"I learned how to sweep row, scull and cox with Iva as my coach. Her years of experience as a World champion rower and collegiate athlete are at the core of her skillful coaching and training methodology. Iva has a keen eye for technique; she sees every critical detail of the rowing stroke both on the water and on the erg (rowing machine). She is able to cater the training to each individual's needs and fitness level. By developing a training regimen which is appropriate for each person, she moves her athletes from novice to elite rowers along a path which minimizes injuries and focuses on superior rowing technique. On top of it all, she is always encouraging and values each person's efforts, supporting them on their way toward better rowing."

Liz Greenberger, Lions Rowing Club Member

"I am a professional group fitness instructor and endurance athlete who has recently come into the sport of Indo Row. One of my coaches, Iva B. was truly instrumental in helping me achieve precision in my indoor rowing and teaching skills. Her clarity of instruction, impeccable form, and command of her sport inspired me tremendously".

Audrey A.

“I am new to rowing and have learned great technique with Iva. She pays close attention to my improvements and makes sure I understand what I’m doing. Iva will adapt to a situation and customize a plan. She has been dedicated, consistent and a great mentor for my own personal achievements. I like her style of coaching".

Kathleen Cohen, Lions Rowing Club Member

"On a dark and cold night in Marina del Rey I met Ivelina through a friend that had started rowing lessons and loved the experience. I was recovering from a bicycle accident- broken leg- and I was a little nervous about geting in such a narrow craft so close to the cold water. I am happy to report that Iva gently introduced me to the sport and has been my instructor for the past nine months. She is so patient,so professional and so particular to make sure her student's technique is correct from the start. She encourages us so that myself and the other students have advanced to a point where we are actually sculling.
As we say at the Boathouse, 'Iva's the best'".

Janice Mendel, Master Rower, Lions Rowing Club

"I want to thank Iva for the patience she showed when I started rowing over a year ago. She is very knowledgeable about the intricacies of the sport and is willing to share that with novice and experienced rowers alike. Because of the great foundation she helped build into my athletic ability, I have since competed in several races and placed second with the Lions Rowing Club at the US Rowing Master’s Nationals Championships in the Women’s A 8+! As someone new to rowing, I was so amazed at how well I was able to do on a regional and national level. I am continually amazed at the great progress I’ve made and I attribute that to a good start – thanks to IVA!"

Adrienne Lao, Lions Rowing Club Member

"A private lesson with Iva is the most luxurious thing imaginable! She is a fantastic teacher: clear, patient, inspiring, and encouraging."

Anna McDonnell, Lions Rowing Club Member

"Iva's coaching is exceptional on many levels but the overall most significant factor in my mind is Iva's contagious belief in people and their abilities. Iva believes you can do it and so you do; success comes from that strong belief and Iva?s strong coaching. Iva knows rowing and competition and has a talent for communicating her knowledge and instructing her rowers with her own personal blend of both toughness and caring."

Pamela A. Abraham

"Learning how to row on the water after two years on the erg is an experience that has been the epicenter of my mid-life transformation. Life is a series of choices and I chose to embrace a sport that I knew would take patience, focus, endurance and many years to reach a level of proficiency. Iva is the impetus for my midlife addiction to rowing. Iva's expertise in coaching has convinced me that she has eyes in the back of her head and can see in the darkness as well. I am fortunate that Iva has believed in me and enabled me to believe in the possibilities that lie within. To be her student is a gift as she helps me on days where my muscle memory cooperates and also on days where my body and the boat are not harmonious. In all situations Iva is a talented coach and as I say to her frequently, 'Who knew?' but the answer is Iva. Iva can steer your journey to reach your goals. I am hoping to row into my 80s ( 30 years from now) and hope that Iva will be there to help me with her excellence in coaching skills and friendship. As a physical therapist, I can assure anyone that correct technique and form and injury prevention are key aspects of her coaching skills. Treat yourself to a series of private lessons with Iva and you will never regret the experience!!!!"

Dr. Lori Annes

"I cannot imagine a better instructor for a beginning rower than
Iva. I am never overwhelmed because Iva introduces new elements at
the right pace and builds from each element to the next in a natural
way. Although she has a systematic teaching method, she stays
focused on me as an individual learner, and responds to my particular
needs. If I flounder or get stuck, she sees it immediately and knows
how to fix it. I can rely on her. She is also tuned in to each
advance I make, and shares my pleasure as I master new elements.

To row well is a powerful experience. Under Iva's guidance, after
only a few lessons, I began to feel what it's like. I'm definitely
hooked. My lessons with Iva are the highlight of my week."

Leslie Brothers, MD


"Iva, is a truly wonderful and unique rowing coach that has helped me to no end in perfecting my rowing and aiding in my thorough enjoyment of this invigorating sport. Her endless patience, true commitment and professionalism to her craft as a rowing instructor is not only refreshing but a true source of comfort when looking to enhance my performance, technique and ability whilst out on the water.

I can not recommend Iva highly enough as one of the greatest coaches you could ever wish to find.

Thank you once again Iva for your continued commitment to improving me as a proficient rower."

Sue Farmer
London, England

I wanted to let you know how fantastic it was to have you travel with me to the 2009 Southwest Regional Masters Championships in Oakland as my personal coach! You arranged for me to have a boat, calmed my frazzled nerves, went to the coach's meeting at 6 am (allowing me to sleep in and be fresh for the race), gave me strategy instructions, supervised my practice the day before, helped me carry the boat, were there to tighten my stretchers to the max, and do all the adjustments that allowed me and the boat's lender to hotseat between two races. Plus you were a great companion, and we had a lot of fun together! I really could not have done it without you!!

Patricia Greenfield
California Yacht Club rower