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Summary

People who row with us don't just get incredible satisfaction, fun times and the best workout of their lives. They have access to scholarships, leadership opportunities, and chances to participate in some of the most thrilling competition anywhere. They have a chance to make history, make a difference and be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Cross Currents is committed to increasing minority participation in the sport of rowing. In doing so, we are breaking through economic barriers and opening up life-changing opportunities, doors that were previously limited or closed.

Participants in rowing have access to scholarships at the best colleges in the country and are attractive to elite military units. They develop outstanding self discipline, confidence and teamwork skills, attributes that breed success in school, work and relationships. Our success extends far beyond its immediate manifestation: the diversification of a largely homogenous sport. Like an oar blade pushing through water, we are the catalyst for a series of events. Our rowers learn to love water sports, develop key life skills and access new pathways to education and personal enrichment.

Adult Programs | Learn to Swim

It's time to face those fears, cultural barriers and myths about ethnic minorities and water (or anything else that may have kept you from learning to swim). If you don't know how to swim, let us help you find the closest YMCA nearby and register you for an 8-week Learn-to-Swim class. Participants and instructors work together to set goals, learn basic swimming skills and increase your comfort level in the water. Upon completion of this session, you will satisfy the Cross Currents swim test requirement.

* Session may be pursued concurrently with any Learn-to-Row or Recreational Row session.

** Scholarships are available to underwrite course cost upon request.

 

Indoor Learn to Row

So you're comfortable in the water and want to learn how to row. No problem! We have the perfect course for you, especially during the off (winter) season. Led by US Rowing certified coaches, this 8-week introductory rowing session will be held at the Pittsford Indoor Rowing Center. Instruction is provided at a comfortable pace. Each novice rower will learn the basics of the sport including but not limited to: physical execution, rowing terminology, and overall health and wellness benefits. Learning to row in an indoor setting is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals of the sport before progressing to on-the-water programs offered during the rowing (spring, summer and fall) season.

For more information on how to sign up and prices click here

 

* Indoor Learn-to-Row sessions are offered in October, January and March.

** Scholarships are available to underwrite course cost upon request.

 

Outdoor Learn to Row

OK! So you missed your opportunity to take a course in the off-season, but still want to learn how to row. Join our 8-week Outdoor Learn-to-Row session during the warmer months. Although these classes are taught at a faster pace than the indoor, learn-to-row sessions, you will still be able to learn rowing fundamentals at the Pittsford Indoor Rowing Center for two weeks before being introduced to the water. During the remaining six weeks, you will experience rowing on the Genesee River and Erie Canal supervised by US Rowing certified coaches. Emphasis is placed on building personal confidence and conditioning while building on mastering rowing technique.

 


* Outdoor session participants must be a Learn-to-Swim graduate, be currently registered in a Learn-to-Swim class or pass the required swim test in order to row in an Outdoor Learn-to-Row session.

** Scholarships are available to underwrite course cost upon request.

Recreational Rowing

boatsSo... You're either new to Rochester, have prior rowing experience or are ready to advance from the introductory rowing courses. Then it's time to take an 8-week Recreational Rowing session and focus on improving personal fitness and rowing technique. You will receive training in a 4+ and 8+ shell and develop basic rowing skills in a collegiate/masters environment, participate in fun and instructional drills and other activities aimed at improving technique, strength and competency. You may also choose to participate in local regattas upon coach approval.


* Recreational Rowers must be Learn-to-Swim graduates or pass the Cross Currents Swim test in order to row in a Recreational-Row session.

Competitive Rowing

You are serious and committed to rowing! The Competitive Rowing Session is for the dedicated rower. This on-going session places Cross Currents on the competitive map with other local, regional and national crews who participate at popular regattas in and out of the state and country.
Under the leadership of competitive and experienced coaches, this group of rowers trains towards the highest level of health, fitness and competitive racing. The team is developed collectively and individually, emphasizing personal and team progress. As a rower, you are moving beyond the basics and are now focusing on perfecting the stroke, understanding the physiology of rowing, and performing in competitive racing. Competitive rowers work towards the following goals:

  • Practice AND master the proper technique to make powerful strokes.
  • Protect yourself from injury and integrate what you learn into sprint and head races. Improve your overall fitness including:
    • aerobic capacity (Vo2 Max and anaerobic threshold);
    • muscle power & endurance; and
    • improve flexibility (if needed).
  • Learn the level of training appropriate to compete successfully against top-level masters crews.
  • Engage in opportunities to learn to race effectively against top competition.

*Must attend a minimum of two sessions per week. Three is preferred.

** Must be a Learn-to-Swim graduate or pass the required swim test.

*** Scholarships are available to underwrite course cost upon request.

Cross Currents Minority Rowing SCHOLARSHIP POLICY November, 2010

Athletic Scholarships in various amounts are available for qualified rowers on a reimbursement basis. Scholarship recipients will be asked to volunteer one hour for CC for every $25 of scholarship awarded, and must participate in CC-sanctioned fund raising efforts. Scholarships may also be offset by the recipient's efforts to replace the funds expended through sponsorships, corporate donations, in-kind services and the like upon mutual agreement.. Other financial scholarship or reimbursement arrangements may be negotiated case-by-case. CC has limited resources to offer scholarships. Therefore scholarships will be offered only to those committed to the sport of rowing, and who demonstrate their commitment through participation, attitude and efforts. CC reserves the right to rescind a scholarship at any time for non-commitment in order to ensure that funds are available to those more deserving.

Scholarships for youth (up to age18) should be requested directly by the rower's parent or guardian.

Note: This policy is subject to change and updates communicated as amendments are made.

For more information, please contact Oscar R. Pedroso at Oscar@ccminorityrowing.com

 

Youth Programs | Learn to Swim

Required Athletic Credit

The first and most important step towards becoming a rower is knowing how to swim. Don't know how? That's ok! We'll teach you.

Our flexible 6-week program allows you to devote 1-2 hours of your time outside of school to learn the basic swim skills needed and increase your comfort level in the water.
Photo Credit: Breaking Barriers in Philadelphia

Instructors work patiently with you to set goals and find ways to knock down those fears. Upon completion of this swim session, you will satisfy the swim test requirement and are ready to pick up an oar and learn how to row!


* Grades 7 -12 only.
* Swim session may be pursued with any Learn-to-Row or Recreational Row session.

Novice Rowing

Required Athletic Credit

You're comfortable in the water and want to stand out among your peers at school! Then it's time to pick up an oar and learn to row. Led by US Rowing certified coaches, this one-year introductory rowing session will be held at the Pittsford Indoor Rowing Center and Genesee Waterways Center. Don't have a clue about rowing? Instruction is provided at a comfortable pace so you pick up on the building blocks of rowing.

Each novice rower will learn the fundamentals of the sport such as technique, rowing terminology, overall health and wellness benefits. You and your classmates will be become a novice cohort and learn the perks of being on a team and working together. Learning to row in an indoor setting is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals of the sport before progressing to full-time, on-the-water programs offered during the rowing (spring, summer and fall) season. Upon completion of one year of novice rowing, you will be recruited into the Varsity rowing program.


* Grades 9-10 only

Varsity Rowing

Athletic Credit

This is your chance to take rowing to the next level. At the varsity level, you will be exposed to the many rigors of rowing and will undergo intensive training throughout the school year in preparation for local and national regattas. Varsity rowing is for the committed and disciplined rower. You will be supervised by certified US Rowing coaches to ensure you are moving beyond the basics and are now focusing on mastering the stroke, understanding your body and performing in a competitive setting. Perks of rowing on the varsity squad include adult mentorship with a rower from the Cross Currents Adult Program, tutoring services (English & Math) and scholarship opportunities beyond high school.

Grades: 10-12

Race Participation

  • 2006: Head of the Genesee Corporate Challenge
  • 2007: Pittsford Regatta, Head of the Genesee Corporate Challenge
  • 2008: Pittsford Regatta, Head of the Genesee Corporate Challenge, Pull The Plug
  • 2009: Pittsford Regatta, 2009 Row Ontario Masters Championships, Henley Invitationals, Canada, Fairport Liftbridge Regatta, Head of the Genesee Regatta-Masters, Trick or Feet, Pull the Plug
  • 2010: Pittsford Regatta, Row Ontario Masters Championships, Henley Invitationals, Canada, Fairport Liftbridge Regatta, Head of the Genesee Regatta-Masters, Head of the Charles/ Boston, Head of the Schyukill (Philadelphia), Nationals, Worlds (Canada), Pull the Plug