Rowing in Boston

By the Watta Team · Updated March 2026

Boston is arguably the rowing capital of the United States. The Charles River is lined with boathouses belonging to some of the most prestigious rowing programmes in the world, and the Head of the Charles Regatta draws thousands of athletes each October. The city's college rowing tradition -- Harvard, MIT, BU, and Northeastern all field elite crews -- creates a deep culture of erg fitness that spills over into local gyms and CrossFit boxes year-round.

Rowing Clubs & Programs

Community Rowing Inc.

The largest community rowing organisation in the US, based in Brighton on the Charles River. CRI offers learn-to-row, competitive, and adaptive rowing programmes for all ages.

Riverside Boat Club

A historic rowing club on the Charles River, founded in 1869, with active competitive and masters programmes. Known for its strong presence at the Head of the Charles.

Cambridge Boat Club

Located on the Cambridge side of the Charles, this club fields competitive and social crews and hosts a vibrant masters rowing community.

Gyms with Concept2 Ergs

  • +MIT Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center -- features a large erg room with Concept2 machines, used by both varsity athletes and the campus community.
  • +CrossFit Southie in South Boston -- a staple CrossFit gym with a full lineup of Concept2 ergs and frequent rowing-focused WODs.

HYROX & Functional Fitness

Boston's endurance and functional fitness community is well-suited for HYROX training. Gyms like CrossFit Southie, November Project (a free outdoor fitness group born in Boston), and various boutique studios offer programming that includes erg rowing, sled pushes, and the other HYROX stations. The city's annual HYROX event draws strong local participation.

Track Your Ergs in Boston

Whether you row at a club, a CrossFit box, or your home gym in Boston, Watta tracks every session. Snap your PM5 screen, get your Effort Score, and see how you compare on the leaderboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Rowing in New YorkRowing in PhiladelphiaRowing in Washington, D.C.2K Rowing Test GuideConcept2 2K Training PlanFor College Rowers
Available Now

Every erg counts.

Download Watta and start tracking your workouts today.

Download on the App Store