Information and Frequently Asked Questions

What does rowing involve/why row?

  • Rowing is a great low-impact, total body workout. You will improve your cardiovascular system, muscle and core strength, flexibility, and mental stamina.
  • Believe it or not, the legs are worked the hardest in rowing, not the arms!
  • While rowing is one of the most team-oriented sports around, it is also allows participants to train at their own level, allowing individual growth and achievement.
  • Rowing is a lot of fun and great stress relief.
  • You do not need to know how to swim or wear a bathing suit! The oars are in tanks of water and you sit on a moving seat next to the tanks of water. Aside from a little splashing from time to time, you will not get wet.
  • Snug-fitting shorts or pants (very baggy shorts or pants can get caught in moving parts of the slide). No, spandex is not required, but might be helpful!
  • Comfortable layers, since the building's temperature can vary. Very long shirts will need to be tucked in the back so they don't get caught in moving parts.
  • Water bottle or money to purchase a drink from the vending machine.
  • Sneakers
  • Small hand towel if you tend to sweat a lot.

    • What is inside PIRC?

    • There are three tanks of water that are 1.5 feet deep and 6 feet wide by 40 feet long. There are also 24 rowing machines (ergometers). We have indoor restrooms, coat rack, and cubby space.

    Can I just stop in to row?

      We rent out the PIRC to other groups that schedule time. If you are interested in rowing, you can visit the web sites for these groups to learn about their learn to row programs (or advanced programs if you already know how to row).

    • Genesee Waterways
    • Genesee Rowing Club

      • This one is oriented towards women:

    • Adventure Out

      • If you are of high school age, you can contact a high school program in your area:

    • Brighton, Rochester: Brighton Crew
    • Fairport: Fairport Crew
    • Pittsford: Pittsford Crew


    Basic Rowing Information

    The illustration below provides some basic vocabulary for rowing. There is a printable PDF version of this diagram along with some addtional information on more rownig terms, insights into the sport of rowing, and illustrations of some helpful stretches to prepare physically to train for rowing.


    Title: Basic Vocabulary of Rowing
    Stern End - Everyone faces the stern except the coxswain. Slide - The track on which the seat moves. 8 seat (stroke) PORT SIDE Foot Stretcher - An adjustable plate to which rower's feet are secured. Bow End
    6 seat 4 seat 2 seat
    Schematic of a crew rowing boat with parts labled.
    Coxswain (cox'n or cox) - Steers the boat and is the on-the-water coach for the crew. 7 seat 5 seat 3 seat 1 seat
    Oarlock - The D-shaped device at teh end of the rigger in which the oar rests. There is a locking gate at the top to keep the oar in place. Bowball - a rubber ball that protects the boat against damage in case of a collision.
    On the Left - Rigger-Metal apparatus that holds the oar in place. On the right - Gunwales (gunnels) - The top edges of the boat. The riggers are bolted into them.
    Starboard Side
    Arrow pointing to right with caption: The boat moves to towards the bow!
    Image of a rowing paddle
    Blade - The oar; also the end of the oar which is placed in the water. Shaft Sleeve Collar or Button - A plastic ring that keeps the oar from slipping through the oarlock. Handle


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    Pittsford Crew     		last updated: 03 17 2014
    maintained by Chris Barrett
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