Saratoga Rowing Center is the newest and only sports shop and teaching facility devoted entirely to the sport of rowing. Whether your interested in learning to row, renting or buying a shell, or checking out the lastest in rowing clothing, gear, and accessories, Saratoga Rowing Center is the place for you!

Our Philosophy:

Whether you're 8 or 80, rowing can be the sport for you. Our instructors specialize in the sculling discipline. In sculling, each rower, called a sculler, utilizes two oars in contrast to sweep rowing where each rower uses one oar. Both scullers and sweep rowers row in boats called shells, however, scullers generally row in shells called singles - a one person shell, doubles - a two person shell, or quads - a four person shell. By the very nature of sculling - a low impact, symmetrical, full body workout - rowers of virtually any age group and ability level can master this sport to their individualized comfort level.



For beginners, we offer a step-by-step, easily understood approach to the sport. New students begin their on-water rowing experience in a recreational double shell. Recreational shells are shorter and wider (beamier) than conventional racing shells and consequently, are much more stable and "forgiving" for the beginner. A double shell carries two rowers - in the case of a beginner, one of these rowers is a certified US Rowing instructor. By removing some of the initial worry from the learning process (i.e. "I know I'll tip over," "That water's gotta be cold," "I just bought these shorts," "The car seat will never get dry," "Is that a bridge abutment?," "What do you mean slight current?," "I'll lose my glasses," "What if my feet touch seaweed?," - we have more), the beginning sculler can concentrate on technique - body positioning, slide ratio, blade preparation, proper squaring, etc., - and get comfortable in the boat. We have utilized this technique for hundreds of rowers with great success. Before you know it, you'll be rowing on your own (or with friends) and itching to get into one of those "skinnier" (and faster!) boats. You'll find our lessons fun and informative. Click Lessons for further information, including information on upcoming introductory clinics.



We also recognize that rowing can be perceived as an expensive sport, especially for those just starting. You know, "what if I buy all the gear and find it's not the sport for me?" To alleviate that initial uncertainty Saratoga Rowing Center has a complete line of rental shells and oars. We offer anywhere from single visit to multi-visit rental plans (multi-visit plans are generally 10 or 25 visits of 1-1/2 hour blocks each). Think of it as reserving a tennis court - give us a call, let us know the time and boat you want, and it will be rigged and ready upon your arrival. Click on Rentals for further details.



For those of you who have fallen head over heals for the sport (face it - you all will), Saratoga Rowing Center offers a full line of recreational and racing shell sales, oars, clothing and accessories in our Retail and On-line Store. All UPS and USPS services are available for quick and efficient shipment of your order.

Need a place to keep your shell - no problem, click on Storage for further details.