YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI (June 23, 2025) — As part of RowFest 2025, the national rowing championships taking place this July at Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti Township, the public is invited to two free “Learn to Row” sessions – one for youth and one for adults – hosted by Friends of Detroit Rowing, USRowing, and the Ann Arbor Sports Commission.

· Youth Session (ages 12–18): Saturday, July 12 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. Register: https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/event/learn-to-row!-(12-18-yrs-)/19447/

· Masters Session (adults): Friday, July 18 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. Register: https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/event/learn-to-row!-(18%2b-yrs-)/19448/

· Location: 9075 S Huron River Dr, Ford Lake Park, Ypsilanti Township

· Cost: Free, with registration required (space is limited)

Participants in the Learn to Row sessions will receive personalized, hands-on instruction from experienced rowing coaches and athletes. Each session includes an introduction to rowing equipment, a comprehensive safety briefing, and on-water instruction that allows participants to experience the fundamentals of rowing firsthand. Both sessions are open to all genders and ability levels with no prior experience required. The sessions are designed to be welcoming, informative, and fun, giving both youth and adults the opportunity to try a new sport in a supportive environment.

Instruction for both Learn to Row sessions will be led by Friends of Detroit Rowing, a respected local club with deep ties to rowing education across Southeast Michigan. “Rowing is an incredible sport that opens doors, whether it’s building fitness, community, or even college opportunities,” said Mike Gentile of Friends of Detroit Rowing. “But not everyone has had the chance to try it. These Learn to Row sessions are about breaking down barriers and introducing more people, especially youth, to the sport in a fun and welcoming way.”

RowFest is part of the 2025 USRowing Summer National Championships, drawing thousands of athletes and thousands of spectators to the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. The Learn to Row sessions offer a hands-on way for the public to connect with the sport during a major national event. RowFest 2025 is free and open to the public, with races, recreational opportunities, and food vendors throughout the week.

“USRowing is thrilled to bring RowFest to the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area. The event aims to bring all ages of rowers and the community together with a variety of racing opportunities and community events. From a college fair for rising high school seniors to learn-to-row events for all ages to just great racing, we know that RowFest is a premier rowing event that emphasizes the increased accessibility and the wide age spread of our sport. We can’t wait to welcome curious community members to give it a try or to simply cheer on and watch what will be nine days of terrific racing,” said Jules Zane, Director of Experience & Partnership Marketing, USRowing.

The sessions take place on Michigan’s largest rowing course – a new, Olympic-level, 2,000-meter venue on Ford Lake. Recent upgrades to the course include eight racing lanes, a starting dock, anchors, buoys, floating platforms, and submersible infrastructure. Designed by Tim Royalty, the same engineer behind the 1984 and 1996 Olympic rowing courses, these enhancements make Ford Lake one of just 13 championship-level rowing venues in the U.S. This elevates the venue’s status as a championship-capable site for regional, national, and international events.

“We’re excited to partner with USRowing during RowFest to expose the local community to rowing – both by watching and learning to row,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “We hope to see you there!”

MEDIA INVITE

Media are invited to attend and cover both Learn to Row sessions. Cameras are welcome on-site, and spokespeople will be available for interviews. Please RSVP to Chad Wiebesick at cwiebesick@annarbor.org. Registration links and further event details are available at https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/calendar/rowfest/.

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