The season begins on or around May 15th and continues until October 15th. For novices, we stress basic technique, drills and with the help of video taping and comparison of tape of elite rowers better enable the sculler to coach themselves when rowing on their own. For more advanced scullers, interested in racing, we offer video analysis and the finer points of sculling technique. In addition, we will work help the customer with any aspect of rowing (i.e., training, conditioning, racing, rigging, boat repair and any other topic related to rowing). If appropriate and convenient the customer will have the opportunity to take some competitive pieces with regular members of the Durham Boat Club or the coaching staff. See the following DBC Sculling School Photo Album with pictures extracted from videotape taken during lessons conducted here during the last couple of years.
Instruction on the river is custom tailored for each individual. The instructor to student ratio is no more than 1 to 3 thereby giving each sculler much attention. Most of the coaches are either former National Champions, National Team Members or have coached National Teams. Three of our coaches have USRowing coaching certification. The instructor will coach from either a single or, in the case of video taping, a motor boat or land.
Lessons can be scheduled for morning (10 AM) or afternoon (3:30 or 5:30 PM), in any combination of lessons and rentals, over any number of days. Although, the scheduling is completely up to the individual, most novices have a combination of two to three lessons and two rentals over three days. In the first lesson, boat handling, safety, and basic sculling technique is learned. Also, a video of proper sculling technique is shown. Rowing techinque is practiced in our Indoor Rowing Tank and then power application is practiced on one of our Care Rowperfect Rowing Simulators. The learning curve for rowing is very steep. In several hours, one can progress from a complete novice to a proficient sculler. After the first lesson, a row without coaching is helpful for practicing what was learned. The next day, another lesson or two is useful to clarify technique and more drills will be shown and explained. Video taping is also available when needed or requested. We can also structure the coaching session to meet your specific needs. A class in boat rigging and/or boat repair can be arranged. Also, we can rig your boat and oars, if you choose to bring your own equipment for an additional charge of $60 per hour spent on rigging or rigging instruction. Also, specific training, conditioning, and racing techniques can be discussed and recommended to meet your specific needs. We also have a two station indoor rowing tank and three CARE Rowperfect Rowing Simulators, where technique elements (blade work and the middle of the stroke) can be taught prior to going onto the water.
The DBC Sculling School dock is located directly behind the Durham Boat Company on route 108 (or 220 Newmarket Road) in Durham, NH. For people coming from the the south: Take I-95 North and take exit #2 in HN (i.e., the Exter/Hampton Exit). Once through the toll both, go on Rt. 101 West until you get to the Rt. 108 Exit. At the bottom of the ramp take Rt 108 North (Right) and go through Stratham, then through Newmarket and continue about 1.5 mile North of the center of Newmarket. The Durham Boat Company, Inc. is on the Left side of the Road adjacent to the Lamprey River about 0.5 miles past the Hickory Pond Inn and par 3 Golf Course (i.e., on then right side of the road). The following link shows some Landmarks to make finding us easier.
For the novice, there is the stable, yet fast, Rec-Racers. For intermediate scullers, we have the FISA or BBG Champion Singles and for the advanced scullers we have the BBG Olympia "X" demonstration singles.
Lessons, approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours in length, are $60/person per hour for a private lesson or $85/group per hour per coach. A group of 2-3 scullers will require only one coach. Groups of 4 or more will require additional coaches. Note: Group lessons are usually around 2 hours long. Rentals are $20 per person per day if no lessons are taken on that particular day and the rental fee is waived for the entire day if a lesson was taken during the day. (i.e., if someone takes a lesson in the morning, then wants to row again during the day, no additional fee is charged) All lesson participants and qualified renters of equipment (those who have completed rowing certification at the DBC sculling school).
The Lamprey River is a sheltered fresh water river which abounds in wildlife. Beavers, muskrats and turtles are often seen on early morning rows along with herons, ducks, swallows, swans, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks and osprey. See a Bird List compiled by DBC Sculling School coaches for birds seen or heard on or adjacent to the Lamprey River. Protected from the wind and with little current, the water is always flat -- ideal conditions for novices as well as experienced rowers.
The DBC Sculling School is located in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. Portsmouth, a seaport that dates to 1620, offers many historic homes including Strawbery Banke Museum and several Society of the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPINEA) house museums. The port also has a charming downtown filled with shops and a waterfront crowded with restaurants. Boating excursions leave from Portsmouth to the Isles of Shoals (a group of islands 7 miles off the coast) and for whale watches daily.
Portsmouth and the beaches of New Hampshire are only 20 minutes from Durham and offer standard accommodations (Sheraton-Portsmouth, Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson’s, Econolodge, etc.). Just across the river from Portsmouth is Kittery, Maine, home of many outlet malls featuring Lenox, Mikasa, Crate & Barrel, Royal Doulton, Gund, Liz Claiborne, Esprit and many, many more. The beautiful beaches of York, Ogunquit, Wells and Kennebunk are also within an hour drive.
Durham, only 65 miles north of Boston, is the home of the University of New Hampshire. Accommodations in Durham include the Hickory Pond Inn (is the closest place to stay, only quarter mile from the school) on Newmarket Road. Room rates are from $99 to $149 and include deluxe continental breakfast. A nine hole, par 3, golf course is located on the property. Contact (603) 659-2227 or 1-800-658-0065 for more information on Hickory Pond.
Just 2 miles north of our the Sculling School on Main St in Durham is The Hotel New Hampshire. At The Hotel New Hampshire, there are 68 guest rooms including 2 luxury suites. Included in each room is a flat screen televisions, internet access both wired and wireless, a full continental breakfast. The hotel also offers a guest computer station, guest laundry and two meeting rooms. There is convenient AMTRAK access in Durham. For more information call on 603-868-1234.
Another Bed and Breakfast in Stratham, called the Maple Lodge (603-778-9833), overlooks Great Bay. They feature a full breakfast including fresh fruits and baked goods with entrees cooked by the owners. The price range of the rooms is $65 (for a single) to $75 (for a double).
Another option, on the other side of Durham, is the Pines Guest House (603-868-3361), which has an extended breakfast with room rates ranging between $85 and $129 plus taxes.
Also in Durham, the New England Center offers hotel lodging (1-800-590-4334) and fine dining with an in-town location. Room rates range from $129 to $169 plus taxes, breakfast included. If you stay at the New England Center, you are provided with a pass to the University of NH Recreational Complex at no extra charge.
For the newest Inn in town where the elegance of old world luxury and new age convenience are merged, try the Three Chimneys Inn (1-888-399-9777 or 603-868-7800). The Inn also has both a formal and informal dining at the historic ffrost Sawyer Tavern. The range of room rates, depending on time of year and room classification, is between $139 to $219 plus taxes.
For reservations call with desired dates and times, with your name, address, phone number and your MC, VISA or Discover credit card number/expiration date. For additional information call, write or e-mail:
C. M. Fuerst
Durham Boat Company, Inc.
220 Newmarket Rd. (Route 108)
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603-659-7575
Fax: 603-659-2548
Contact: Cfuerst@cris.com