Mission and Programs

Mission:

Ridgewood Crew not only introduces participants to basic and advanced rowing techniques, but also instills and promotes character values including discipline, focus, teamwork and sportsmanship.  Ridgewood Crew rowers are challenged individually and as a team. There are no captains or MVPs as commonly found in other sports. Rather, the philosophy of Ridgewood Crew is to elevate each athlete to the status of captain or MVP. By doing so, we believe that a team of young leaders emerges. These leaders not only make fast boats, but also significant contributions toward their individual pursuits.

Programs:

Learn to Row: 
All novice rowers are required to complete a Learn-to-Row program prior to enrolling in Ridgewood Crew's spring Competitive Racing Program. Learn-to-Row introduces first-timers to the equipment, procedures and basic techniques. Learn-to-row programs are offered through the Nereid Boat Club (Rutherford, NJ) and the Passaic River Rowing Association (Lyndhurst, NJ) at various times during the month of June, the summer and fall.  Contact those rowing clubs for more details and to enroll. 

Swim Test:
Passing the swim test is a pre-requisite for the any Learn-to-Row and/or competitive racing program including Ridgewood Crew.  The swim test has three parts: a 50 meter (2 laps) swim in a swimsuit, 25 meter swim in sweatshirt and sweatpants, and treading water for 5 minutes in sweatshirt and sweatpants. Swim tests are administered at the Ridgewood YMCA.  Rowers should bring swimsuit, sweatshirt/pants, towel, change of clothing, the RC Swim Test Certification Form and $15 to cover the cost of the test and be at Grannon Pool 15 minutes prior to the beginning of their test. Please contact Janet Oliver, Aquatics Director at the YMCA (201-444-5600 x304 or joliver@ridgewoodymca.org ) to schedule an appointment for a swim test. Swim Test Certification Form

Competitive Racing Program:
The spring Competitive Racing Program is the team’s main season. Running from late February through late May, the rigorous spring Program requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Participants compete against top rowing programs from across America on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River, Camden’s Cooper River and Mercer Lake as well as the Passaic River and other locations throughout the Northeast.