Capital Rowing Club Paddles Into Spring Season

It’s time to row, row, row your boat gently down the Anacostia.

The Capital Rowing Club began its 27th year this week, offering recreational and competitive sessions for new and experienced rowers. Launching from the Anacostia Community Boathouse in Hill East, the group has weekday sessions at 5 a.m., learn-to-row weekend sessions at 9 a.m. and more.

“Capital strives to meet the needs of veteran rowers with years of experience and beginners who don’t realize you can’t see where you’re going when you row,” CRC president Nhat Nguyen said.

We asked Nguyen to give us the rundown on the spring season. Here’s what he said:

What’s new for Capital Rowing this year?

For 2015, we are looking to expand our presence in the Greater D.C. area to get people out on the water. Over the years, Capital Rowing has expanded the number of programs offered, and we want to make sure people are aware that they have access to a great sport.

Do you have any “House of Cards” fans looking to try real-life rowing, instead of just using a machine like the Underwoods? (We had to ask.)

Capital Rowing has a lot of “House of Cards” fans. … Some rowers however are a little critical of the technique displayed on the rowing machines in the show, but the characters obviously never rowed with Capital.

Is there any push to get people who rowed in college involved?

One of our biggest focuses every year is to get people who have never rowed in a boat. We’re a community-based program and more than 60 percent of the rowers at Capital are Capital taught and trained through our Learn to Row program. These classes are Saturday and Sunday, with about 30 people who are trying the sport for the first time.

We always look for veteran rowers to support our clubs. They bring a level of experience and knowledge to the sport that benefits the club and the boats they are rowing in.

How did everything go on the first day of the season?

We had a great turnout for a lot of programs on the first day. … Our Club PM program had more than 50 people show up. Our competitive men and women’s programs had more than 30 people. So we’re off to a great start.

Can people still sign up?

People can sign up at any time through www.capitalrowing.org, even if we are in the middle of the season. We have three seasons, spring, summer and fall, and we are happy to take interested rowers throughout any of the seasons.

Photos via Capital Rowing Club