Swim to Row

The Swim To Row Program was created by the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) in collaboration with the Mercer County Park Commission, and the Hamilton and Capital Area YMCAs. Swim To Row is offered to Mercer County residents ages 11-15 who wish to learn more about the sport of rowing and all it has to offer. The Program introduces youth from underrepresented communities to the sport of rowing.

We use the YMCA’s “ Safety Around Water” curriculum to enhance the participants’ comfort level around the water. All participants are required to pass a swim test at the end of each level. Life vests (PFDs) are available for athletes who desire to wear them or who have not passed the swim test.

Swimming is taught by a Hamilton YMCA certified swim instructor. Rowing is taught by a PNRA instructor.

Program Overview

Swim To Row (Level 1)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 2 days of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day on the rowing machines at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Fee for the program: $25

(To test out of Level 1, a student must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim 2 laps and tread water for 2 minutes)

Skills To Row (Level 2)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day on the rowing machines at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center

Fee for the program: $30

(To test out of Level 2, a student must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim 4 laps and tread water for 3.5 minutes)

Ready To Row (Level 3)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Weeks 1-4: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Weeks 4-8: will consist of 1 day of swimming at the Hamilton YMCA and 1 day of rowing (weather and numbers permitting) at the Caspersen Rowing Center
Fee for the program: $35

All programming will follow CDC COVID19 guidance.

Schedule

Applications are being accepted for the current class of the Swim To Row Level 1 class.
March 9 – April 29, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm
Applications should be emailed to Nicole Bizuga (nbizuga@hamiltonymca.org) or mailed/dropped off Hamilton Area YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse -Mercerville Road, Hamilton NJ 08619
Transportation available from the Capital Area YMCA to the Hamilton YMCA.

Links to Application: English Spanish
Financial verification form (required)
Application deadline: February 15, 2021