Introduction
The purpose of the Adaptive Rowing Initiative (ARI) is to provide information and assistance to organizations that want to start an adaptive rowing program. By serving as a resource and facilitating partnerships, ARI’s goal is to make it easier and faster for rowing clubs, colleges and universities, rehabilitation facilities, and others to establish programs that enable disabled members of their communities to enjoy the benefits of adaptive rowing. This effort is consistent with USRowing’s mission to increase both participation and diversity in the sport.
 The inclusion of adaptive rowing as an official Paralympic sport in 2008 demonstrated the advantages of rowing to a worldwide audience and served as a powerful stimulus for the sport’s growth.
In partnership with USRowing, WinTech Racing is committed to using the experience its staff has gained in the design and construction of adaptive equipment, development of adaptive rowing programs, adaptive clinic/regatta organization, adaptive regatta equipment/service management (including the 2008 Paralympics), and FISA Adaptive Technical Classification to increase the number of adaptive rowing programs in the United States. |
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Why adaptive rowing?
- Rowing is a sport that accommodates an extremely wide range of disabilities with beneficial effects. The buoyancy of water helps overcome limitations that may seem insurmountable on land.
- Rowing develops both mental and physical skills and the potential for lifetime fitness.
- Adaptive athletes can row at any level - for recreation, for competition, and for rehabilitation therapy.
- Adaptive equipment has multiple uses, an important factor in budget planning. The same basic equipment – shells and stabilizing pontoons – can be used for training, recreational rowing and Learn to Row programs.
- Rowing provides an opportunity for the integration of adaptive athletes within their local rowing communities.
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WinTech Racing Adaptive
The FISA approved basic equipment for adaptive rowing – shells and stabilizing  pontoons – were designed by WinTech’s renowned hull designer Klaus Filter to meet FISA specifications. WinTech Racing’s manufacturing partner, WinTech Racing Hangzhou Ltd. supplied all the adaptive boats used in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Learn more about our adaptive equipment.
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Resources/Links
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WinTech Racing Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive List Serve
US Rowing Adaptive
FISA World Rowing
Rowing Canada
US Paralympic Team
C2 Indoor Adaptive |
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Photo Gallery
Learn more about starting an adaptive program. An information exchange will help us assess your needs. We can provide:
Location assessment
- Meet with key staff for on site accessibility evaluation.
- Review parking, bathroom/shower facilities, elevators, storage equipment, sight impaired guides, docks/ramps, launching, adaptive and transfer equipment, etc.
Program Design
- On site or regional training sessions for indoor/outdoor rowing. Indoor rowing uses ergometers and fixed seats to increase fitness and prepare athletes for rowing on the water.
- Training covers techniques, equipment, adaptations and progression to on-water rowing.
- On-the-water program development determining program schedule, content, and budget, recruiting athletes, evaluation, coaching and volunteer requirement and training, safety and equipment criteria, etc.
Program Installment
- 1 or 2-day workshop to educate and train staff.
Deb Arenberg, Director
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| USRowing / WinTech Racing Partnership |
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(207) 384-2200 |
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(203) 868-5790 |
| Email |
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darenberg@wintechracing.com |
Deb is a certified US Sculling Coach and an experienced open water and competitive rower. Debbie joined WinTech Racing in 2005 to lead the recreational and adaptive division.
She serves as the adaptive liaison between WinTech Racing’s R&D team and the adaptive rowing community, helping to develop the boats and equipment that meet the needs of adaptive rowers. She has conducted adaptive rowing clinics and assisted with the launch of adaptive rowing programs. In 2006, she became a US Technical Classifier for Adaptive Rowers.
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