Not at all! Most of our athletes like to train year-round for consistency, to avoid injuries after long breaks, and to maintain progress, but it’s not required.

Rowing is a great sport for athletes recovering from injuries, and as a way to prevent injuries in the off seasons from other sports.

Both our youth and adult programs train for racing, and while athletes aren’t required to race, they are strongly encouraged to challenge themselves through competition.

Rowing trains athletes both physically and mentally, through the highs and lows of wins and losses, and racing provides a way to grow as athletes.

We also offer private lessons for adults looking to improve skill and fitness without committing to rigorous, competitive training and racing.

Yes, CBRC partners with The George Pocock Rowing Foundation to provide scholarships for youth athletes facing socio-economic barriers.

Please visit this page to learn more and apply, or reach out to learn more from our youth coaches: info@combayrow.net

You don't have to shop for specialty rowing gear, but here are a few sites that are popular with rowers:

776 B.C.
Regatta Sport
JL Racing
Boathouse
Evupre

You can also find great buys on technical clothing on Amazon, Old Navy, and at other big box retailers.

Optional Gear

Some athletes like to invest in these items, but they aren't necessary to purchase:

• rowing gloves
• pogies - to keep hands warm in very cold weather
• rowing computer ("SpeedCoach") - tracks your stroke rate, meters, and time during workouts
• safety lights - the team also provides lights for crews to use in low-light conditions.

Rowing takes place in all kinds of weather and through multiple seasons, so dressing in the right gear is critical for your performance, comfort, and safety.

Layers of technical fabrics work best. Avoid cotton. Wool is also great in cold weather.

Wear high-vis and bright colors for safety. We share the lake with speed boats and other crews. 

Pack a warm change of clothes and a snack to leave at the boathouse. (Rarely) you can end up in the water unexpectedly, or just get really wet from splashing or the weather.

Fitted tops and jackets are better than loose-fitting garments that might catch your oar handle(s) or get caught in the tracks of your sliding seat.

Just like any sport, there are lots of special terms in rowing that you’ll learn over time. Here’s a handy guide to rowing terminology from USRowing.

Rowing is the ultimate team sport, with every move coordinated and synchronized by calls from your coxswain (the non-rower who stears the boat), or the designated Bow seat rower (for boats without a cox’n).

Synchronicity is critical to ensure everyone stays safe while moving large boats around, and it’s the only way to really go fast!

It’s true, we’re up before dawn! That’s when speed boat traffic is low, the water is usually the best, and coordinating work schedules at the end of the day is nearly impossible.

There’s nothing like seeing the sun come up over Mt. Rainier, and starting your day with the hardest part done by 7 a.m.