209.607.9876
info@deltasculling.org
Our Freedom Rows program is for veterans and active-duty military, with or without disabilities. You don’t have to know how to scull in order to train with us- we will teach you! Currently our Freedom rowers meet and train together every Thursday morning.
If you have adaptive needs, we can accommodate you! We have special equipment to attach to our indoor rowing machine and our boats so you can row with just your arms, or your arms and trunk, rather than needing to use your full body. Benefits of the sport:
Freedom Rows practices are held Thursday mornings from approximately 7:30-9:30 AM; an email reminder with exact details is sent the evening prior. Individual practice times vary depending on your specific needs and ability.
While swimming ability is not mandatory, a general comfort and familiarity with being on or in the water significantly enhance the learning process, as fear of the water can hinder the ability to fully engage in the program and its benefits. Ideally, participants in Freedom Rows should have a foundational level of water confidence, which involves being able to support oneself in the water for at least 5 minutes, whether through treading water, swimming 25 yards, or similar basic water skills. Veterans who are not water-confident must be willing to wear a personal flotation device; also a requirement during winter to mitigate the risk of hypothermia.
Freedom Rowers should have a communication device that receives texts and emails. An email is sent the day before each practice to confirm arrival time and official practice start time.
During the warm weather months, practice times do not vary so much but during the winter due to fog and cold, start times may vary for each meeting. And during the summer months we generally start practices earlier than during the winter to avoid the summer heat.
During the colder months, we suggest wearing layers, including a windbreaker, perhaps a vest or long-sleeved shirt, a hat, etc. Clothing made of cotton and similar materials are to be avoided as they don’t dry out easily if they get wet and can be heavy if the athlete “goes swimming” unintentionally. Sport-tech fabric is advised instead. Usually clothing used for cycling or running is appropriate. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a non-metal water bottle are always advised.
Consider wearing brightly colored tops including neon colors. This is always helpful for visibility purposes when on the water. We share the waterways with boaters, jet skiers, and more who many not see us easily since we are so close to the water.
Caregivers are welcome to assist depending on the prospective participant’s individual needs.
The Freedom Rows program operates year-round except during the winter holiday season when we close the boathouse for a month.
We are dedicated to accommodating participants at any point. However, occasional challenges arise when there is a shortage of skilled volunteers available to assist. In such cases, potential participants may experience a short waiting period as we work to reorganize our schedule and recruit additional help.
1. Email Pat Tirone for a verbal assessment and to schedule your first practice date.
2. Your first practice will include dryland training with one of our volunteer coaches.
3. Following initial training, the coaches will move to get participants on the water in our two-person boats equipped with pontoons on either side to stabilize the boat.
Over time, we can help to obtain a free membership in USRowing and to do a free training in “SafeSport“.
All that is mentioned in “When Can I Start” applies – we can start in the same way; same requirements for free USR membership and SafeSport training. Some of the volunteer roles available are:
If you are interested in the Freedom Rows – Delta Heroes program, please reach out to Head Coach Pat Tirone, or fill out the Contact Form linked below.
