If you’ve been around IPC this past month, you’ve probably seen (and definitely heard) an erg turbine screaming for mercy. A few determined maniacs ripping the handle back and forth for meters on end, day after day, for four straight weeks. Why? Simple — for a damn good cause.
Rowvember started as a bit of an impromptu idea. We wanted a fun, gritty, and meaningful way to raise money for Movember — supporting men’s health and cancer research. With a catchy name and an even better purpose, it didn’t take long for the IPC community to jump on board. Before we knew it, we had a full crew ready to spend a month battling the rowing erg together.
Our very own Dave Teutenberg built out the program — a rotating 3-day cycle designed to sharpen technique, build explosive power, and prepare everyone to take a real run at their 500m PR by the end of the month. And make no mistake… some of those days punched back. Kilometers of sweat poured into earning better strokes, smoother pacing, and enough mental grit to survive two minutes of pure hell.
But here’s the truth — the workouts were only half the story.
What made Rowvember special was the community wrapped around it. Everyone tracked their meters and rates inside the app, chirped at each other on the leaderboards, and showed up to encourage whoever was currently in the trenches. People would pause their own training just to offer a quick word, a high-five, or a “you got this” to the next person on the erg. Records were broken, lungs were tested, but the real win was how tightly we all pulled together.
And honestly? I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the inaugural Rowvember crew. The pride, the dedication, the discipline, the competitive fire — it was all electric. Rookie rowers, seasoned vets, and everyone in between showed up with the same attitude: give everything you’ve got, and then a little more.
I want to highlight the incredible folks who made this month what it was (in no particular order):
- Tilli & Paul Mitchell
- Dave Teutenberg
- Andrew Pilsworth
- Andrew Kelly
- Marcy Einarsson
- Rachel Morkunas
- Dan Cote
- Destiny Rensen
- Lara Glover
- Marissa Peacock
- Alex Bula
- Tyler Pearce
- Aidan McCulloch
- Myles Methner
- Harrison Mancuso
- Erin Risto
- Riley Roblin
- Kristin Kish
- Joe Coughler & Teagan Orth (guest appearances)
To everyone who took part — just know how proud I am of you. You took on this extra challenge on top of training like absolute animals in the weight room. You made Rowvember fun, meaningful, and downright inspiring. Across everyone, we clocked over 1500km!!!
And here’s the cherry on top: together we raised over $4,000 for Movember. Whether you bought a shirt, grabbed a raffle ticket, donated a prize, or simply threw money at the cause, thank you. You made this entire month possible.
Now, as the ergs quiet down and the cold sets in, we look ahead to future “-ber” month chaos. Rest up. Celebrate the meters. Appreciate the impact.
Because next year? Rowvember returns.
Keep those seats warm — we’re coming back reloaded.
Matrixx Ferreira