The Swim To Row Program was created by the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) in collaboration with the Mercer County Park Commission, and the Hamilton and Capital Area YMCAs. Swim To Row is offered to Mercer County residents ages 11-15 who wish to learn more about the sport of rowing and all it has to offer. The Program introduces youth from underrepresented communities to the sport of rowing.
We use the YMCA’s “ Safety Around Water” curriculum to enhance the participants’ comfort level around the water. All participants are required to pass a swim test at the end of each level. Life vests (PFDs) are available for athletes who desire to wear them or who have not passed the swim test.
Swimming is taught by a Hamilton YMCA certified swim instructor. Rowing is taught by a PNRA instructor.
Program Overview
Swim To Row (Level 1)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 2 days of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day on the rowing machines at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Fee for the program: $25
(To test out of Level 1, a student must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim 2 laps and tread water for 2 minutes)
Skills To Row (Level 2)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day on the rowing machines at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Fee for the program: $30
(To test out of Level 2, a student must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim 4 laps and tread water for 3.5 minutes)
Ready To Row (Level 3)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Fee for the program: $35
All programming will follow CDC COVID19 guidance.
Schedule
The next set of classes for Swim to Row will start in February 2024.
More information about the next classes will be posted here in October 2023.
For more information about the Swim To Row Program, contact:
Princeton National Rowing Association
Kris Grudt
krisgrudt@rowpnra.org
Hamilton Area YMCA
Nicole Bizuga
nbizuga@hamiltonymca.org
Jill Makkay
jmakkay@hamiltonymca.org
Capital Area YMCA
Aneisha Felton
afelton@capitalymca.org
Mercer County Park Commission
Wanda Lacy McNeill
wmcneill@mercercounty.org
