Lake Washington Rowing Club

Lake Washington Rowing Club‘s primary purpose is to further the sport of rowing in the greater Seattle area. The scope of our activities extends from the training of people who have never rowed before to the training and development of Olympic-caliber rowers. The club has programs for recreational and competitive rowing for adults of all ages.

LWRC distinguishes itself from other rowing programs in the area, primarily through an emphasis on mastery of boat-handling skills as well as rowing technique. We value sculling as the principal path to excellence in all types of rowing. The individualized attention available from our coaches as well as the collective depth of experience of our membership will allow you to progress to whatever degree of proficiency you are capable. We also emphasize fellowship and working together toward common goals within the club.

LWRC is a not-for-profit organization, and all members are expected to participate in club work parties, meetings, and equipment maintenance. As a club member, access to the boathouse and use of club equipment is very flexible.

We offer everything from introductory classes for all, members or not, to programs specifically designed for members. Or maybe you are just looking for space to rent for a special party? Check out the links to the left to see what LWRC has to offer for you!

Short History

The Lake Washington Rowing Club has been a part of  Seattle since 1957.  LWRC was started by men who wanted to compete at the 1960 Olympics, in Rome.  A team, representing LWRC,  rowed  in the 1960 Olympic Trials and some went on to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games that year.  15 years ago dedicated members built a beautiful boathouse, to rival many, on the shores of Lake Union, in the Fremont neighborhood.

Today, our non-profit club is  a place for men and women who love the sport of rowing.   We specialize and excel in masters rowing. Our boathouse is home to post graduate rowers, national champions, mom’s and the newly initiated. We hope to pass on a strong tradition of technical skill and racing acumen, following the examples of our experienced coaches and long time members.   We also strive to build community and support those who have yet to come through our door. LWRC welcomes everyone at any level.

History of LWRC

LWRC was founded in 1957 by a small group of athletes training for international competition. Coached by Stan Pocock they established a tradition of excellence for LWRC by winning gold medals in the 1960 and 1964 Olympic games and the 1959 and 1963 Pan American Games.

Women joined the Club in 1963, and in 1966 a group of nine LWRC women hosted and won the first National Women’s Rowing Association (NWRA) Championships. In 1969 the LWRC women again won the NWRA Championships, and became the first USA women’s crew to travel to Europe to compete in the World Championships.

Recreational and masters rowers and scullers since the 1970′s have swelled the membership of LWRC, bringing with them a wide variety of organizational and professional skills as well as a considerable measure of stability and support.

Until 1975, LWRC operated from rowing facilities located on the University of Washington campus. In 1975 LWRC purchased a floating slip that was previously used for yacht building. After four months of labor by dedicated club members the slip was transformed into the LWRC floating boathouse. This boathouse could only house a few fours, doubles, and singles, and was always considered a temporary home. Even with minimal facilities, LWRC membership grew rapidly to more than 200 people.

In 1987, LWRC leased an unimproved warehouse in the Fremont area of Seattle. Members again pitched in, converting an empty warehouse into a boathouse, and constructing a dock suitable for launching racing shells.

In 1995 LWRC realized a longstanding goal with the dedication of a beautiful boathouse on the north shore of Lake Union. This is also one of the largest boathouses in the Puget Sound Area. The Club continues to maintain the floating boathouse on Garfield Street that was used as a temporary home.

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