Capital Crew Masters adult rowing team, for ages 27 and above, is a multi-level competitive and recreational adult rowing team offering coached sessions. Photo courtesy of Capital Crew Masters Program

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Did you row on a crew “way back when” in high school or college? Do you still enjoy rowing but do not know how to get back into it? A local rowing team is seeking new members to join them on the waterways and to build community.

Lake Natoma Rowing Association’s Capital Crew Masters Program is an inclusive, multi-level competitive and recreational adult rowing team offering coached sessions.

Joining the program gives members affiliate access to rowing equipment appropriate for a variety of fitness levels. A skill assessment and swim test will be required on water rowing.

Here are participants from the Crew Master’s Program February 2024 Learn to Row event. Photo courtesy of Capital Crew Masters Program

The program is calling out to those who used to row competitively in high school or college and would like to get back into the sport, according to Susan Hooten, a Capital Crew Masters Program rower and board member.

Rowers of all experience levels are welcome to join as well.

“Our members range from ages 27 to 80 years old and chose their level of commitment, from casual to international level. The practice schedule is nothing like your college days,” said Hooten.

Those interested in participating can select sessions to attend based on experience and comfort level. The team has separate groups that range in difficulty, offering different options for people to pick their preferred pace.

Capital Crew Masters Program members participate in a morning rowing session in the fog. Photo courtesy of Capital Crew Masters Program

Experienced rowers can train and compete for local and international events. The upcoming competition that the team is currently training for is the Masters Regional Championship in June.

On Sundays, the program hosts a leisure rowing session for members who “just want to socialize and have fun.”

Hooten emphasized that those who rowed before are encouraged to come back to row.

The adult rowing team consists of men and women members (ages 27 and up) who row together from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 7:15 to 9:15 a.m. Saturdays. Members meet at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, 1901 Hazel Ave, Gold River, located by Lake Natoma. View the full 2025 master’s schedule at sacstateaquaticcenter.com/capital-masters.

Pictured are four members from the Lake Natoma Rowing Association’s adult rowing team competing at the Head of the American Regatta in October 2023. They competed in the women’s quad event for master’s levels. Photo courtesy of Capital Crew Masters Program

Capital Crew Masters Program members come from across the Sacramento region to row on Lake Natoma. The adult rowing team includes residents from nearby communities such as Gold River, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and Orangevale. Others travel from East and South Sacramento, Folsom, Woodland, El Dorado Hills and Placerville. 

Curious about joining the team? Contact coach Jackie Synder, the Capital Crew Masters Program president, at 719-330-1783. For more information, visit.lakenatomarowing.org.

Community members who have never rowed but want to learn can contact the Sacramento State Aquatic Center about rowing classes at 916-278-2842.