level (last year’s crew finished second in the state). Gain opportunities to vie for college recruitment and scholarships through rowing…and more…
FAQS – MIDDLE SCHOOL / PRE-COMPETITIVE ROWING EXPOSURE PROGRAM (PREP)
What’s the purpose of this program?
The goal of the Pre-Competitive Rowing Exposure Program (PREP) is to create a functional rower, versed in the terminology and technique of rowing, and to instill a love of sports and fitness at an early age. Most rowing will occur on land (on rowing machines) and in extremely stable, untippable barges. We hope that many middle school program participants will take an interest in our high school competitive program.
When is programming held?
The program will be held two days per week during the spring, from April 12 to May 26. The practices will meet from 4:15pm to 6:00pm.
Where is your programming held?
All outdoor rowing takes place at the public boathouse on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, Queens. Winter training takes place at the Row New York office in Long Island City, Queens and at the Flushing YMCA. Directions to our all Row New York program locations can be found here. Our office and mailing address is: 10-27 46th Avenue, Suite 101, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Is there a fee for the program?
Row New York is committed to access and affordability in the sport of rowing. Our middle school program is free of charge.
What should I wear?
You should wear shorts/sweats, a t-shirt, and athletic shoes. When we get on the water in early spring, wear warm clothes (sweats, jacket, hat). BEWARE of baggy bottoms when we get on the water…they get caught in the sliding seat.
What about swimming?
Participants may either provide proof of swimming ability or wear our state-of-the-art life preservers. In either case, participants learn in completely stable environments, either on land or on flat-bottom (untippable) barges.
FAQS – ADULT ROWERS
What class should I sign up for if I have never set foot in a boat?
Rowing 101.
What happens after I complete Rowing 101 and I want to take another class?
Sign up for Rowing 102.
And after Rowing 102?
We do not currently offer classes beyond Rowing 102.
How do I register?
Follow this LINK to Regatta Central and sign up. If you have trouble registering, you can email registration@rownewyork.org.
How do I get to the Meadow Lake Boathouse?
Please go to our directions page for this information. Please be advised, the boathouse is located inside a public park and does not have an official mailing address.
Do I need to know how to swim?
To join our adult rowing programs, yes. Rowing takes place on the water, and while falling out of the boat is very unlikely, it is possible. Therefore, each class participant must confirm that they are able to swim when they register for our classes.
Do you require a swim test?
We do not require adult rowers to pass a swim test. They must confirm during registration that they can swim.
What is the refund/credit policy?
You will be credited for the class, minus a $50 processing fee, if you withdraw at least two weeks before the first class. If you withdraw less than two weeks before the class and we cannot fill your spot, you will not be credited.
Do I need to attend all classes?
Since the skills you learn in rowing are cumulative, it is important that you make every effort to come to every class so you learn along with your group.
Can I make up classes that I miss?
No, unfortunately, we cannot offer make-up classes. Please also do not drop in on other classes.
How will Row New York contact me?
Our primary mode of communication is through email. If you do not have an email account or cannot access the internet on a regular basis, please call 718-433-3075 to arrange some other means of communication.
Do we still have class in inclement weather?
Yes! We row on the water in the rain and the cold, but if there is thunder and lightning or it is very windy, we train indoors on rowing machines. Classes will not be rescheduled due to weather.
What should I wear?
Layers are your best bet for cold weather rowing. Also keep in mind that the clothes you wear will very likely get dirty so please wear clothing that you do not mind getting wet and muddy. Also, it is best to wear form-fitting clothing like spandex. This type of clothing is less likely to get in the way while rowing.
Are there showers and locker rooms at the boathouse?
There are currently no showers. We do have a small changing room with a limited number of wallet lockers. Our Queens boathouse is undergoing a major renovation so we are rowing out of a temporary building that has limited accommodations. You should dress ready to row.
Can I leave personal belongings in the boathouse while I row?
We provide a limited number of wallet-sized lockers for our adult athletes, but there is no guarantee that one will be available during the busiest times of the day. As such, please limit what personal items you bring with you to the boathouse. Row New York is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Where can I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the Queens boathouse.
I would love to buy some Row New York gear, how do I do that?
You will receive a free Row New York t-shirt when you sign up for a class. There will be opportunities to buy more gear soon.