Rowing Archives | Riverfront Recapture

Program/Events Calendar

Vistech — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:08:51 +0000

Program/Events Calendar

The post Program/Events Calendar appeared first on Riverfront Recapture.

Indoor Rowing

riverfrontrecapture — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:00:32 +0000

Indoor Rowing

Our indoor training programs offer adults of all skill levels workouts to boost their fitness, fine-tune their technique, and enjoy the motivation of the group workout environment. Whether you’re gearing up for racing on the water or simply striving to stay in condition during the winter months, our programs provide an excellent avenue to achieve your fitness goals. Group fitness workouts are open to both experienced rowers as well as those new to indoor rowing. The coaches explain terminology specific to the sport, the proper equipment set up, and tailor the workouts so each participant can improve and gain confidence. Racing team practices require prior experience.

Unsure which class is the best option to meet your goals? Reach out to Jonathan with questions before registering. While our training predominantly centers around the ergometer (Concept 2 rowing machine), our sessions also include components like stretching, core routines, and customized strength training to cater to the unique requirements of each group.

2026 Indoor Training — January 5th – March 28th

More indoor programs to follow, check back for updates!

More interested in private coaching? Talk to Jonathan about arranging a session at the boathouse with one of our certified trainers.

All programs are held at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park, located at 20 Leibert Road, Hartford, CT.

Financial assistance may be available to adult rowers. To inquire, contact Jonathan Near by email or at (860) 713-3131 ext 314.

Support our community rowing program - make a donation today.

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Head of the Riverfront — Copy

jnear@riverfront.org — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:01:51 +0000

Head of the Riverfront

The 2025 Head of the Riverfront will take place on Sunday, October 5.

Riverfront Recapture is a private, non-profit organization leading the effort to reconnect metropolitan Hartford with the Connecticut River by providing access to four Riverfront parks in Hartford and East Hartford, Connecticut. Each year, beginning in 1998, we host a head style regatta offering competition on the Connecticut River for high school, collegiate, and masters rowers.

Registration has closed.

The virtual C&C will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 7:30PM. Meeting recording here. Passcode: &2+0em!p

We have revised the order of events for 2025. Please review the new event order, as well as be reminded of our guidance on time between races for athlete or equipment reuse, and help us keep the Head of the Riverfront on time. We are starting the race day one half hour earlier, and ending a little later to try to give participants the ability to get where they need to be.

Important note: Only tents that are rented from and provided by the Riverfront Recapture and have been assured to meet the regulations may be used: no team-provided tents will be allowed to set up. The reservation period for tents and grill permits has closed. If you did not decide to rent, please do not bring one to set up. The park is owned by the City of Hartford, and their regulations guide our policy.

Look forward to seeing everyone soon!

2024 Head of the Riverfront Trophy Winners:

Discover RE Cup (Men’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Muncie Cup (Men’s Collegiate 8+): Tufts University
LaPerla Plate (Women’s Collegiate 8+): Rhode Island University Women’s Crew
Hayes Cup (Women’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Turcotte Cup (Men’s Masters 8+): Riverfront Recapture
Hobart Family Cup (Women’s Masters 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Guzman Bowl (Women’s 1st Jr 8+): RowAmericaRye
Greater Hartford Jaycees Bowl (Men’s 1st Jr 8+): RowAmerica Rye
Reige Plate (Men’s Jr Novice 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Mowell Trophy (Women’s Jr Novice 8+): Greenwich Crew
Marfuggi Points Trophy: RowAmerica Rye

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any race-related questions via email.

All media inquiries should be directed to Mike Zaleski email or at (860) 462-9257.

Photos: Head of the Riverfront 2024

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Head of the Riverfront — Copy

jnear@riverfront.org — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:53:57 +0000

Head of the Riverfront

The 2025 Head of the Riverfront will take place on Sunday, October 5.

The Coaches, Coxswain and Blind Boat Meeting will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:30 pm EST. Please visit Regatta central here for more information.

Registration at Regatta Central for the 2025 Head of the Riverfront opens on August 22. Regular registration remains open until Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Crews are encouraged to not wait until the last minute to register.

Important note: The City of Hartford is stringently enforcing regulations regarding the set up of tents, cooking grills, and the permitting and inspection process for such structures. As a result, to comply with the direction from the Fire Prevention Chief/Fire Marshal for the City of Hartford, only tents that are rented from and provided by the Riverfront Recapture and have been assured to meet the regulations may be used. Teams must register and submit payment for tents through the regatta tent registration process (this is a separate portal from Regatta Central): no team-provided tents will be allowed to set up. Teams may bring their grills, warming tables, etc, but these must only be operated in the designated space adjacent to, but not underneath, their tents assigned to each organization. Riverfront Recapture will obtain the necessary permits for these uses. Assignment of spaces will be made on a first- come, first serve basis. The deadlines for tent reservations is earlier than race registration – September 19 – please do not miss this.

Look forward to seeing everyone the first Sunday in October!

2024 Head of the Riverfront Trophy Winners:

Discover RE Cup (Men’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Muncie Cup (Men’s Collegiate 8+): Tufts University
LaPerla Plate (Women’s Collegiate 8+): Rhode Island University Women’s Crew
Hayes Cup (Women’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Turcotte Cup (Men’s Masters 8+): Riverfront Recapture
Hobart Family Cup (Women’s Masters 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Guzman Bowl (Women’s 1st Jr 8+): RowAmericaRye
Greater Hartford Jaycees Bowl (Men’s 1st Jr 8+): RowAmerica Rye
Reige Plate (Men’s Jr Novice 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Mowell Trophy (Women’s Jr Novice 8+): Greenwich Crew
Marfuggi Points Trophy: RowAmerica Rye

View 2024 results here.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any race-related questions via email.

All media inquiries should be directed to Mike Zaleski email or at (860) 462-9257.

Photos: Head of the Riverfront 2024

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Summer Youth Rowing Clinics

riverfrontrecapture — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:03:00 +0000

Summer Youth Rowing Clinics

Want your child to try a new sport? This is an excellent way to see if rowing is the sport for them and prepare them for tryouts for our team or their high-school team this fall. If your child is already rowing, our intermediate clinics will improve their technique before the season begins. All clinics are held at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park, located at 20 Leibert Road in Hartford, CT.

This clinic is free to residents of Hartford & East Hartford, $195 for those who attend school in Hartford or East Hartford but reside in a different community, and $495 for all other participants.

Beginner Rowing Clinics

Session 1: June 22 – 25
Session 2: July 27 – 30
9 am – 4 pm, includes lunch

This clinic introduces rowing to those with no previous experience. It’s a great way to get a head start if you’re planning to row in high school or simply to try something new. We’ll get on the water and learn the rowing stroke, rowing terminology, and boat handling skills.

Beginner clinics are open to participants ages 12-18. All participants must know how to swim

Intermediate and Experienced Rowing Clinics

Session 1: June 22 – 25
Session 2: July 27 – 30
9 am – 4 pm, includes lunch

Rowing is a sport that may be easy to learn but takes a lifetime to master. Continue to improve your technique during this four-day clinic that will also cover topics of interest to rowers such as improving 2k scores or injury prevention.

Intermediate clinics are open to participants ages 12-18 with previous rowing experience and also must know how to swim.

Special thank you to our 2025 headline coaches for helping to make these Youth Clinics the place to be in the summer: Kevin MacDermott, Head Men’s Coach at Trinity College (NESCAC Coach of the Year) and Renee Jones, Assistant Women’s Coach at Trinity College..

Youth Clinic Registration

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Learn to Row

riverfrontrecapture — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:55:27 +0000

Learn to Row

Registration IS NOW OPEN!

NEW for 2026! Learn to Row Sculling & Sweep in the same session

Learning to row at Riverfront has never been easier, with all the Learn to Row (LTR) classes teaching both sweep and sculling. Depending on weather and river conditions, the class will begin with either sweep rowing or sculling and then transition to the other towards the end of the session. The goal of this new model is to give beginners a more comprehensive overview of both styles of rowing in a shorter period, allowing the participants to decide if they want to continue with sweep rowing or sculling after just one month of classes instead of two. By the end of the LTR class, athletes will understand the basics of the stroke, equipment handling, foundational terminology, and they will know the difference between sweep rowing and sculling. Athletes will be asked to demonstrate these proficiencies in order to progress to the intermediate level class. The minimum timeframe for completing both the beginner and intermediate sessions is two months, though some athletes may take longer depending on the rate of athlete development. Learning to row is a challenging yet rewarding, personal journey and we are here to guide you at a pace which is appropriate for you.

For more detailed descriptions of the classes, click this link: Learn to Row Class Descriptions

These classes are offered in either morning or evening sessions:

Spring — April 28 – May 21, 2026
Tues/Thurs, 6 – 7:30 pm

Session 1 — May 25 – June 19
Mon/Wed, 6 – 7:30 pm
Tues/Thurs , 6 – 7:30 am

Session 2 — June 23 – July 17
Mon/Wed, 6 – 7:30 pm
Tues/Thurs, 6 – 7:30 am

Session 3 — July 27 – August 22
Mon/Wed, 6 – 7:30 pm
Tues/Thurs, 6 – 7:30 am

Already completed a Learn to Row Class and looking for the next step? Head over the the Recreational Rowing page to register for an intermediate class here

These classes are specific to on-water rowing. Looking for something right now? Then head over to our Indoor Rowing page and register for an indoor rowing class. The classes on this page are designed for both experienced and beginners, no experience needed! Find that page here.

All classes are held at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park, located at 20 Leibert Road, Hartford, CT 06120
Financial assistance may be available to adult rowers. To inquire, contact Jonathan Near by email or at (860) 713-3131 ext 314.

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Youth Rowing

riverfrontrecapture — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 22:17:00 +0000

Youth Rowing

Our youth rowing program blends urban and suburban participants who practice and race together, giving both groups the opportunity to learn from one another in our own version of a magnet school for rowers. Past rowers have earned rowing scholarships to college, participated on US Junior National Development Teams, and earned invitations to the prestigious USRowing Youth Nationals.

Our youth rowing program is open to all students in grades 8 – 12, no prior experience necessary. All youth programs are free to residents of Hartford & East Hartford who attend a public, magnet or charter school. Current program offerings are listed below.

Current Programs

Spring Youth Rowing Registration Is NOW OPEN

Important Dates:

Season Runs March 9 — June 5
Monday, March 9 — Parent/Athlete Meeting, Boathouse, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
March 10 – 13, Indoor Practice
Saturday & Sunday, April 25 – 26 — Saratoga Invitational, Saratoga, NY
Saturday, May 9 — Northeast Club Junior Championships (Watuppa) Fall River, MA
Saturday & Sunday, May 16 – 17, USRowing Northeast Youth Championships, Mercer Lake, NJ (qualifying athletes only, additional fee applies)
Friday June 5, 5:45 – 8:30 pm, Spring Banquet, Boathouse
June 11 – 14, USRowing Youth National Championships, Sarasota, FL. (For qualifying crews only, additional fee applies)

Summer U19 Program, May 30 – August 8
Team Meeting, Saturday May 30th 8:30 am
Preseason
Week 1 — Monday, June 1 – Thursday June 4th, practice each afternoon 4 – 6 pm + Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am
Week 2 — Starting June 8: Mon/Tues/Thurs, 4 – 6 pm + Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am
Main Season
Starting June 15: Mon/Tues/Thurs, 5:45 – 7:45 am & Saturdays 8:30 – 10:30 am

Head over the the Summer Team’s page here

Questions? Contact Evan Buhler via email. All rowing programs are operated out of the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park, 20 Leibert Road, Hartford, CT.

Stay connected.

Follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletter to stay connected to our parks and the Connecticut River.

Support Riverfront Rowing.
Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.

The post Youth Rowing appeared first on Riverfront Recapture.

Adult Racing Teams

riverfrontrecapture — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 17:12:20 +0000

Adult Racing Teams

Racing teams are for experienced athletes only, who will be expected to be proficient in basic rowing skills as with our recreational programs and willing to commit more fully to the training schedule and races. Annual Membership & Maintenance Fee Required.
Click here for the 2026 Trailer Space Request Form

Financial assistance may be available to adult rowers. To inquire, contact Jonathan Near by email or at (860) 713-3131 ext 314.

All programs are held at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park.

Indoor Training
January 5 – March 28
See Options under the 3 or 4-Day heading.

Coached Strength Training
Tues/Fri, 6 – 7:30 am, 1/9 – 3/26 (23 classes) First class is Friday, January 9th.

Drop-in Guest Pass $15.00

4-Day Racing Team Options
January 5 – December 17
Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 – 7:15 am, Saturdays 6:30 – 8:30 am
Register here.
Arrive by 5:30 on weekdays and 6:30 on Saturdays to begin the erg work (indoor) or launch on the water 15 minutes later. $1775 for the entire rowing calendar year. This fee is discounted by around 2.7% versus paying a la carte or via a payment plan. The payment plan fee is $1820 (to cover additional processing) and is broken up into 6 equal installments of $304 taken on 3/1, 4/30, 6/10, 8/2, and 9/30/26 after the initial deposit of $300 paid at the time of registration. Note: this plan covers all practice sessions as put forth for the Adult Racing Teams. This includes any and all practices held on Fridays, whether coached/uncoached, on water or indoors. Other classes, like the “Experienced Sculling for Race Prep” class or boat storage, are NOT included in this Annual 4 Membership and must be registered for separately. Annual Membership & Maintenance Fee applies.

3-Day Racing Team Options
January 6 – December 17
Mon/Wed 5:30 – 7:15 am, Saturdays 6:30 – 8:30 am
Register here.
Arrive by 5:30 on weekdays and 6:30 on Saturdays to begin the erg work (indoor) or launch on the water 15 minutes later. $1495 for the entire rowing calendar year. This fee is discounted by around 2.7% versus paying a la carte or via a payment plan. The payment plan fee is $1535 (to cover additional processing) and is broken up into 6 equal installments of $254 taken on 3/1, 4/30, 6/10, 8/2 and 9/30/26 after the initial deposit of $265 paid at the time of registration. Annual Membership & Maintenance Fee applies.

Experienced Sculling for Race Prep
Tuesday and Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 am
This class is specifically designed for those who plan to race their single or double this year. Classes will be limited to 5-6 athletes. The goal of this class is to improve your technical performance at race pace.

Spring: April 30 – May 21 (Thursdays ONLY)
Session 1: May 25 – June 19
Session 2: June 23 – July 9
Session 3: July 27 – August 22

Athletes MUST be proficient in their single

Race Deposits
All athletes are expected to submit a race expense deposit prior to the first race registration deadline. Registration links for deposits will open on March 30, 2026
Register for Race Deposits Here

Check back frequently for updates! Have a question? Contact Jonathan Near, Director of Rowing via email.

Support Riverfront Rowing.
Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.

Stay connected.

Follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletter to stay connected to our parks and the Connecticut River.

The post Adult Racing Teams appeared first on Riverfront Recapture.

Head of the Riverfront

riverfrontrecapture — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Head of the Riverfront

The 2026 Head of the Riverfront will be on Sunday, October 4.

2025 Results on Crew Timer here

2025 regatta photos linked here!

Congratulations to all of our competitors in the 2025 Head of the Riverfront for an excellent day of racing. We wish to express our appreciation for the Riverfront Rangers and Operations teams, the US Rowing officials, our hundreds of volunteers, and our support from public safety organizations for helping to ensure a fair and safe day of competitive racing. Thank you for joining us in Hartford, and hope to see you next year at the 2026 Head of the Riverfront.

2025 Head of the Riverfront Trophy Winners:

Discover RE Cup (Men’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Muncie Cup (Men’s Collegiate 8+): Trinity College
LaPerla Plate (Women’s Collegiate 8+): University of Connecticut
Hayes Cup (Women’s 1st Jr 4+): RowAmerica Rye
Turcotte Cup (Men’s Masters 8+): New Haven Rowing Club
Hobart Family Cup (Women’s Masters 8+): New Haven Rowing Club
Guzman Bowl (Women’s 1st Jr 8+): RowAmericaRye
Greater Hartford Jaycees Bowl (Men’s 1st Jr 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Reige Plate (Men’s Jr Novice 8+): Saugatuck Rowing Club
Mowell Trophy (Women’s Jr Novice 8+): RowAmerica Rye
Marfuggi Points Trophy: RowAmerica Rye

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any race-related questions via email.

Photos: Head of the Riverfront 2024

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In the News: Taylor Tries It on CT LIVE

riverfrontrecapture — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:08:08 +0000

Taylor Tries It: Rowing

Taylor KInzler’s CT LIVE! series “Taylor Tries It” brought her to Riverside Park for a rowing lesson. Jonathan Near, Director of Rowing Programs and Evan Buhler, Assistant Director of Rowing Programs, taught her in no time. They can teach you too – learn more about our learn to row classes here.

The post In the News: Taylor Tries It on CT LIVE appeared first on Riverfront Recapture.

Rowing Archives | Riverfront Recapture

Program/Events Calendar

Indoor Rowing

Indoor Rowing

Support our community rowing program - make a donation today. ​

Head of the Riverfront — Copy

Head of the Riverfront — Copy

Summer Youth Rowing Clinics

Summer Youth Rowing Clinics

Learn to Row

Learn to Row

Youth Rowing

Stay connected.

Support Riverfront Rowing. Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.

Adult Racing Teams

Adult Racing Teams

Support Riverfront Rowing. Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.

Stay connected.

Head of the Riverfront

In the News: Taylor Tries It on CT LIVE

Taylor Tries It: Rowing

Support our community rowing program - make a donation today.

Support Riverfront Rowing.
Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.

Support Riverfront Rowing.
Make a donation to the equipment fund or the Stewards Fund today.