All rowers must:
Youth members must also provide proof of a swim test.
As a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, your membership fees help support equipment maintenance, insurance, and access to Brookwood Point.
Ages: 13–18 (middle and high school students) Season: Summer sessions (on-water); optional indoor meetups during the off-season Our Youth Learn to Row program introduces middle and high school students to the sport of rowing in a fun, safe, and beginner-friendly environment. No prior experience is needed! Rowers will learn the basics of sculling (rowing with two oars) using stable boats and rowing machines to build confidence before venturing onto the lake. Classes are typically offered as one-week summer camps, with small-group instruction from experienced volunteer coaches – including certified OAR members and former competitive rowers. We emphasize teamwork, water safety, and fitness in an enjoyable setting. Many participants discover not just a new sport, but also new friends and a sense of personal confidence!
By the end of a Learn to Row camp, youth participants will be able to confidently row on Otsego Lake – and most importantly, they’ll have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment. Consistent attendance during the session is important for safety and skill development.
The Youth Learn to Row program is approximately $125 per week-long session, which covers all equipment, coaching, and facility use. As a community-based nonprofit, we strive to keep this fee low. Financial assistance may be available – please contact us if cost is a concern.
Sessions are held at Brookwood Point. Space is limited – early registration is encouraged. Successful completion of a Learn to Row session also qualifies students for the Youth Racing Team, if they wish to continue rowing with OAR.
Questions? Contact Coach Whitney at whitney@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: 13–18 (for those who have completed Learn to Row or have prior experience) Season: Late summer and fall (on-water); winter training; spring sessions as interest allows After learning the basics, young rowers who want to continue can join our Youth Racing program – OAR’s junior rowing team for those interested in training regularly and possibly competing in local regattas. The atmosphere remains supportive and team-oriented, balancing skill development with the fun of rowing with peers. Coaches and experienced volunteers help youth improve technique, build endurance, and learn race strategies. Rowers practice in both individual boats (singles) and team boats (doubles or quads) to develop versatility and teamwork.
Junior team members typically practice several times per week during the main rowing season (summer into fall). Practices may be held in the early morning or late afternoon, scheduled around school activities. During winter, we offer group indoor rowing workouts and cross-training, helping rowers stay fit and refine their stroke on erg machines.
Our youth team competes in regional regattas each year, depending on interest and readiness. These events offer juniors a chance to experience the thrill of racing and connect with rowers from other clubs. Past OAR juniors have participated in races like the Head of the Mohawk, often with great enthusiasm and success. While racing is encouraged, it is not required – juniors may also choose to row recreationally. The emphasis is on personal growth, teamwork, and a love of the sport.
We strive to keep costs modest for junior rowers:
If you’re a student interested in rowing more seriously, we’ll work with you to make it possible.
For students who’ve completed Learn to Row and want to continue with training and racing opportunities.
Questions? Contact Coach Whitney at whitney@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: 18 and up – it’s never too late to learn!
Season:
• Late Spring & Summer: Group classes scheduled in advance.
• Winter Clinics: Introductory ergometer (indoor rowing) clinics available upon request.
Our Adult Learn to Row program is designed for adults of all ages – from college students to seniors – who are new to rowing or returning after time away. No athletic background? No problem! We love welcoming newcomers to this low-impact, full-body sport in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
You’ll receive personalized instruction from an OAR coach or experienced rower, tailored to your pace and any physical considerations. The goal is to help you gain the skills and confidence to enjoy rowing on Lake Otsego and, if you wish, to row regularly with our club.
Classes are offered as 3-evening sessions, held weeknights from 6:00–8:30 PM.
Typical Curriculum:
We emphasize:
→ Complete the Membership Form to Reserve Your Spot
We’ll confirm your registration and connect you with a coach!
For more information, please contact Coach Andrea Thies at andrea@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: 18 and up (all adult ages welcome, from college students to retirees)
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall on Otsego Lake; optional winter indoor group training
Not everyone wants to race – many of our members row simply for the love of the sport, the exercise, and the camaraderie. Our Adult Recreation program (often called Club Rowing) is for any adult with basic rowing proficiency (for example, you’ve taken a Learn to Row class or rowed before) who wants to row for fitness and fun.
Recreational members have access to club equipment and can row in a variety of boats, either on their own schedule or during organized group rows. OAR fosters a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for rowers of all experience levels. Our community includes people in their 20s through their 70s+ all enjoying the lake together – a true intergenerational community bound by a shared passion for rowing.
Once you become an OAR member, you’ll be oriented on our safety rules and equipment. Then you can begin rowing during our club open rows. We use a sign-up system and have scheduled times each week when members meet at Brookwood Point to row together.
Newer rowers are paired with experienced buddies until they feel confident rowing independently.
Safety is our priority:
Many recreational rowers enjoy gliding over the beautiful waters of Otsego Lake, taking in the scenery – perhaps a morning rainbow or mist over the water – while getting a great workout. Rowing with OAR is as much about community connection as it is about fitness. Post-row coffee or dock chats are common!
There are no monthly boat fees or hidden costs for recreational members. Your membership helps cover club expenses like insurance, boat maintenance, and site use at Brookwood Point.
As a volunteer-run club, we ask members to pitch in with basic responsibilities – like helping carry boats or assisting with equipment care. By keeping dues low and fostering a team spirit, we ensure that everyone can enjoy rowing as a regular activity.
Recreational rowing for adults who have basic proficiency and want to enjoy the lake with fellow members.
Need to get cleared? Contact info@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: 21 and up (open to all adults; “Masters” typically refers to adults 27+, but younger adults are welcome) Season: Spring & Summer training for sprints; Fall training for head races; Winter conditioning For adult rowers interested in competition, OAR offers opportunities for Masters racing. “Masters” refers to adult rowing in age-categorized events (usually in 10-year brackets), but our approach is inclusive – any adult who wants to challenge themselves and race is welcome, whether you’re 27 or 90. Our Adult Competitive program is a subset of the club where members train with more structure and intensity, aiming to represent OAR at regional regattas. Though small, we’ve had great success – our members have medaled in singles and team boats at local races! More importantly, we support each other in pursuing personal goals and enjoy the camaraderie of training together.
Masters rowers often integrate with regular club rows but add dedicated practices focused on speed and technique:
Training times are arranged by the group, often in early mornings or on evenings/weekends. Volunteer coaches and experienced racers (including former collegiate and national-level rowers) provide coaching and guidance. In winter, competitive members follow erg workout plans, join group erg sessions, or cross-train to maintain fitness. We encourage members to set personal goals, whether it’s completing a 5k head race or improving a 1000m time, and we celebrate every achievement. The atmosphere is team-spirited – we train hard but have fun doing it.
OAR masters compete in regional regattas throughout the year:
We’ve raced at:
Recent entries include:
Racing is optional – some members race once a year, others more frequently. You’ll coordinate training and entries with fellow racers.
We often carpool and share costs. OAR may help with boat transport or fundraise to offset race expenses. If we bring in a guest coach or host a special clinic, there might be a small additional cost (communicated in advance). All members also contribute volunteer time – e.g., helping load trailers for regattas. Masters rowing with OAR is a cost-effective and close-knit way to compete, with strong support and a fun, dedicated team.
Train and race with other motivated adults. No matter your age, if you’re up for the challenge, we’re here to support you!
Questions? Contact us info@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: N/A (available for members who own their own boats)
Season: Outdoor storage available during the rowing season (approximately May through October)
For members who own their own rowing shells, OAR offers limited boat storage at Brookwood Point. We provide a small, outdoor rack where private singles and doubles can be securely stored on-site, making it convenient to access the lake without transporting your boat each time. Storage is available on a first-come, first-served basis each season for members in good standing.
By storing your boat with OAR, you agree to standard guidelines (e.g., personal responsibility for your boat, insurance if desired, and an OAR liability waiver). We maintain the area to keep it safe and tidy. Storing at Brookwood Point means your shell is right at the launch site – perfect for those early morning rows!
Interested in storage? You can request boat storage when completing your Membership Form, and we will confirm availability.
Ages: 18 and up (open to U.S. military veterans of any era, Wounded Warriors, and active-duty service members) Season: Spring, Summer, Fall on-water; Winter indoor rowing available based on interest As a special thank you to those who have served, OAR offers a Veterans Rowing Program that enables U.S. military veterans to row free of charge. Rowing offers many benefits – from low-impact physical exercise, to the peace of being on the water, to the camaraderie of a team. Our program is fully integrated with regular club activities, but we also organize vets-only rows or introductory sessions specifically for veterans. No experience is required. Our volunteers – including veterans themselves – provide all necessary instruction. The goal is to give back to our servicemen and women by sharing the rewarding experience of rowing.
If you’re a veteran interested in rowing, please complete our Membership Form! We’ll meet you at Brookwood Point and introduce you to the boats.
This program is 100% free – it’s our way of saying thank you for your service.
Free for U.S. Military Veterans and active-duty service members. No experience required.
Questions? Contact Coach Andrea Thies at andrea@otsegoarearowing.org
Ages: All ages – children and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities
Season: Summer and early fall (on-water, weather and staffing permitting); indoor sessions as available
Otsego Area Rowing is proud to partner with EDD Adaptive Sports to offer specialized Adaptive Rowing programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities. These sessions are open to both children and adults, and no prior sports or rowing experience is required. Siblings are welcome to participate, making this a fun and inclusive family activity.
The focus of Adaptive Rowing is on learning new skills in a safe, supportive, and non-competitive environment. Athletes are paired with trained volunteers who provide personalized, one-on-one instruction. With adaptive equipment and a flexible approach, each participant is supported at their own pace – guided by encouragement, patience, and teamwork.
This program is made possible through our collaboration with EDD Adaptive Sports, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Learn more about EDD Adaptive Sports:
https://www.eddfund.org/
We’re always looking for friendly, dedicated volunteers to help with our Adaptive Program. No rowing experience is needed – just a willingness to support others on their journey.
Email us at info@otsegoarearowing.org if you’re interested in volunteering!
Ages: 18 and up (or 13–17 with a participating parent/guardian) Season: Primarily Spring, Summer, Fall when on-water rowing is active Visiting the Cooperstown area and want to row? Or are you a local resident looking to try rowing once or twice before joining? Our Guest Rowing option allows non-members to row with us on a short-term basis. We love welcoming rowers from other clubs and introducing locals to the sport. All guest rowing is by arrangement – please email us at info@otsegoarearowing.org in advance so we can schedule a session for you.
No fee for guest rowing.
Guests are welcome to row with us up to five times per season, accompanied by an active OAR member.
We strive to make all guests feel welcome at OAR. Many visiting rowers have praised the beauty of Otsego Lake and the warm hospitality of our crew. You’ll be treated as part of the team during your visit – just respect the equipment and follow any guidance from our coxswains or coaches. Enjoy your row and come back anytime!
Visiting the area? Experienced rowers and curious locals can row with us on a short-term basis.
→ Complete the Membership Form
We look forward to rowing with you!
