About
Rowing has been my passion for more than 20 years. I began by taking an indoor rowing fitness class and couldn't wait to take it to the water. I fell in love with the relationship between me, the boat and the water.....and also the undeniable beauty of sunrises, sunsets and the Detroit River shoreline, Michigan and Canadian.
In 2001 I co-founded Detroit Women's Rowing Associaiton and established our club in what was a small school on the grounds of the Lawrence Fisher Mansion. The focus of the new organization was to provide a encouraging training environment with top notch coaching and equipment. This was accomplished and remains as such to this day.
I studied in both US and Canadian coaching programs for my US coaching certifications and gained additional knowledge and experience by visiting rowing organizations across the United States and Canada as well as many other countries of the world. Most of all I enjoy introducing and training women and men of all ages and skill levels the joy of rowing on the water in training or racing boats called "shells" or on land using indoor rowing machines, called ergs). I train youth and adults rowing for fitness, recreational enjoyment and highly competitive racing.
I have been a USRowing Certified coach for 16 years and have coached competitive youth and masters crews for 14 of those years. My accomplishments include four Masters National Championship gold medals, and Junior National medals in several catagories. I take great pride in providing a positive and caring learning environment and focus on technical proficiency and strength. Together with the athletes, goals are determined, met and new goals established to match their new skill proficiency.
Facebook: Detroit Women's Rowing Association
Website: www.dwra.org
Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/renee-i-adams-97684415
Highlights
Reviews
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Roseann k.
Mary M.
Roseann k.
Marisa M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Those new to rowing are introduced to an indoor rowing machine (ergometer) commonly referred to as erg or ergo.
Initial lessons on the erg give the athlete basic information and "feel" of the rowing cycle which will transfer to time in the boat. It's important to learn proper technique from the start in order. At this time rowers will learn rowing terms and commands used on land and on the water.
Erging is followed by an introduction to the different types of boats and oars and identifying the parts and purpose of rowing equipment. After a discussion of balance and safety the rower will carry a boat to the water and take first strokes with the coaches careful instruction and observation.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have worked with the US and Canadian training methods for 15 years. I currently hold a Level III USRowing Coaching certification. Additionally, my students benefit from my experience with coaches and crews throughout the United States and other countries including Canada, New Zealand, France and Belgium.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
2017 pricing for private and semi-private lessons are as follows:
LESSONS Private, semi-private and group Coaches: Coach Costas Ciungan Coach Renee Adams
April - November Directed by weather.
Fees
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1 hour - $65
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1.5 hours - $90
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2 hours - $120
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Five 90-minute sessions - $375
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Five semi-private (2 people) 90-minute sessions - $400
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Five semi-private (4 people) 90-minute sessions - $500
How did you get started teaching?
I became intensley interested in coaching after experiencing the pain of "un-learning" bad habits due to poor beginner instruction. Whether a student is interested in only indoor rowing, recreational or competitive racing each one begins the same with...with very specific instruction aimed at proper technique while protecting the body from any injury.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have been as young as 9 and as old as 80. Rowing is a sport for life!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This season (sprint) I was able to successfuly coach junior and adult athletes at local, national and international events such as US Club Nationals, Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and US Masters National Championships. Athletes under my direction and other coaches in our club excelled in their races. The gold medal count continues to climb. One master rower is a three time National Champion and multiple gold medalst at Royal Canadian Henlely.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise students seeking training for sculling and rowing that they find a coach willing to take the time for proper technical instruction and explanation of all aspects of the rowing cycle and its relationship to the boat and outside natural forces. Most of all someone who can encourage the athlete to enjoy the process of learning and experiencing the challenge and the joy to be found in connecting with nature.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should consider what their expectations are in rowing and where they would like to go with rowing skills. For some it's simply the experience of being one with nature, some for fitness and for others it's all about the competition.