What type of club is Gloucester Gig Rowers?
Gloucester Gig Rowers is a program of Maritime Gloucester; we are not an independent organization. We are a hands-on, working club currently 190 members strong. We are an all-volunteer club and rely on our members to volunteer for tasks like boat maintenance, organizing our new rower program, coordinating social events etc.
We work hard to foster a sense of community and the expectation is that members will contribute to the betterment of the whole. Please join our waitlist knowing that you will be expected to do more than just drop by and row.
Can anyone join Gloucester Gig Rowers?
Yes! We are a club for all. That is what makes our club so fun. We have all types of rows from casual recreational rows to those for people who want to race competitively against other gig clubs in New England.
I have no previous rowing experience. Can I join?
Yes! We have a robust Novice Rowing program. Every new member must participate in this program their first spring. Those with previous rowing experience may graduate out of the novice program quickly, and those who have never rowed might take a bit longer. We have an experienced team well equipped to teach you, and we love introducing new people to the sport. A majority of our members have never rowed before joining.
What do I have to do to join?
- Make sure our club sounds like a good fit for you
- Fill out the waitlist form
- Maintain a Maritime Gloucester Membership
How long will it take me to get off the waitlist?
It varies year to year, but typically it takes 2-3 years to get to the top of the waitlist.
Are there any chances for me to row while I am on the waitlist?
Yes, as you move up closer to the top of the waitlist, you’ll be invited to a waitlist row (typically in mid to late summer). This will be an introduction to the club, the boats and equipment, and a chance to get out in the harbor and try rowing to make sure it is something you want to do.
When do you take people off the waitlist?
By early March we know how many spaces we will have for new rowers and we start contacting those at the top of the waitlist around this time.
What happens when I reach the top of the waitlist?
When you reach the top of the waitlist you will be invited to join the organization and take part in our novice rowing program. Novice rows run from April through the end of June. You should only join if your schedule allows you to row a few times a week during that window. We have novice rows that fit all schedules – before work, mid-day, after work and on the weekends. We have a graduation checklist that spells out the concrete skills you need to demonstrate before you are ready to graduate out of the novice program. It varies from person to person, but on average it takes 10 or so novice rows before folks are ready to graduate.
Once you graduate you can sign up for rows on your own, and there is no required amount of rowing. You can row as much or as little as you’d like.
What is the cost to join Gloucester Gig Rowers?
Presently the annual dues are $250. As mentioned above, we are a club for all. If that financial commitment proves challenging, financial assistance is available.
Is there anything I can do to get more involved while I am on the waitlist?
Yes. We’d love to get you more involved with Maritime Gloucester and the Gloucester Gig Rowers. We’ll invite you to our Harbor Race and to a wide range of events and volunteer opportunities with Maritime Gloucester.
