Overview: Crew Seasons

Fall Season

In the fall, Guilford Rowing is strictly a club sport supported by the non profit. It is a time for training and improving technique. Typically, we race once or twice against other club and school teams. The season begins the first week of the school year and runs through the first week of November.

Winter Training

Winter conditioning includes strength training and preparation for the competitive spring season. Practices take place indoors in the high school's weight room, consisting of ergs, weightlifting, and high-intensity circuits. Preparation during the winter is essential for success in the spring. Winter training begins in November and finishes when the spring season begins, often in early March.

  • Boys & Girls: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 4:15 - 5:45 pm
  • Eligibility: All rowers who have rowed at least one season, including fall Novices.
  • Training Facility: GHS Fitness Room (in old HS science wing)

Spring Season

The spring season is the most important season in a rower's year, consisting of the most important races and largest time commitment. Through the fall and winter, rowers are focused on success in the spring championship races. The spring season begins in early March, transitioning from indoor to outdoor training during the first few weeks of training, and finishes at the end of May with the state championship regatta. Anyone is welcome to join the spring season, including students with no prior rowing experience.

  • Practices: Monday - Friday
  • Novices: 5-7 pm
  • Varsity Boys: 4:15-6:30 pm
  • Varsity Girls: 4-6:15 pm
  • Location: Lake Quonnipaug, Route 77, Guilford, CT
  • Transportation: must be arranged individually (tentative depending on schedules)

Summer Season

While there is no training program during the summer, opportunities to row exist. The Guilford Parks & Recreation Department operates a Learn-to-Row program for two weeks in July, which is beneficial for introducing new rowers to the sport. Experienced rowers assist with equipment and some coaching during these sessions.

For experienced rowers, there are rowing programs at Rogers Lake in Lyme, run by the Old Lyme Rowing Association (http://www.oldlymerowing.org/). Yale University hosts the Bulldog Rowing Camp for weeklong sessions, and other camps through universities and organizations are available.