Team boat rowing requires proof of COVID vaccination,
including a booster dose

Coaches:  Ednah Louie, Jim Hilsenger, Claudia Loeber

Our women’s sweep program includes rowers from their 20s-70s. Some Marquamlearned to row in high school or college, others started rowing as adults. We have three training groups, based on fitness, experience and training goals (see below). All rowers train and compete in local and regional regattas.  Competitive rowers also may elect to race at national regattas.  We attended the Head of the Charles in 2013, 2015 and 2019.   We won several national championships at the 2018 Masters Nationals in Oakland, CA and plan to attend the San Diego Crew Classic in March 2022.

Collegiate rowers are welcome to join the sweep program for the summer, at the monthly membership rate.

Nationally Competitive (NC) Sweep

  • Our NC women’s sweep squad trains for major regattas on an annual schedule, some of which are limited entry events. Placement in this squad is subject to coaching staff review and approval.
  • Practice is mornings on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
  • Goals:
    • To develop and race nationally competitive boats
    • To actively develop depth and quality of individual rowers and the team
    • To honor individual and team commitment to highly competitive goals
  • Expectations / Requirements:  
    • Coachability
    • Constructive mindset and attitude
    • Demonstrated control and consistency in rowing technique and skill development, as assessed and approved by the coaching staff
    • Active commitment and demonstration of your fitness and rowing technique
    • Erg testing, as announced
    • Commitment to the necessary practices in preparation for the races you sign up for / want to be considered for, as announced
    • Appropriate consistency in attending practices in support of the NC Sweep Goals, if not racing

Regionally Competitive (RC) Sweep

  • Our RC women’s sweep squad trains for major regattas on an annual schedule. RC squad members are invited to take part in erg testing, but it is not required.
  • Practice mornings on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
  • Goals:
    • To develop and race regionally competitive boats
    • To actively develop the depth and quality of individual rowers and the team
  • Expectations / Requirements:  
    • Coachability 
    • Constructive mindset and attitude
    • Demonstrated consistent foundation in rowing technique and skill development
    • Clear goal-setting (e.g., what do you want to get out of rowing? what do you want to aim to achieve presently & in the long run, with consideration to other life priorities?) and developing a course for progress in conversation with coaches
    • Regular attendance at practices encouraged, especially if participating in a regatta
    • Participation at some regattas encouraged

Development Sweep

  • Our development sweep program is designed for rowers who know how to scull, or have a bit of experience sweep rowing. The purpose of the program is to develop skills and fitness and enjoy the camaraderie of team boat rowing. There are three scheduled practices per week.  The development sweep squad does not train for specific regattas, but members can take part in some events on the annual schedule.
  • Practice is mornings on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
  • Goals:
    • To actively develop sweep rowing skills and fitness
    • To experience the camaraderie of team boat rowing
    • To have opportunities to participate in local and some regional regattas
  • Expectations / Requirements:  
    • Coachability
    • Constructive mindset and attitude
    • Previous sweep rowing experience OR sculling experience and the completion of one or more Beginning Sweep clinics.

Beginning Sweep Clinics

  • For rowers who only have sculling experience, we offer regular sweep rowing clinics to learn the basics of sweep rowing. After attendance at one or more of these sessions, a member can join the Development sweep squad. This group meets on Sundays as announced.
  • Expectations / Requirements:  
    • Coachability
    • Constructive mindset and attitude
    • Six months of sculling experience, through Learn to Row and/or our Beginning and Development sculling groups

If you have previous sweep rowing experience, you can sign up for a membership to join. If you are new to rowing, check out our Learn-to-Row classes!