What is Row4All?

Row4All is a new youth development program developed by the Foundation for Rowing Education.

It uses indoor rowing as the foundation for a rich curriculum that incorporates nutrition, wellness, life lessons, and practical learning.

Row4All takes rowing where it needs to go – right to the neighborhoods, to the kids who can benefit most. Learn more about the Row4All vision.

How Does it Work?

The Row4All staff works closely with organizations that work with underserved teens and pre-teens to customize Row4All for their kids, their locations, and their needs. Our partner organizations can be any group that serves adolescents - a YMCA, a city recreation department, a Girl Scout council, a middle school.

So much more than a sports program, Row4All builds on an ergometer-based fitness program to provide mentoring, encourage healthy behaviors and teach about nutrition, and strengthen a range of academic skills.

Who's Behind It?

Row4All was created almost entirely on a volunteer basis, by passionate rowers, coaches, and experts in youth development who donated their time because they believed so strongly in the project.

The Row4All team, led by FRE Executive Director Margot Zalkind, includes the Row4All Advisory Board, especially Curriculum Advisor Ellen Minzner, and FRE staff members Dr. Laura Hutchinson, David Schary, and Laura Simon.

Smith College professor and FRE Board member Dr. Donald Siegel provides ongoing advice and counsel.

Concept2 has created a popular youth fitness program using ergometers, which Judy Geer and the Dreissigacker brothers shared with us.

Why Indoor Rowing?

Ergometers make it easy for any organization to start a rowing program, whether it has water and boats or not - they're affordable, transportable, and can be set up anywhere.  Once we get kids interested in the sport, we can help interested organizations transition to water-based programs.

Ergs have other benefits. They track fitness and activity, and when that data is uploaded to a computer, kids can make charts, plot their progress, and expand both their computer and math skills.

Row4All instructors are wizards at creating fun, challenging erg-based activities. We even get the class rowing as a team!

How Can I Help?

We need your support to make the promise of Row4All a reality for children across the U.S.!
Learn how you can help:

• by contributing to the Strong Start campaign.
• by donating your used ergometer.
• by donating your used rowing clothing.
• or even by starting a Row4All program.

Please help us take rowing where it needs to go!