WeCanRow—Madison offers female cancer survivors an outdoor rowing program from April through October at the Brittingham Boathouse and indoor fitness training from January through March in the Hilldale Mall basement.  Like other WeCanRow programs, Camp Randall Rowing Club partners with the local medical community and local cancer survivor support groups to provide rowing programs that include physical exercise, group support and team-building experiences for women transitioning from cancer patient to survivor.  For additional information, direct inquiries to  wecanrowmadison@gmail.com.

WeCanRow rowing sessions are held twice a week.  For the 2013 season, they will be held Thursdays, 5:45-7:45 pm, and Sundays, 8-10 am,  at the Brittingham Boathouse on Monona Bay, 601 N. Shore Drive in Madison. These sessions include land training, flexibility and strength workouts as well as on-the-water training and practices, including both sculling and sweep rowing lessons. You may attend practice for 2 weeks prior to making a commitment to sign up.

WeCanRow indoor fitness winter workouts are held two evenings per week.  For the 2013 season, they are held Mondays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm in the basement of Hilldale Mall. These sessions focus on flexibility and strength training. The winter workouts are free to women cancer survivors.

2013 Session Dates:

• Winter Workouts     January 5 - April 25
• Spring Session         April 28 – July 25
• Summer Session     July 28 - October 24 (includes Tail of the Fox regatta)

Program Fees:  

• Spring session/Winter workouts    one practice/week $125
• Spring session/Winter workouts    two practices/week  $250
• Summer session/Winter workouts    one practice/week  $125
• Summer session/Winter workouts   two practices/week $250
• Annual (Spring and Summer sessions/Winter workouts)  $400

Financial assistance is available.  Download forms here.

Important!! To be considered fully registered, a participant must:

• Complete the online registration,     Questions?
• Pay the appropriate fees,
• Sign the electronic USRowing Waiver form,    How do I do this?
• Have the  Medical Release and Swim Test forms completed and bring to the first practice.

Register Now!

FAQ

Where can I complete a swim fitness test?
Each participant in WeCanRow must complete a swim fitness test.  This can be accomplished at the YMCA of Dane County’s Westside facility or a participant’s own fitness club. Contact either Nicole Karasek, Aquatic Director (nicole.karasek@ymcadanecounty.org or 608-276-6616 ext. 4023), or Liz Mitchell, Assistant Aquatic Director (liz.mitchell@ymcadanecounty.org or 608-276-6616 ext. 4021), for details and to set up a time. There is no fee charged for the swim fitness test.

Where can I park? There are small parking lots next to Brittingham Boathouse and the Brittingham Bathouse. Additionally, a bicycle path passes by the boathouse and there are bicycle racks available for your use.  Street parking is available on Bedford across the street from the boathouse.

I’ve never been athletic, and I’ve heard rowing is really hard. Is the WeCanRow program only for competitive athletes?
WCR is designed for women cancer survivors, regardless of physical conditioning. We begin very slowly to make certain that everyone is able to participate fully. In fact, many WCR participants have never taken part in any type of organized athletic activity before starting to row as adults. Practices focus on basic rowing skills, rowing terms and teamwork, with an emphasis on learning to row as a crew. Participants develop knowledge about rowing and build confidence in their abilities. As a result, many participants form strong friendships from the shared experience. Rowing is great fun!

How can I learn more about We Can Row?
In April and July (specific dates and times TBA), Camp Randall Rowing Club hosts kickoff events for the WCR program at the Brittingham Boathouse.  These events are great opportunities to meet the coaches and other women who are already in the program or considering joining.  Enjoy some refreshements and tour the historic Brittingham Boathouse.  You’ll even have the opportunity to get out on the water!

What can I expect at the first few practices?

• Meet with the coaching staff and discuss with them any physical limitations they should be aware of.
• Learn the nomenclature of rowing and how to safely move equipment from boathouse to water and back.
• Participate in land training with stability balls, lightweight medicine balls, resistance bands, and on ergs (rowing machines).
• Row in the training barge, and later in rowing shells, with experienced rowers and other new WCR members.
• Participate in warm-ups, stretching, and general strength conditioning. Coaches will monitor your efforts and progress.
• Have the time of your life! Although challenging, rowing is fun! So relax and enjoy the beautiful lake and the company of the other women.

Is financial aid available?
Most health insurance policies provide wellness incentive reimbursements and WCR qualifies for this benefit. Contact your health insurance carrier for specific details.  CRRC also offers need-based scholarships to WCR participants.  Download forms here.

What should I bring to We Can Row?
Athletic gear is all that is required, so long as it’s not baggy. Baggy clothing can get caught in the movable seats of both rowing shells and the ergs. T-shirts or tank tops and shorts, especially biking style shorts, work well. Add layers in cooler weather. Wear gym shoes with socks, not sandals. A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Bring a water bottle.

As a result of my cancer therapy, my lymph nodes were removed. I’m concerned that rowing could cause lymphedema. Are you aware of any medical research about the incidence of lymphedema associated with rowing?
You need to speak with your doctor about your individual situation. We are happy to report that Dr. Carolyn  Kaelin, a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, is studying female cancer survivors who row. A report from Dr. Kaelin’s medical practice concludes, “…Yet even though rowing is a rigorous, repetitious, and demanding arm exercise, none of the rowers in Dr. Kaelin’s practice has lymphedema. The theory is that paced activity to build up arm strength and gradually stress the lymphatics widens the remaining channels to accommodate the increased flow of lymph fluid.” The National Lymphoma Network (NFN) reports that the majority of individuals with lymphoma can safely perform aerobic and resistive exercise using the affected parts of the body when compression garments are worn, the affected body part is not exercised to fatigue and appropriate modifications are adopted to prevent trauma and over use. The NFN also says that the majority of individuals who are at risk for lymphedema can safely perform aerobic and resistive exercises using the “at risk” part of the body when exercises are initiated at low intensity and increased gradually. In any event, if you have concerns about this issue, you should discuss them with your physician.