Western Reserve Rowing
Freedom Rows
VETERANS ROWING
Veterans/Military Rowing League
For New and Experienced rowers.
In conjunction with Summer Rowing League (SRL), this 13-week program teaches the basics of sweep rowing in a coed team setting for those interested in a fun and challenging training program with the goal of competing at appropriate levels as skills progress. Participants start by learning the basics of the rowing stroke and join experienced military and veteran rowers as confidence and capabilities improve.
The program is designed for rowers of all abilities and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans, to row together as a team in an eight-person shell. Teams prepare for racing in a mid-season and end-of-season regatta on the Cuyahoga River.
- A military discount would apply to eligible Military/Veterans who register for Veterans/Military programs
- Military Program Eligible: Active Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reservists, Veterans/Service-disabled Veterans, Gold Star adult family members.
Program Info & Dates
Participants row once weekly on Friday nights with a dedicated team of veterans
1. Program days and time availability are dependent on enrollment.
2. Regular practice times which fall on holidays will be rescheduled through the WRRA Program Director at the convenience of the coach and crew. Typically makeups will beheld on Saturdays or Sundays and when equipment is available.
Novice crews: The first week will be off the water and include an in depth review of both equipment and the boathouse with a longer erg session to review technique and training.
All rescheduled practices MUST be coordinated through the WRRA Program Director
WRRA strongly encourages new rowers to participate in either a Veterans Learn to Row Day or a Learn to Row (LTR) session before signing up but not required.
Program Costs
WRRA general membership, seasonal facility assessment & 35% military discount
A copy of your Military ID, DD 214 document, or Gold Star certificate required upon registration for eligible Military/Veterans.
Note: Sales tax (8%) along with a convenience fee of $1.25 will be added to each transaction. Other registration service provider fees are included in the program cost.
A payment plan is available during registration which adds 2 additional automatic payments 30 days apart after the initial payment at registration.
For additional registration information, contact programdirector@westernreserverowing.com
All rowers are required to register with USRowing and complete their SafeSport training before heading out on the water. Please note that, as many of our coxswains are under 18, every crew is expected to exceed five interactions with minors. Therefore, it is mandatory for everyone to complete the SafeSport course. The initial training takes approximately 90 minutes, with annual refresher sessions lasting 30 minutes thereafter.
Sessions
Boats leave and return to the docks at the times specified below. Participants should arrive 15 minutes prior to practice time in order to change, prepare equipment and meet with your team.
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) locker rooms and showers are available to all registered WRRA members.
*Sessions are subject to change due to coaching availability and rower enrollment.
WEEKDAY EVENINGS
Fridays
5:45 – 7:15 pm
Regatta Dates
Saturday, June 21: Mid-season SRL Regatta.
Saturday, August 9: End-of-Season SRL Regatta.
2025 Fees: $394.20
2025 Vets Summer League
Western Reserve Rowing Association (WRRA) is proud to offer Freedom Rows, a program designed specifically for Veterans and family members of Veterans in the Greater Cleveland area.
Whether you're new to rowing or have experience, Freedom Rows is a place where you can challenge yourself physically, build confidence, and be part of a supportive team. Through recreational and competitive rowing, Veterans across the country—just like you—are discovering the many benefits of being on the water: improved mental and physical well-being, a renewed sense of purpose, and the strong bonds that come from training and rowing together.
Each year, over 1,000 Veterans nationwide take part in Freedom Rows. Some row for fun and fitness. Others train to compete—including at the Paralympic level. No matter your goals, there’s a seat for you in the boat.
At WRRA, we’re committed to making sure every Veteran and family member who joins us feels welcome, valued, and supported.
You served your country—now let us serve you.
Join Freedom Rows and experience the power of teamwork, connection, and the healing rhythm of the river.
Register