EST. 2014

RACHEL FREEDMAN, FOUNDER

When you’re a 5’2″ lightweight, coaches don’t jump at the chance to put an oar in your hand. But I fought the system and rowed in competitive masters programs for 8 years before sustaining a season-ending injury. Out of the boat, off the water, and tired of feeling like the low woman on the totem pole, I was ready to check out of rowing all together…

Then a friend persuaded me to get back on the water … in the coxswain seat. I made sure to tell everyone that I was rower – who just happened to be coxing. I racked up experience calling sprint and head races – including trips down the Charles, trips to US Masters Nationals, and international experience at the 2013 Outgames in Antwerp.

With some chuztpah and motivation, I started coaching novices, cobbling together a training plan for that first season. I was stoked at the end of that first year when two of my novice guys won seat races for spots in a masters eight for Head of the Charles.

Since then, I’ve completed US Rowing Level I and II coaching certifications, coached high school crews, coached and developed long-term training plans for masters novice, club, and competitive programs, as well as winter training programs, and led online erg workouts.

In 2014, I founded RowSource.com as a resource for masters rowers. A year later I combined my professional skills as a graphic designer with my love for rowing, and began designing and selling rowing t-shirts. In 2020, I established the Alliance of Women Rowing Coaches and co-Founded Steady State Network with Tara Morgan (Seize the Oar). I’ve hosted and moderated the panel Q&A: College Rowing & Coxing 101 Erg Sprints since 2019.

Over the past 22 years – since the day I started a Learn to Row class at age 23 – I’ve come to understand rowing from the perspective of a masters club rower. I didn’t come up through a collegiate program. I can’t claim experience with highly-acclaimed programs in Boston, Philly, California, or Washington state. I don’t hold degrees in exercise science or sports psychology.

What I do offer, is a passion for overall health and fitness, developing athletic talent, supporting personal and team goals, and having fun on the water while we do it.

There’s always more to learn. Take the journey with me!