Maritime Museum Offers Traditional Rowing Classes

​Maritime Museum Offers Traditional Rowing Classes

Introductory sessions connect students with Hudson River tradition

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Hudson River Maritime Museum will offer traditional rowing classes beginning in May. Classes on traditional open boat rowing, different from scull rowing which is also popular on the Hudson River, will help students experience this tradition which has deep roots in the region’s waterfront communities.  

Sessions are offered throughout the summer and fall and begin with on shore instruction covering the basics of rowing traditional boats. Instructors will cover boat selection, handling, maritime rules, safety, and trip planning. On-the-water practice happens on the Rondout Creek next to the museum and students will be able to test their skills with a row up the creek. Students who have taken the introductory course can sign up for Traditional Rowing 2 which includes more time out on the water and allows participants and instructors to choose from the museum’s fleet of traditional row boats for a trip to the nearby Hudson River.

Rowing has been pivotal to all working waterfronts for as long as people have taken to the water. Only in the last century was rowing replaced with motors as the main way to move people and goods around harbors and ports. Rowing classes, along with on-site woodworking and boatbuilding courses, are part of the museum’s mission to preserve maritime history, traditions and craft.  

For details about classes and to register, visit www.hrmm.org/learn-to-row or call 845-338-0071. People who have questions can contact Becky Sellinger, Wooden Boat School Manager, at bsellinger@hrmm.org.