Why Kids Should Learn the Sport of Rowing

Teamwork and discipline on the water lead to greater focus in the classroom.

Most education experts agree that athletics boost academic results. Scientific research has linked participation in physical activity and sports to improvements in:

• physical health, as they increase resistance to cold and flu causing viruses and lower the risk for obesity, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers;
• mental health, as they reduce anxiety and depression levels and enhance self-esteem and confidence;
• physiological health, as they assist in the development of motor skills at appropriate stages of neurodevelopment;
• social interactions, as they increase confidence and success in academic and social situations;
• academic performance, as they increases concentration and cognition, problem solving skills, brain function, and information retention.
   

At Row New York we wholeheartedly support the idea of getting kids involved in sports—any sport—as we firmly believe that, in addition to health and academic benefits, sports also build character. That said, we hold a special place in our hearts for the sport of rowing: It is the ultimate team sport.

In rowing, there are no obvious superstars—there is only a team, working together toward the common goal of moving the boat forward. Try rowing a boat of eight if even one person is not in sync with his or her team—it’s not a pretty sight! Unlike ball sports, where a single person can change or essentially win the game, in rowing, if one person is off, the whole team falters. In fact, we find many of our first-time rowers initially become interested in rowing precisely because teaming up with seven teammates mitigates the stress to “perform” individually. We’ve seen kids who never thought of themselves as having coordination or a competitive drive discover their inner strength, gain confidence, and learn to love the thrill of competition. In short, they become athletes!

But our belief in the ability of rowing to positively impact lives is not about developing elite-level athletes. It is about building a 21st-century skill set that has increasingly become a requirement for academic success. We’ve seen firsthand how the specific skills associated with rowing translate into academics (as well as life in general). The ability to work well with others, practice discipline in attaining a goal, and  delay gratification in seeking a longer term objective are the hallmarks of a rower.  

Row New York Summer Rowing Camps

At Row New York, we offer two types of rowing camps throughout the summer: a novice Crew Camp for kids new to the sport and a competitive rowing camp for seasoned high school students looking to take their rowing talent to the next level.  For details, check out our summer camps: http://www.rownewyork.org/programs/programs-for-youth/youth-summer-camps/