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Masters Rowing: A Sport for Life


Masters rowing is competitive and recreational rowing for adults of all ages and experience levels, whether you’re returning to the sport after years away or picking up an oar for the first time, offering opportunities to train, race, and connect within a welcoming community.

Masters rowing offers something for everyone, whether your goal is staying active, testing yourself in competition, or simply enjoying time on the water with others who share your passion. With age-based racing categories and opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels, Masters athletes can row at a pace and level of commitment that fit their lifestyle while still being challenged and supported.

Beyond competition, Masters rowing is about community. Rowers build lasting friendships, learn from experienced coaches, and continue developing their skills through camps, clinics, and educational opportunities designed specifically for adult athletes. No matter your background or ambitions, Masters rowing provides a welcoming environment to grow, stay healthy, and remain connected to the sport for years to come.

See the graphic below for a breakdown of Master's athletes by age, region, and gender. 

Racing Opportunities

USRowing hosts regional and national championships, allowing Masters athletes to compete at multiple levels. Learn more about these racing opportunities below!

Camp Opportunities

USRowing offers a variety of camps based on the skill set of the Masters athlete. Below is a breakdown of the camps offered and who they serve.

  • Masters Camp: Designed for masters rowers of all levels looking to refine their technique, enhance performance, and train in a world-class environment.
  • Fantasy Camp: Exclusive chance to row with Olympians and be coached by our national team coaches.

Become a Referee

Make an impact on the sport of rowing as a USRowing Referee. Interested members can follow the steps below to better understand the requirements and journey towards becoming a Licensed Referee.

 Age Classification

Masters rowers are classified by age according to the following categories:

  • AA: 21 to 26 years old
  • A: 27 to 35 years old
  • B: 36 to 42 years old
  • C: 43 to 49 years old
  • D: 50 to 54 years old
  • E: 55 to 59 years old
  • F: 60 to 64 years old
  • G: 65 to 69 years old
  • H: 70 to 74 years old
  • I: 75 to 79 years old
  • J: 80 to 84 years old
  • K: 85 years old and over

Masters Work Group 

The Masters Work Group is a national group of representatives dedicated to bringing more to the Masters athlete: events, information, education, and a robust and engaged national community. Contact Margot Zalkind for more information at Margot.Zalkind@usrowing.org.

Education 

Interested in educating yourself through The Launch? Check out the courses below! To access The Launch, log into your USRowing Member Portal account using your member number and password. 

  • Adaptive Rowing Coach Certification 2025 (revised)
  • Coaching Coxswains
  • Cox Athlete Edition
  • Effectively Coaching Gen Z
  • Equipment Management
  • Fellowship 24: Creating a Culture of Belonging
  • General Discussion
  • Insurance Update 2024
  • Masters Coaching Certification Course
  • Mental Performance
  • Media Training
  • Opening the Boathouse Doors
  • Recruiting
  • Retaining Members
  • Rowing Insurance 101
  • Rowing Safety
  • Rowing Safety (en espanol)
  • Safety on Land
  • USRowing 101
  • Volunteer Management 

Education

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