Rowing is a unique sport that requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards for this work are tremendous. Rowing provides one of the best workouts in terms of calories used per hour, with nearly 150 calories more than running 10 miles per hour Rowing is one of the few athletic activities that involves all of the body’s major muscle groups. It is a great aerobic workout, in the same vein as cross-country skiing, and is a low-impact sport on the joints.

Smoky Mountain Rowing Center (SMRC), a member of US Rowing, was founded in 2004 by Maryville native and businessman Roger Hubbard to provide individuals and the community with a rare opportunity to participate in the wonderful sport of rowing.

SMRC focuses on developing rowing techniques in conjunction with general fitness and strength. The club meets at a boathouse on Rankin Ferry Loop in Louisville on Ft. Loudoun Lake and offers recreational and competitive adult crews for members of all ages. SMRC is dedicated to helping members get exactly what they want out of rowing whether it be exercise, fun, competition, or meeting lifelong friends and teammates.

In 2006, Roger Hubbard started the first female high school crew at Maryville High School, giving this junior crew a chance at earning future college scholarships. (Rowing is the fastest growing collegiate sport for women and men with scholarships increasing every year.)

Funding for the MHS Crew and SMRC is generated by membership dues, donations by team members, parent, Roger Hubbard and Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. in Maryville, Tenn.

The rowing season starts April 15 with on-the-water rowing beginning the latter part of April. SMRC offers Learn to Row classes for new members at various times throughout the season.

For more information about SMRC or the MHS Crew, contact club founder and president, Roger Hubbard (roger@rowsmoky.com or 865-984-9385).