Rowing in Detroit

By the Watta Team · Updated March 2026

Detroit's rowing heritage runs along the Detroit River and onto Lake St. Clair, where clubs have been racing since the 19th century. The city's fitness renaissance includes a thriving CrossFit and functional training scene, with Concept2 ergs available across the metro area. Winter erg training is a way of life for Detroit's rowing community.

Rowing Clubs & Programs

Detroit Boat Club

One of the oldest rowing clubs in the United States, founded in 1839 and based on Belle Isle. DBC offers competitive and recreational rowing on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.

Ecorse Rowing Club

A community-focused club on the Detroit River in Ecorse, providing adult rowing programmes and learn-to-row courses in the Downriver communities.

Gyms with Concept2 Ergs

  • +CrossFit Detroit in Eastern Market -- an established affiliate with a full fleet of Concept2 ergs and rowing-centric programming.
  • +Burn Fitness Midtown -- a functional training gym with Concept2 RowErgs and group erg classes.

HYROX & Functional Fitness

Detroit is part of the HYROX Midwest circuit, with events at the TCF Center attracting athletes from Michigan and surrounding states. CrossFit Detroit, multiple F45 studios, and functional training gyms across the metro offer HYROX-specific prep classes with the 1,000m row as a central training element.

Track Your Ergs in Detroit

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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