Who for: Those who actively intend to improve their rowing skills and fitness levels to be confident that they can meet the Masters fitness standards and/or technical skill levels. These would include not only those SRL rowers and those who in their past were high school or collegiate rowers looking to move up to Masters gradually, but also those who signed up for Masters initially but were unable to meet the fitness standards and/or were deemed by the Masters head coach(es) to be in need of some further seasoning before joining the Masters squads.  Those on this squad would have to commit at a minimum to 90% of the coached practices , performing at least 90% of the on-land training program as well as attending at least 1 regatta.

Requirements for Participation: At least two (2) years of prior rowing experience within the last 5 years, and meeting minimal fitness standards (75% of the fitness standards required of Masters Program participants). These standards may be waived/altered at the discretion of the Reserve Masters Coach.

What is offered: Coached rowing 2 times/week with a heavy on-water emphasis on improving technical rowing skills consistent with that being taught by the Master's coach(es), coupled with a land-based fitness training program. Coordination between the Reserve Masters coach and the Masters head coach(es), on matters of rowing technique and style would be a must.

Fiscal Requirements: at the time the budget for 2025 is set, a mechanism for adjusting dues for those who either move up to Masters or get sent down to Reserve-Masters during the season would have to be created. We have worked with pro-rata dues systems based on weeks in each program in the past, and this might work here.

Opportunities to test newly acquired skills: Ordinarily 2 or 3 regattas not too far from Cleveland (Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Central Ohio) each summer offer "recreational" level races. These would be opportunities (as well as those races the Masters attend for which Reserve-Masters member was "called up") to test their skills.

Practice: Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Saturday morning

All rowers are required to register with USRowing and complete their SafeSport training before heading out on the water. Please note that, as many of our coxswains are under 18, every crew is expected to exceed five interactions with minors. Therefore, it is mandatory for everyone to complete the SafeSport course. The initial training takes approximately 90 minutes, with annual refresher sessions lasting 30 minutes thereafter.

*******************2025 Reserve Masters Fitness Standards******************************