Welcome to the Survivor Rowing Network
A Rowing Cares Program
Get excited! Survivor Rowing Network (SRN) is returning the world's largest regatta, the Head of the Charles! 14 boats, with 122 athletes representing 28 rowing programs will compete in the 2nd annual Head of the Charles Survivor Row. Follow us on Instagram/survivorrowingnetwork. Our races is 3:30 pm Sat Oct 18. You can watch live here: https://hocr.org/the-regatta/livestreams/
Survivor Rowing Network
The Survivor Rowing Network (SRN) is a global community dedicated to helping cancer survivors find healing, strength, and connection through the sport of rowing. Founded on the belief that teamwork, rhythm, and resilience mirror the journey of recovery, SRN empowers survivors to reclaim their physical and emotional well-being — one stroke at a time.
Our Mission
To connect and support cancer survivors through rowing — fostering strength, health, and hope while sharing the critical message that exercise is medicine.
Research continues to show that consistent physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, improve long-term outcomes, and enhance quality of life. SRN is committed to spreading this message and helping survivors experience the healing power of movement.
What We Do
Grow Access to Rowing: SRN helps establish and strengthen rowing programs for cancer survivors worldwide, providing guidance, resources, and community connections.
Promote Wellness Through Movement: By encouraging participation on the water and on the erg, SRN supports survivors in using exercise as an active part of recovery and long-term health.
Build a Global Network: With more than 39 programs across nine countries, SRN brings together survivors, coaches, and clubs to share best practices, mentorship, and inspiration.
Create Meaningful Experiences: Through partnerships with USRowing and major regattas like the Head of the Charles, San Diego Crew Classic and Dad Vail,SRN highlights the strength and resilience of survivors on some of the sport’s most celebrated stages.
Empower Survivors: SRN helps individuals find purpose, confidence, and community — turning the rowing stroke into a symbol of renewal and strength.
Signature Event: The HOCR Survivor Row
Launched in 2024, the Head of the Charles Survivor Row brings together cancer survivors from around the world to compete and celebrate life on Boston’s iconic Charles River.
In 2025, 123 athletes from four countries — supported by more than 20 coaches and hundreds of volunteers — will row in 14 boats, representing the courage, unity, and vitality of the survivor rowing community.
Our Values
Community: Building lasting connections among survivors and rowing clubs worldwide.
Resilience: Harnessing the power of sport to rebuild strength and confidence.
Inclusion: Welcoming survivors of all cancers, ages, and experience levels.
Empowerment: Turning recovery into a shared journey of health, healing, and possibility.
Health Through Motion: Championing the science and spirit behind the message that exercise is medicine — one of the greatest deterrents to recurrence.
Affiliation
SRN is a program of Rowing Cares, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing wellness and awareness through the sport of rowing
"When people are learning to row, the cancer sits outside the boat for that period of time, and it’s replaced by something new. Once they’re on the water, they’re blown away by the sum of their strength.”
- Holly Metcalf, founder of Survivor Rowing, MIT Women’s Head Coach and 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist
