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Summer Masters Rowing is Here!

High Point Rowing Club has created the most successful Masters program in the state in just 12 months.

High Point Rowing Club has created the most successful Masters program in the state in just 12 months.

The registration period for High Point Rowing Club’s  “2015 Masters Summer Rowing Program” for adults is almost complete. The purpose of Masters Summer Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing. No prior rowing experience is necessary.

Crew director Gene Kininmonth says he expects the Tuesday-Thursday evening sessions to be maxed out by early next week. “There is still availability in our Tuesday & Thursday morning sessions and lots on the recently opened Monday-Wednesday evening sessions but the Tuesday-Thursday evening rowing is almost at capacity,” said Kininmonth, who expects participant numbers to pass one hundred this summer. “This is a really cost effective way that adults in the Triad can learn to row and get in great shape in a team environment this summer.”

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. Participants can join as an individual and be grouped into a crew. Or, participants can join as part of a group of eight from your corporation or civic or social group such as a Rotary Club or Junior League.

Format: For the 2015 summer season, participants will initially be in two groups – those with rowing experience and those with no prior experience. The beginners will start with a learn-to-row format. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers.  As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.

Dates and Times: Participants can choose to row in any of the following times: 

Morning Sessions:  Tuesday & Thursday starting June 23, and ending August 13, 2015. Sessions are from 8:45am to 10:15am.

Evening Sessions (M&W): Monday and Wednesday evenings starting June 22 and ending August 12, 2015. Sessions are from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Evening Sessions (T&T): Tuesday & Thursday starting June 23 and ending August 13, 2015. Sessions are from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Unlimited Summer!: row any and all the above listed rowing sessions! (Note this does not include erging sessions)

Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and flip-flops are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth in the boat). Bring a water bottle too! Sunglasses are good.

Summer Fun Regatta: On August 13, there will be a final 500m sprint race just for fun – OK, and maybe some bragging rights too!

Cost: $200 per rower for 16 sessions. No partial refund for missed sessions. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

Must be 21+. More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

Here’s what the adult rowing program looks like in Pittsburgh.

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HPRC Announces Spring Fleet Fundraising Campaign

By Gene Kininmonth 
“It is the horses, not the chariot that win races,” is a saying probably every High Point rower has heard me say at least once since our Club was formed less than three years ago. This is an old line used often by rowing coaches when preparing their crew to race against a team with vastly superior equipment.

And while generally true, it never hurts to have better equipment. Thanks to a generous gift from Caren and Greg York, this spring we purchased the black Vespoli M2 eight for the boys team. This shell was also raced by the girls youth eight at SE Regionals, where they improved their previous best time by 17 seconds. Both our squads were grateful for the chance to race in this boat.

So, I am pleased to announce that we are now commencing our annual Fleet Fundraiser Campaign. The goal is to raise $25,000 by late June to purchase two fours that can also be rowed as quad sculls. Sculling oars would also be purchased as part of the fundraising campaign and we have identified a university that has these boats for sale.

Four-man shells that interchange as quad sculls have a unique value to the club at this point in our history. As identical fours, the boats are perfect for evaluating the rowers in our eights by breaking the eight into two crews of four to race each other in practice. Rowers could then be switched between the two boats one at a time between races to evaluate each rower on an individual basis against their peers. This is called seat racing.

Seat racing assists coaches to determine who the best boat movers are on the squad and who needs more work technically. It also establishes a fair system of selection that is less reliant on subjective judgment.

A benefit of the fours converting into quad sculls is the doors that open to more racing opportunities for the team. Sculling races are increasing in popularity among both the Junior and Masters ranks across the country. And with the rise of our history making youth squad, why not consider sending our best to the world’s most prestigious rowing event, the Henley Royal Regatta in England next summer. The junior events at Henley are raced in quad sculls.

The men's Junior event at Henley Royal Regatta is the quad scull race for the Fawley Challenge Cup.
The men’s Junior event at Henley Royal Regatta is the quad scull race for the Fawley Challenge Cup.

 

The junior women compete for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup and the junior men race for the Fawley Challenge Cup. Over 200,000 rowing fans from across the globe flock to the Thames over 5 days to watch Henley.  What a venue to showcase our rising talent!

The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup is raced by junior women in quad sculls at Henley Royal Regatta.
The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup is raced by junior women in quad sculls at Henley Royal Regatta.

Did I mention that Masters race at Henley too? In England, Masters are called Veterans!

We have an exciting vision for the future of High Point Rowing Club and I hope you will consider supporting the team with a gift at this time. We are fortunate to have such a talented squad of rowers of all ages representing High Point with such passion and I am grateful to all who have supported the team to get it to this point. We still haven’t scratched the surface!

High Point Rowing Club is a 501(C)3 non-profit. Gifts are fully tax-deductible and should be made payable by check to “High Point Rowing Club” and mailed to 1107 Johnson Street, High Point, NC 27262.

CHEERS!
Gene

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Registration is Open for Spring Adult Rowing

High Point's Masters Women's Crew launches their shell on Oak Hollow Lake.
High Point’s Masters Women’s Crew launches their shell on Oak Hollow Lake.

High Point Rowing Club is excited to announce the Spring season of “Masters Rowing” for adults at Oak Hollow Lake. The purpose of Masters Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing.

No prior rowing experience is necessary.

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. In addition to rowing in High Point, participants will have the opportunity to race at the Rockets Sprints in Richmond, VA on June 20 for a small additional race fee.

“This is a recreational and social adult rowing program that welcomes new members,” says club founder Gene Kininmonth. “Rowing is not like joining a gym or having a personal trainer. When you join the Masters you will join a community of adults of all ages encouraging each other to be their best in a fun team environment.”

The Masters Crew program is led by coach Allie Davis.

Format: Participants with no prior experience will start with a learn-to-row format.  As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted. Experienced rowers will row together in boat orders as assigned by the coaches. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers. In addition to rowing, participants will be expected to serve on occasions as coxswains, the member of the crew that steers the boat and makes the calls.

Dates and Times: Participants may sign up for either weekday or weekend sessions, or both for an additional fee. 

Weekday Session (Mornings): Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting April 7 ending June 18, from 8:45am to 10:15am.

Weekday Session (Evenings): Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting April 7 ending June 18, from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Weekend Session: Saturday mornings at 7:30am and Sunday afternoon at 2pm starting April 11 ending June 21.

Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and flip-flops are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth in the boat). Bring a water bottle too! Sunglasses are good.

Cost: $210 per rower for the spring sessions. No partial refund for missed sessions or weather related cancellations. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

Note: space in this program is limited so please register early to avoid disappointment. Registration is not complete until payment is received.

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124-C Erg Sprints Set for February 28, 2015

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Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club will host the 124-C Erg Sprints on February 28, 2015 at its indoor rowing studio at 124-C Wade Street in Jamestown, the team’s board of directors is pleased to announce.

Competition will take place on Concept2 rowing machines in categories for Youth, Collegiate, Cross-Fit, and adult Masters over varying distances. Entry fee is $15 per athlete.

In the morning, Youth and collegiate competitors will race over 2,000 meters and Cross-Fit and Masters will race over 1,000 meters. After lunch break all competitors will have the chance to race a 500 meter sprint.

While rowing is traditionally a team sport, erging competitions place the individual athlete in the spotlight.

Registration for this event will open January 1 on RegattaCentral.

We can’t wait to see you in February in Jamestown!

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Triad Rowers Celebrate with Caroline Lind

Caroline Lind displays her two Olympic gold medals with Mary and Jim Hollingsworth.
Caroline Lind displays her two Olympic gold medals with Mary and Jim Hollingsworth.

GREENSBORO, NC – Over one hundred rowers and their friends and families from across the Triad, including members of the High Point University rowing team, joined two time Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind for a ‘Celebration of Rowing’ at the Starmount Country Club on Monday evening.

The banquet, hosted by High Point Rowing Club, was a homecoming for Lind, who is a Greensboro native. Lind won gold on board the United States women’s eight crew at both the Beijing and London Olympics.

Serving as master of ceremonies, High Point rowing coach Allie Davis, introduced varsity rowers Kiana Davis, Aliute Udoka, and Quinn Eury, who sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem to open the evening.

Master of Ceremonies: Allie Davis
Master of Ceremonies: Allie Davis

Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York then gave the invocation, after which guests dined on a sumptuous feast while listening to the talented Rich Richards, also a rower and coach, play on the club’s grand piano.

Coach Davis then returned to the podium to begin the formal ceremonies, which included recognizing several of High Point Rowing Club’s new ‘Masters’ with awards, including Erin Sanders who won ‘Rower of the Year.’

'Masters Rower of the Year': Erin Sanders.
‘Masters Rower of the Year’: Erin Sanders.

 

Mary Hollingsworth then thanked and recognized former volunteer coach Caroline Howard, former HPRC rower Sarah Catto, and current HPRC rower Margaux Blanchard for their service ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ to High Point Rowing Club. Mrs Hollingsworth is herself a Director of HPRC, a volunteer coach, parent of two rowers (Katie and Jackie) and the parent liaison for the team. To recognize her generous contributions to the club, Coach Gene Kininmonth commissioned an award in her name “The Mary Hollingsworth Cup” to be presented to a parent each year for outstanding contribution to the Club.

This year, the Mary Hollingsworth Cup was awarded to Kathy Howard, mother of High Point youth rowers Colin and Drew.

The evening then took a twist with the arrival to the podium of club founder and coach Gene Kininmonth to introduce Olympic great Caroline Lind. Kininmonth, an Australian native, said the theme of his introduction would be ‘Play, Listen, and Watch.’

High Point Rowing Club founder Gene Kininmonth introduces double Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.
High Point Rowing Club founder Gene Kininmonth introduces double Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.

“Let’s play!” said Kininmonth. “The name of the game is Two-Up, an Aussie game that began in the days of Australia’s Gold Rush and a fitting one to play in the presence of our double Olympic gold medalist, Caroline Lind.”

Kininmonth then explained the game involved tossing two coins in the air with everyone choosing whether they would fall ‘heads’ or tails’ or one of each. Allie Davis returned to the stage to illustrate how folks would indicate their choice by placing a hand on either their head or the ‘tail.’ Those choosing correctly remained standing and the coins would continue to be tossed until only one remained standing – and the winner was Caroline Lind!

After thanking Mary Hollingsworth and Allie Davis for their service and recognizing the club’s youth captains Adam Alt, Colin Howard, Addy Millsap, and Kim Pollard for their team leadership, Kininmonth then invited guests to ‘Listen’ to Victoria Goldin recite “Time: a Rowing Poem” by Celeste Dulillo.

Then it was time to ‘Watch’ as the lights were dimmed and the projector screened Caroline Lind’s USA women’s eight at the World Cup in France this past summer. With Canada out in front by a boat length half way through the race, a technical glitch halted the video at which point Kininmonth exclaimed “Those Canadians!”

But the United States prevailed (click here to watch the race) and Caroline Lind took center stage to great applause.  A poignant speaker, Lind held the audience captive as she shared the experience of her rowing journey, with a message emphasizing the importance of living a life of character and integrity.

It was an amazing night for rowing in the Triad and High Point Rowing Club would especially like to thank Caroline Lind, her parents Fred and Mary Lind, and High Point University rowers Zach Astran, Kylie Flynn, Angelica Bryan, and their coach Jessica Mahon for their presence on this occasion.

Starount Country Club in Greensboro was the venue for the Celebration of Rowing with Caroline Lind.
Starmount Country Club in Greensboro was the venue for the Celebration of Rowing with Caroline Lind.

 

With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.
With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.
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Double Olympic gold medal rower Caroline Lind with the High Point Masters and their coaches Gene Kininmonth and Allie Davis.

 

From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind.
From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind.
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Adult Indoor Rowing Starts December 2

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Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club is excited to announce a new season of “Masters Indoor Rowing” for adults at the Jamestown Indoor Rowing Studio. The purpose of Masters Indoor Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing.

No prior rowing experience is necessary.

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad and participants may join as individuals or groups through a corporation.

“Indoor rowing has taken off as the new spinning and we have received lots of interest from adults wishing to try out this sport,” says club organizer Gene Kininmonth. “Rowing is non-impact making it safe from injuries, which is especially appealing to adults.”

The Masters Indoor Rowing program for adults is led by coach Allie Davis.

Format: Participants with no prior experience will start with a learn-to-row format on the Concept2 rowing machines.  As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.

Dates and Times: Participants may sign up for either weekday or weekend sessions, or both. 

Weekday Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting December 2 ending February 8, 2015. Choose to attend either morning sessions from 8:45am to 10:15am or evening sessions at 6pm.

Weekend Sessions: Saturday mornings at 7:30am and Sunday afternoon at 2pm starting December 6 ending February 8, 2015.

Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and running shoes are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth on the rower). Bring a water bottle too!

Cost: $215 per participant. No partial refund for missed sessions or weather related cancellations. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

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Summer Adult Rowing Expands to Monday – Wednesdays

NOTE: PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM BEGINNING TOMORROW. “ROW WELL & LIVE!”

The Tuesday -Thursday Summer Masters Rowing Program quickly sold out in High Point with over 50 participants joining.
The Tuesday -Thursday Summer Masters Rowing Program quickly sold out in High Point with over 50 participants joining.

Due to popular demand among adults in the Triad, High Point Rowing Club has added an additional Masters Summer Rowing program to the schedule. Adults with little or no rowing experience can now register to row on Oak Hollow Lake on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm – 7:30pm.

Over new 50 adults are currently rowing in the Tuesday – Thursday program.

The purpose of Masters Summer Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing. No prior rowing experience is necessary.

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. Participants can join as an individual and be grouped into a crew. Or, participants can join as part of a group of eight from your corporation or civic or social group such as a Rotary Club or Junior League.

“Since High Point Rowing Club was founded less than two years ago we have received lots of interest from adults wishing to try out this sport,” says club organizer Gene Kininmonth. “This is a really cost effective way that adults in the Triad can learn to row and get in great shape this summer.”

Format: For the 2014 inaugural summer season, it’s expected that rowers will have no prior experience and will start with a learn-to-row format. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers. If you join as part of a corporation or group you will be assigned a coach and a coxswain (person in the shell who steers and calls commands). As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.

Dates and Times: Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 23 ending August 6, from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and flip-flops are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth in the boat). Bring a water bottle too! Sunglasses are good.

Summer Fun Regatta: On August 6, there will be a final 500m sprint race just for fun – OK, and maybe some bragging rights too! Medals will be awarded to the winners. All competitors will be awarded a Masters Rowing tee shirt. A BBQ will follow.

Cost: $200 per rower. No partial refund for missed sessions. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

Must be 21+. More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

Here’s what the adult rowing program looks like in Pittsburgh.

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Masters Tues/Thurs Program is Sold Out

Due to popular demand, the 2014 Masters Summer Rowing Program being held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings is sold out.

“Over 50 adults registered and paid for the summer rowing program at Oak Hollow Lake and unfortunately we have had to turn away another dozen or so more,” said chief coach Gene Kininmonth. “We simply do not have the boats to accommodate any more – every seat is filled,” he said.

High Point Rowing Club is now looking into adding sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays to help meet the growing interest in the sport among Triad adults. Interested participants should email Gene at contact@highpointrowing.com for more information.

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Finally – Adult Rowing Comes to the Triad!

cropped-masters-rowing-imageHigh Point Rowing Club is excited to announce the “Masters Summer Rowing Program” for adults. The purpose of Masters Summer Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing. No prior rowing experience is necessary.

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. Participants can join as an individual and be grouped into a crew. Or, participants can join as part of a group of eight from your corporation or civic or social group such as a Rotary Club or Junior League.

“Since High Point Rowing Club was founded less than two years ago we have received lots of interest from adults wishing to try out this sport,” says club organizer Gene Kininmonth. “This is a really cost effective way that adults in the Triad can learn to row and get in great shape this summer.”

Format: For the 2014 inaugural summer season, it’s expected that rowers will have no prior experience and will start with a learn-to-row format. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers. If you join as part of a corporation or group you will be assigned a coach and a coxswain (person in the shell who steers and calls commands). As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.

Dates and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 17 ending August 7, from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and flip-flops are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth in the boat). Bring a water bottle too! Sunglasses are good.

Summer Fun Regatta: On August 7, there will be a final 500m sprint race just for fun – OK, and maybe some bragging rights too! Medals will be awarded to the winners. All competitors will be awarded a Masters Rowing tee shirt. A BBQ will follow.

Cost: $200 per rower for 12 sessions. No partial refund for missed sessions. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

Must be 21+. More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

Here’s what the adult rowing program looks like in Pittsburgh.