Adaptive Rowing Programs

Rockland Rowing Association’s adaptive program has been meeting the needs of people with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities in New York City’s northern suburbs of Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen counties since 2015. During our season from May through October, rowers enjoy fellowship, teamwork and the joy of physical freedom outdoors on Rockland Lake. All programs are offered at no cost to participants. Founded with the support of Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital, we also work with community partners including US Rowing’s United We Row program, the Rockland County's Youth and Disabilities Bureaus, VISIONS Center on Blindness, Living Resources, Venture Together NY, and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.

adaptive Team 1

Open to participants of all ages with cognitive challenges and/or physical disabilities as well as temporary conditions such as chemotherapy or recovery from an injury. Our 8-seat rowing barge provides a safe, fun platform to experience the sport during weekly outings. Participants must be able to sit unsupported on a sliding seat. In return for their time given to help people in and out of the barge and to carry equipment, able-bodied adult volunteers get free learn-to-row coaching.

Adaptive Team 2

Geared to wheelchair athletes, private lessons (at no cost) allow one-on-one attention from the coach aided by volunteer athletes from our competitive youth and masters team. Our program takes qualified competitors to major regattas every year; in 2022 we sent competitors to the Head of the Charles in Boston and the all-adaptive Bayada Regatta [https://www.bayada.com/regatta/] in Philadelphia. Through the generosity of the Christopher Reeve and Craig Neilsen Foundations, our program owns FISA-approved, fixed-seat single and double sculls equipped with pontoons and custom sculling oars as well as this pontoon-mounted Wintech double. Beginners are welcome; we are always looking for new participants.

PLEASE CONTACT ADAPTIVE COACH GRETA NETTLETON FOR MORE INFORMATION -greta@rocklandrowing.org