Enjoy the historic Rondout Creek the way our ancestors did. Rowing has been pivotal to all working waterfronts for as long as people have taken to the water. Only last century was rowing replaced with motors as the main way to move people and goods around harbors and ports. Join us as we return to this tradition with a fun row on the creek.
Introduction to Traditional Rowing
In this class students will begin their adventure into open boat rowing. The class will begin with on shore instruction covering the basics of rowing traditional boats. Topics covered will include boat selection, boat handling, maritime rules, trip planning and safety. The class will then head down to the Rondout creek to launch boats. We will then practice rowing in the vicinity of our waterfront with an instructor close by on the dock or in a safety boat. As skill and time allow we will then go for a short row up the creek and view the Kingston waterfront just as someone may have a century ago, from a boat powered only by its occupants.
No experience is necessary or expected. Students should know how to swim, lifejackets will be provided for everyone.
Traditional Rowing 2
This class is designed for the returning student who has taken Introduction to Traditional Rowing. There will be much less on shore instruction and more time in the boat rowing. We will choose from our fleet of traditional row boats to meet the class’s needs and experience and hit the water first thing. Once on the water we will head up the historic Rondout creek or head out to the Hudson River, depending on conditions. An instructor will be with the class the entire time, either rowing along with everyone or nearby in a safety boat. This is a great class to build your traditional rowing skills while getting on the water with an instructor close at hand.