Come discover the joys of learning to row as an adult, with Mid Hudson Rowing Association! It’s true: you don’t need to have learned in high school or college. Rowers all, our coaches, rowers, and coxswains enjoy teaching and sharing the skills you will need to get started on your recreational rowing journey.

Our Learn to Row sessions are designed for those who have never rowed. You’ll experience the camaraderie of our club members, as our experienced coaches teach the rowing and boat handling skills for a sport that will improve your fitness and leave you excited to come back week after week.

Come appreciate the beauty of the historic and scenic Hudson River Valley, from the heart of it: skimming along its surface at early morning sunrise. Sign up for a Learn to Row session today. If you’re unsure about jumping into a 2-week Learn to Row class, we offer a one-day Try Rowing event, designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of rowing: Boat handling and Sweep rowing in the on-land ‘tanks’ in the boathouse. A printable Learn-to-Row flyer is available for download here.

MHRA Learn-to-Row Youth Policy (applies to ages 14–18): Participants must be at least 14 years old, able to swim, and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian enrolled in the same Learn-to-Row class (or by an MHRA member acting on behalf of the parent or guardian).

What kind of fitness level and skills do you need to consider rowing?

Members of MHRA possess varying levels of physical fitness. Here are some baseline criteria for you to contemplate before enrolling in the Learn to Row program.

CARRY THE BOAT

We carry our boats as a crew to and from the river with each member sharing the load. Be prepared to support about 25-30 lbs on your shoulders and overhead.

GET IN/OUT OF BOAT

Easing yourself into the boat and onto the rowing seat requires the flexibility of being able to squat down to floor level and up again, controlled and unassisted.

ABILITY TO SWIM

While we strive to maintain stability in the boat, in the unlikely event of capsizing, it is essential, and a USRowing requirement, that you are able to swim.

2026 Learn to Row Sessions

Our Learn-to-Row sessions are designed for those who have never rowed. No experience required!

JUNE DATES

Tuesday, June 9 - Sunday, June 21 (8 classes)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 – 7:00 am
Saturdays and Sundays 7:00 – 8:30 am

JULY DATES

Tuesday, July 14 – Sunday, July 26 (8 classes)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 – 7:00 am
Saturdays and Sundays 7:00 – 8:30 am

2026 Learn-to-Row Sign-Up

After you submit the form, our Learn-to-Row Coordinator will be in touch with next steps. Space is limited for each session and they typically fill quickly. Depending on registration numbers, you may be placed on a waiting list—but don’t worry! Many of our members started on a waiting list and were still able to join a session. Please do not send/submit payment until you have been contacted by our coordinator.

Pay online or by check. Checks are payable to: Mid-Hudson Rowing Association / P.O. Box 683 / Poughkeepsie, NY 12602

USRowing Membership Requirement

All individuals who row with Mid-Hudson Rowing Association are required to be members of USRowing.

Learn-to-Row participants may take advantage of a special 60-day USRowing membership for $10, which conveniently covers the remainder of the summer season. To register, you’ll need the Mid-Hudson Rowing Association club code: C73BZ.

Please note: this short-term membership is available to new USRowing members only.

USRowing Registration

Is Learn-to-Row Right For You?

If you answer "YES" to these questions, then come join us!

Are you interested in learning a new skill and taking on a new challenge?

Do you like being outside in the morning?

Do you like teamwork and can you work cooperatively?

Do you love being on the water?

Are you interested in improving your physical fitness?

Are you willing to receiving guidance from a coach?

QUESTIONS?

learntorow@midhudsonrowing.org