Asheville Rowing Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt athletic and social organization dedicated to promoting health, fitness and fun through the sport of rowing for Masters.
The club was founded in the summer of 2001 by a small group of former rowers and outdoor enthusiasts. Dion Sweat led the effort to form the club and served as its first president. The club started with only one 4-man rowing shell and no dock or shelter. Today our boathouse is packed with rowing shells available to all our members and the club has grown to over 120 rowers. Many are national and international champions, while others row purely for fun and fitness.
Our rowing emphasis is on sculling (2 oars), and our Learn to Row is based upon sculling, primarily using quads. We do also sweep (one big oar) with the best of them.
Our club is based around Quads (4x), followed by Doubles (2x), Singles (1x), and novice singles. We also have competitive Mens 8+s, Womens 8+s, and mens and womens 4+s (we are the reigning SE mens 4+ champs).
Our Boathouse is stocked with shells available to all members.
A major step in our development was the construction of a boathouse on Lake Julian in southern Buncombe county. Built in 2005, the structure was made possible through donations and volunteer labor from individuals, organizations and businesses in the community.
Today, Asheville Rowing Club is rapidly growing and serves a diverse group of people from Buncombe and surrounding counties. The club is an organizational member of USRowing, the governing body for rowing in the United States.
Asheville Rowing Club has approximately 50 very dedicated, competitive racers who medal frequently at regional and national regattas. Our club was proud to win the Southeast Regional Championship in 2017. We typically race in 5-8 sprint races (1000 or 2000 meters) in spring and summer and 4-5 head races (5000m) in the fall.
