Welcome to the Survivor Rowing Network
A Rowing Cares Program
Survivor Rowing Network was launched in 2023 with a simple goal: provide opportunities for cancer patients and survivors to find strength, joy, confidence and community through rowing.
Rowing is the ultimate team sport - when we are in sync we are at our best. Being part of a rowing team can provide significant mental and physical health benefits through its combination of rigorous exercise, strong team camaraderie, and the calming effect of being outdoors on the water, which can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Through our global network of Survivor programs, we offer a one-stop-shop to join a rowing community during or after your cancer battle, either by finding a program or joining as an individual. We build community by participating in Survivor Rows at regattas across the U.S., share best practices, resources, stories and importantly help new teams form without “re-creating the wheel”.
We lift each other up.
Word is getting out - Cancer Survivors are finding one another and finding the water.
SRN launched one year ago with 15 programs in the U.S. and has grown to 27 rowing programs around the world, with six more programs waiting to join.
Grit. Grace. Gratitude
What we do, how we do it, appreciation for it all
On October 19, we are making history at the world's largest, most prestigious and most grueling regatta - the Head Of The Charles Regatta - with 99 survivors competing in the inaugural HOCR Survivor Row (Meet the teams and athletes on our Head of the Charles 2024 page). 10s of thousands of spectators will line the river cheering on the 9 US boats and boats from France and Italy. Many news outlets have featured them on their local news. This event will shine the spotlight even brighter on Survivor Rowing.
For anyone battling cancer, you are not alone. There is a community of hundreds and hundreds of survivors around the world who can't wait to welcome you. For all - women and men, please get your regular screenings and take care of yourselves.
Most of our rowers were introduced to rowing after their cancer diagnosis.
”Never having rowed I was completely unprepared for how life changing being part of this sport would be.”
“Breast cancer led me to rowing - I was hooked on the very first day”
“The friendship & camaraderie combined with the intensity of learning this new sport, growing stronger and healthier together is unmatched!”
”It took me a number of years to get the courage to try. It was the best thing I ever did.“
We invite interest, involvement and support.
"When people are learning to row, the cancer sits outside the boat for that period of time, and it’s replaced by something new. Once they’re on the water, they’re blown away by the sum of their strength.”
- Holly Metcalf, founder of Survivor Rowing, MIT Women’s Head Coach and 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist
