WeCanRow—Madison offers rowing programs from April through October at the Brittingham Boathouse and fitness training from January through March at the Hilldale Mall basement.

The WeCanRow rowing sessions are twice a week. They currently meet Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 PM at the Brittingham Boathouse, located at 401 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.
The WeCanRow winter workouts are one evening per week from 6-7:30 PM at the Hilldale Mall basement. These sessions focus on flexibility and strength training. Evening for the 2012 session has not been determined.

2011 Session Dates:
19 April to 16 June = Spring Session
21 June to 18 August = Summer Session
23 August to 20 October = Fall Session (includes Tail of the Fox Regatta)  
17 Jan 2012 to 10 April 2012 = Winter Workout
 
Cost: (Scholarships available – see FAQ below)
1. Annual WeCanRow membership – includes all sessions $400
2. WeCanRow Spring, Summer rowing & Winter Workouts $250
3. WeCanRow Summer, Fall rowing & Winter Workouts $250

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.

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FAQ

Where can I complete a swim fitness test?
Each participant in WeCanRow must complete a swim fitness test, which can be done at the YMCA of Dane County’s Westside facility. Please call or email 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), to set up a time to meet. They would like those who wish to complete a swim fitness test to set up a time so that they can assure pool space is available.

Where can I park?
There is a parking lot next to the boathouse but because the lot is small, we encourage WCR participants to carpool. Also, a bicycle path passes the boathouse and there are four bicycle racks available.

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. So don’t worry; we begin very slowly to make certain that everyone is able to fully participate. In fact, many WCR participants never took part in any athletic activities before starting to row as adults. WCR practices focus on basic rowing skills, rowing terms and teamwork, with an emphasis on learning how 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, Camp Randall Rowing Club hosts kickoff events for WCR at the Brittingham Boathouse (Specific dates and times TBA).

The WCR staff and WCR particpants will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments will be served. Please join us for a tour of the boathouse and meet the WCR staff.

What can I expect at the first practice?
If you have not already mailed the information to us, please bring all materials mentioned on the “WeCanRow Check List” At the first practice you will:

• Meet with a UW Physical Therapist to review your PT Assessment. The PT will ask about surgeries and treatment, and assess your range of motion and strength. We want to make certain that everyone will have an opportunity to fully participate with the program and the PT assessment will help the coaching staff individualize the program to meet your needs.
• Meet with the coaching staff and discuss any physical limitations they should know about based on the PT Assessment.
• Learn the nomenclature of rowing and how to safely move equipment from boathouse to water and back.
• Learn the essentials of rowing through land training with stability balls, lightweight medicine balls, resistance bands, on ergs (rowing machines) and through on-the water training on Lake Monona Bay.
• Row in the training barge with experienced rowers and other new WCR members, whom will help you and cheer you on!
• Participate in warm-ups, stretching, and general strength conditioning; coaches will monitor your efforts and check in with you regarding your progress.
• Be prepared to have the time of your life! Although challenging for first time rowers, rowing is fun! So relax and enjoy the beautiful lake and the camaraderie of the other women.

Is financial aid available?
Most health insurance policies provide wellness incentive reimbursements and WCR qualifies for this benefit. (Note: Dean Health Care is not offering reimbursement for 2011.) CRRC also offers scholarships to WCR participants on a financial need basis. See thefinancial aid page for details.

What should I bring to We Can Row?
Athletic gear is all that is required, so long as it is not too 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. Please wear gym shoes with socks, not sandals. A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Bring a water bottle. Of course, clothing needs change with the seasons.

Please note that the Brittingham Boathouse does not have a locker room or facilities to lock your valuables; therefore, participants should not bring valuables to the boathouse and should come dressed to row.

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 hear that Dr. Carolyn ‘ Kaelin, a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, is studying female cancer ‘ survivors who row. A report about Dr. Kaelin’s medical practice says, “…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 stressed 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 review them with your physician.