Mendota Rowing Club was founded in 1975 by a small group of University of Wisconsin alumni with the primary purpose of fostering national and international rowing competition by developing amateur rowers. The club has since evolved into a non-profit, multifaceted organization of nearly 200 members. It welcomes and encourages men and women of all ages and levels of experience who wish to become involved in the sport of rowing.

A nine-member Board of Directors elected by the club membership governs the club. Part time coaches work with members to develop advanced rowing techniques and an integrated physical training program. The club relies heavily on members and friends to donate their time generously to teach classes, maintain equipment, and administer the club.

MRC offers Learn to Row Classes and an Adult Novice rowing program for those new to rowing and year-round competitive and recreational programs for those who have rowing experience.  The club maintains a fleet of racing and training shells, including eights, fours, pairs, quads, doubles, and singles.  In addition to planned workouts, club activities include social events such as mini-regattas and seasonal parties.

Competitive Junior Team and High School Learn to Row Camp

The Mendota Juniors high school rowing program is a youth crew for high school student-athletes in the Madison area.  Committed to excellence both on and off the water, the MRC Juniors have enjoyed successes throughout the Midwest for the last 25 years, including winning the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, the Midwest Junior Regional Championships, the US Rowing Youth Invitational, and the Scholastic National Championships. The MRC Juniors have graduated six US National Team members, and many of our Juniors have gone on to row with major college crews. 

Mendota Rowing Club's High School Learn to Row Camp, offered in partnership with Madison School and Community Recreation, is a 7-week introduction to rowing for high school students.  No prior experience is required.  Participants will learn about teamwork and the basics of rowing, including rowing technique and training, terminology, and equipment handling and safety.  For information on our MRC/MSCR High School Learn to Row Camp, Click Here.  

Adult Learn to Row Instruction

Four-week introductory classes are offered throughout the summer. People of all ages and abilities, particularly those who have never rowed before are welcome. Instruction begins with 4 lessons of basics, then moves to 8-person training shells on Lake Mendota. No previous rowing experience is necessary to enroll in the class. Click here for registration information.

Adult Novice Program

At the conclusion of a Learn to Row class, participants may continue rowing by joining the Adult Novice Group. This group generally rows through the summer and fall seasons and is designed to expose novice rowers to the rigors of the sport and to offer a taste of competition. Members of this group must have completed the Learn to Row class.

Adult Sweep Rowing Group

Experienced adult rowers who are interested in fitness and general recreation, improving the rowing technique, or competing in regattas in the midwest and across the US may participate in the Adult Sweep Rowing Group.  The group is made up of members whose ages range from 18 through 70-something.  It includes many members who learned to row with MRC, members who came from other clubs, and members who came from high school or collegiate rowing programs.  View our year-round Practice Schedule here. 

Sculling

Experienced sweep rowers can take advantage of the sculling program.  Training is available for rowing and using the smaller sculls.  The on-water sculling season begins in mid-May and lasts through early October.

Adaptive Rowing

This program is adapted for physically challenged individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including quadriplegia and cerebral palsy. The innovative program utilizes special catamaran-style rowing shells, and coaching is provided on a one-to-one basis.

Coxswains

Cox'ns not only direct and steer racing boats powered with as many as 8 rowers, but share an exciting ride when the crew clicks together under their guidance. Coxes who can commit are eligible for free club membership.

Mendota Rowing Club offers opportunities to train and compete with a fun group of oxygen-loving people, both on the water during the racing season (May-Oct) and off the water during the winter months.