Resolution Rowing Welcomes 12 New Athletes!

Delta Sculling Center started the year on a strong note with the success of our Resolution Rowing program, which welcomed 12 new athletes to the DSC community. Held Tuesday and Thursday evenings for six weeks beginning in late January, the program was designed as an accessible introduction to the sport. Participants had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of rowing while building strength, confidence, and connection.

For many of these athletes, the program marked their first time ever rowing on an erg (indoor rowing machine). Sylvia, one of the new participants, had never seen indoor rowing before and described it as her “first time on an erg.” After seeing the program advertised on Instagram, she thought, “I can do this!” Rowing appealed to her because it was easier on her body than running had been, especially since, as she shared, “my knee isn’t great.”

Another participant, Kim, had seen rowing machines at her gym before but admitted she had “no idea what to expect.” When she came across Resolution Rowing, she said, “Resolution Rowing spoke to me,” and decided to simply give it a try. She signed up and committed to the program, explaining with a smile, “If I pay, I do it!” She also appreciated that the class schedule worked well with her workday.

An especially unique aspect of this year’s program was that Resolution Rowing shared space with our Thursday night Masters athletes, who completed their own indoor workouts at the same time. Each week, the experienced Masters athletes and Resolution Rowing participants stretched together before the workout and cooled down together afterward, creating a welcoming environment that blended new and seasoned rowers.

For many of the newcomers, watching the Masters athletes was inspiring. Their strength, stamina, and consistency showed what long-term dedication to rowing can look like. One Resolution Rower even shared that while it was motivating to see, it was also a little intimidating to watch the Masters perform at such a high level.

Beyond learning technique, what participants valued most was the sense of community that quickly developed in the room. Kim noted how welcoming the experience felt, sharing that although she was new, she never felt uncomfortable or out of place. As she explained, “It can be hard as you age to learn new things, but this has been fun.” She also praised the supportive coaching environment, saying, “Pat and Bob create a good environment to learn in. We weren’t just learning from them—we learned from each other too.”

That sentiment echoed throughout the group. Participants frequently described the experience as more than just a fitness class—it was a community. By the end of the program, many shared that they wished it could continue year-round. In fact, no one wanted the class to end, and several participants asked Pat and Bob if Delta Sculling Center might consider offering indoor rowing classes throughout the year.

Programs like Resolution Rowing continue to play an important role in Delta Sculling Center’s mission to create welcoming pathways into rowing while building a strong, supportive community on and off the water.