ROW Embraces Its Own Digital Era: An update on virtual programming
In late March, Recovery on Water shared a brief update about how we were responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had suspended all onsite practices and in-person sessions, but we knew our members would still seek out and rely on their team; even as the world was shuttering around us, our mission to empower breast cancer patients and survivors and provide them the means to become active in their recovery would remain critical. Because cancer cannot be paused, no matter the external circumstances.
It was then that we announced virtual practices and “coffee” gatherings. We loaned out every erg in our Bridgeport loft and launched our digital age with five weekly coffee sessions and daily indoor rowing practices, all through Zoom.
Then, what was launched out of necessity took on an unexpected and beautiful life of its own.
What Have We Done?
Since launching our virtual programming with indoor rowing and coffee sessions, we have added a variety of fitness classes, including bodyweight strength, core strength and stretch, and guided running, as well as weekly “Coach Office Hours” and a “Back to Basics” series addressing erg and rowing technique. In addition, we have partnered with key health and wellness experts to deliver a variety of webinar series exploring topics such as healthy habit development, how to cope, mental wellness and more; our partners in these efforts have included Paula Meyer, Michelle Grim and Dr. Michael Niznikiewicz.
All told, we have been able to offer more than 15 weekly hours of digital programming, and we have been delighted to watch our team stay united and strong despite social distancing.
In addition to the virtual programming ROW has offered, our community has continued to independently demonstrate its camaraderie and unity, and we have been amazed (though not surprised) by the creative games and gatherings they’ve developed on their own. From murder mysteries and bingo to meet and greets and marathons, they have continued to have fun with and celebrate each other, and we could not be more thrilled by their sense of community.
What About the Water Season?
Though we cannot convey how heartbreaking it was to do so, we have cancelled the entirety of our 2020 water season. After great deliberation with our COVID-19 Response Committee, we realized that a water season would be neither reasonable nor safe for our team this year; the choice was made after careful consideration of rules and regulations put out by USRowing as well as the Restore Illinois Guidelines, which wouldn’t allow for water practice until Phase 5 (at which time either a vaccine or reliable treatment option should be available).
For similar reasons, we currently have no plans to resume in-person erg practices at the loft this year. This is due in part to space—present regulations require at least ten feet of space between machines—and also to the fact that some of our members are in active treatment, and in-person practices could present an unnecessary risk to those who are immunocompromised.
This was not the season that anyone signed up for in 2020, but our board and staff continue to make choices based on what will best serve and safeguard our team. As soon as it becomes apparent that we can bring this team back together safely, our staff and coaches will make it happen.
What’s Up Next?
Results from a recent survey of our team, combined with outreach we’ve received from individuals outside ROW’s current member base, have made it clear that our virtual programming should not be limited to a pandemic response. More than 90 percent of survey respondents indicated that they would continue to utilize virtual programming even once in-person programs resumed.
The levels of sustained engagement within our team and the interest others have taken in what we are doing indicates that our virtual programming channel could continue to serve a large audience even once “normal” life fully resumes. So, we’re going to make it permanent.
VirtuROW Will Launch in Late 2020
No, we are not doing away with the in-person rowing programs that have helped build ROW into the community you know today. Rowing together, whether on the water or in our erg loft, builds powerful bonds between teammates, and even the best virtual offering could never replace such an experience. But we have recognized in these last few months that the magic of ROW can be more broadly accessible, and we can magnify our impact by continuing to occupy this virtual space.
Coming this fall, VirtuROW will expand our current online program offerings and connect current and new teammates with an all-new ROW app. In addition to streaming and recorded workout programs and rowing practices, members will also have access to private chat groups and leaderboard competitions, a library of educational content related to general health and wellness, personal data tracking, reference materials for erg orientation and technique training, and so much more.
These offerings will further empower members to engage with, learn from and encourage one another, and they will introduce a new element of low-stakes, competitive fun. Once in-person programs resume, VirtuROW will enhance the day-to-day experience of Chicago-based team members while keeping remote members connected, engaged and active in their recovery.
The individual team and board members, coaches, staff, donors, volunteers and community supporters who have always made our work possible at ROW have demonstrated great resolve, dedication and unity since going into lockdown, and we are committed to further raising the bar on dynamic programming that will provide a unique opportunity for breast cancer patients and survivors to interact, become active in their recovery, and gain support from their peers.
ROW has done more than survive the challenges of this pandemic; we have thrived. Our team refused to be defeated, and instead capitalized on this moment in time to advance our reach and impact. This experience has been a reminder that Recovery on Water is a resilient community that, in any situation, will stand up to say, “We’ve got this, and we’ve got each other,” and we thank you for coming along with us on this journey.