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 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, and offering design services specifically for rowing clubs, organizations, and regattas. I’ve hosted and moderated the panel discussion Q&A: College Rowing & Coxing 101 at Erg Sprints since 2019. In 2020, I established the Alliance of Women Rowing Coaches and co-Founded Steady State Network and Steady State Podcast.

Since the day I started a Learn to Row class in 2001 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 tout experience with highly-acclaimed programs in Boston, Philly, California, or Washington state.

What I have learned, is to think outside the box. Into my own training and racing I’ve incorporated everything from sprint and head racing, to half-marathon erg and flat water races, to coastal rowing endurance racing.

To my own work and client projects, I bring a passion for rowing, supporting personal and team goals, and having fun on the water while we do it.

Take the journey with me!