“The Unspoken Truth About Rowing Clubs: Is Your Child’s Future on the Water Being Shortchanged?”
Dear Parents,
If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’re concerned about your son or daughter’s rowing journey. Perhaps they’re working hard but not seeing the improvement you’d expect. It’s not a lack of commitment or effort from them, nor from you. The issue may lie in the quality of coaching they’re receiving—and it’s more serious than you think.
It’s a misconception in the rowing community that if a handful of rowers in a club are excelling, the training regimen must be effective. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In most clubs, fewer than 10% show significant progress, while the overwhelming majority plateau or improve at a glacial pace. Even the few who do “excel” aren’t performing at a level to gain admission into top-tier rowing programs.
Can we really pat ourselves on the back and say we’re doing it right?