The Charleston City Rowing Club is a nonprofit organization committed to teaching and promoting rowing through coaching adult and youth rowers.

Our History

The CCRC got its start In 2007, when a group of parents and students at Charleston’s Academic Magnet High School formed the first youth rowing team, then called Raptor Youth Rowing. In 2012, other local rowing enthusiasts started the Charleston Community Rowing Club. With two thriving organizations sharing practice facilities and a love of the sport, the two clubs merged in 2014 to form today’s Charleston City Rowing Club. In 2015 it became a nonprofit organization known as the Charleston City Rowing Club, a single organization dedicated to supporting rowers of every age.

Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate community, teamwork, and personal growth, especially among Charleston’s youth. We are committed to making rowing accessible and inclusive, building bridges between generations of athletes, and developing not just skilled rowers, but confident, resilient individuals who carry the values of our sport into their daily lives. The club includes rowers of all skill levels and ages: Masters (age 24+), Juniors (14-18), and Gig Boat rowers (all ages) from across the Charleston area. Our boats are located in the heart of historic Downtown Charleston, Brittlebank Park, and we row up and down the beautiful Ashley River. Through dedication to technique, sportsmanship, and mutual support, Charleston City Rowing Club strives to be a cornerstone of our community—where every stroke strengthens our athletes, the Charleston community and commitment to excellence.

Benefits of Rowing

Rowing is a team sport that provides physical and mental benefits, is a low-impact, total body workout with both aerobic and strength components. Rowing offers a powerful, low-impact, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular fitness, strength (legs, core, back, arms), and endurance while improving posture, mental well-being, and bone density. Rowing as a team on the water also fosters social interactions, reduces stress and improves mood.

“We are a friendly and welcoming group of rowing enthusiasts who love rowing in beautiful downtown Charleston! Whether you have rowed before in high school or college, or if you have always wanted to learn to row, there is a place for you in our club!”

~ Pam Dickson, Masters & Gig Rower, and Former CRCC President

Our Board of Directors

  • Tim Shields, President

  • Howard Hagan, Secretary

  • Janice Hermann, Treasurer

  • Rob Dunlap, Gig Coordinator

  • Nina Glynn, Masters Program Coordinator