Step 1: Learn to Row

All beginners will learn to row in Scandinavian Viking Boats. These boats measure 40 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and carry 14 rowers and (one) 1 coxie to steer the boat. On average, these boats weigh 800 pounds. They are very stable and ideally suited for beginners.

As you acquire the skills in the Viking Boats rowers are moved on to Step 2 and the touring quads. Some progress very quickly while others take a little longer. Regardless, you’ll progress to the quads when you’re ready.

How many practices do I get?

Practices generally take place one evening per week (you choose), however, you can come as often as you’d like for extra practices.

How long is each practice session?

Each practice session is 60 minutes in length.

Click here for a pdf overview of the skills to be learnt in the Learn to Row program.

Step 2: Learn to Scull

Prerequisite: Experienced rower or graduate of the Learn to Row Program.

Once you’ve finished the Viking Boat portion of the lessons you’ll get to move on to sculling in the Touring Quads. Touring Quads are wider than a racing shell but narrower than the Viking Boat. In these boats, you will be introduced to how to carry the boats, how to put the boat in and out of the water, the sliding seat, and the turning of the oars. But the big lesson in the touring quads is the introduction of balance.

You will also learn about grip, posture, safety, traffic patterns, and rowing in rough water.

Sculling is where the rowers use two (2) oars each. It is one of the most enjoyable forms of rowing. All sculling students will learn in Touring Quads which are ideal for the beginning sculler.

When does the season begin and end?

Practices begin the week of September 8th and ends on October 18th.

How many practices do I get?

Practices generally take place one evening per week (you choose) for 5 weeks, however, you can come as often as you’d like for extra practices.

How long is each practice session?

Each practice session is 90 minutes in length.

Click here for a pdf overview of the skills to be learnt in the Learn to Scull program.

Step 3: Learn to Race

Prerequisite: Experienced rower or graduate of the Learn to Scull Program.

Once you’ve finished the Learn to Scull portion of the lessons you’ll get to move on to the Learn to Race Program in the racing shells.  These boats are narrower than the Touring Quad and as such go much faster… the’re also trickier to balance.  In these boats the majority of the lessons revolve around balance and how to move in the boat in unison with the other seven rowers.

You will also learn about grip, posture, safety, traffic patterns, and rowing in rough water. Furthermore, you will learn about the stroke cycle, the catch, the release, how to adjust your heights and your rigging, racing starts, race strategy, nutrition, and physical training with weights and flexibility.

Click here for a pdf overview of the skills to be learnt in the Learn to Race program.