Sept 6-10
World Rowing Masters Regatta
Those fortunate enough to make the trip to Slovenia will not just find one of the more stunning rowing venues in the world in Lake Bled. They’ll also have access to recently refurbished facilities from the 2011 senior worlds, which will go a long way toward making the important masters meet-up of the year also the most memorable. www.wrmr2017.com
Sept 9
Wye Island Regatta
The 13.1-mile Wye Island Regatta travels over sheltered estuaries and past stunning scenery on the Wye East River, 18 miles southeast of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Open to all human-powered watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards, to dragon boats, to all manner of rowing shells, it’s the perfect race for anyone looking to play the long game. www.annapolisrowingclub.com
Sept 9
Chicago River Marathon
The 26.2-mile Chicago River Marathon offers adventurous endurance athletes a water’s-eye view of the dynamism to be found in Chicago’s neighborhoods, passing by many of the city’s iconic buildings and boathouses. The event is also ideal for anyone who wants a bridge fix prior to the Charles. The Chicago River course also runs beneath every one of the Windy City’s moveable bridges. marathon@lpboatclub.org
Sept 10
Death Row
Foreboding event branding is more typically associated with indoor rowing competitions than meandering fall contests. Duluth Rowing Club looks to change that. Open to all comers—junior, adaptive, open, masters, and collegiate rowers—the 25-kilometer sufferfest on the St. Louis River is aptly named and worth the effort. www.dululthrowingclub.com
Sept 10
Head of the Wolf
Hosted by Frisco Rowing Center, the 5k Head of the Wolf takes place on the beautiful Wolford Mountain Reservoir in Kremmling, Colorado and is open to all categories of competitors racing in sculling and coxed boat classes. Make a weekend of it and stay at the campground adjacent to the launch area. www.friscorowing.com/events/head-of-the-wolf/
Sept 16
Head of the Cuyahoga
The number of entries for Cleveland’s Head of the Cuyahoga has come dangerously close in recent years to the regatta’s cap of 500, which speaks to the popularity of the annual long-distance tilt on the twisting Cuyahoga River. The 22nd edition of the event is open to open, masters, junior/scholastic, and collegiate rowers and features events for all boat classes. www.clevelandrows.org
Sept 16
Milwaukee River Challenge
Now in its 17th year, the Milwaukee River Challenge seems purpose-built for spectators. Upwards of a dozen bridges span the three-mile course on the Menomonee and Milwaukee rivers, offering up-close views of all the action. And with a 90-degree turn to contend with, there’s no shortage of action to be had. www.milwaukeeriverchallenge.com
Sept 16
Tennessee River Gorge Row
Organizers of the Tennessee River Gorge Row encourage competitors to build up their calluses and get in shape for this “fun and informal” event that winds from downtown Chattanooga into the heart of the Tennessee River Gorge. It’s good advice. Though it travels through undeniably spectacular scenery, the 23-mile course is not for the faint of heart. www.lookoutrowingclub.com
Sept 24-Oct 1
World Rowing Championships
There are a lot of firsts at this year’s worlds in Sarasota-Bradenton: the first world championship on U.S. soil since 1994; the first worlds of the new Olympic cycle; and the first test for the new-look U.S. men’s coaching team. Opportunities like this come around only so often so reserve your seats today. www.wrch2017.com
Sept 24
Head of the Potomac
Named after the legendary Northern Virginia scholastic coach, the Charlie Butt Scullers’ Head of the Potomac has rowers navigating a 2.8-mile course that extends down the Potomac along the Virginia shore. And while the name might suggest otherwise, the annual fall fixture is also open to sweep crews. www.potomacboatclub.org/head-of-the-potomac
Oct 1
Green Mountain Head
Open to all “rowers, hotshots, and novices,” the annual three-mile stake race in bucolic Putney, Vt. regularly draws hundreds of competitors from across the Northeast, lured by the prospect of excellent racing and the chance to win the sweetest prize in rowing: a one-gallon jug of Vermont maple syrup. www.rowgmh.org
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