Rowing
The Charles River is arguably the best known, and one of the premier rowing venues, in the world. The rowing organizations on the river provide access for rowers of all skills levels including three excellent learn-to-row programs. As noted in the links to the right, there are other quality learn-to-row programs on nearby rivers. Rowing on the Charles River also requires knowledge of the rowing traffic pattern and the traffic patterns of other craft to ensure safe boating. Look through the links on the right for resources appropriate to your needs.
Want to watch some racing? Check out the Charles River Calendar.
All rowers, including visiting crews, on the Charles must know the traffic pattern of all types of boaters on the Charles, and adhere to the rowing traffic pattern. Please review the relevant traffic patterns before leaving the dock.
There are several options for experienced rowers on the Charles River. In addition to clubs that welcome experienced rowers, some of the college programs give access to rowing to their students, staff and affiliates. If your college has a rowing program, check with them to see if they offer access to rowing equipment or if there is an arrangement with their host club.
First held in 1965, the Head of the Charles Regatta is the world's largest two-day rowing event. Held in October each year, the HOCR has grown to more than 11,000 rowers from around the world, competing in 70 different race categories, with more than 300,000 spectators lining the shore of the river. During the winter, when the river is typically iced over, more than 2000 rowers gather just off the river for the C.R.A.S.H.-B. SPRINTS World Indoor Rowing Championship.