Learn-to-Row A (R1A)

Adults new to rowing can take our Learn to Row class (R1A), which teaches the fundamentals of rowing.

This class covers the basics of the rowing stroke, rowing terms, boat handling, equipment care, and water safety. Participants begin by learning the basics of the rowing stroke on ergometers (indoor rowing machines) and in docked boats, then quickly progress to rowing in sweep (one oar per person) racing shells. Depending on class size, students may also be introduced to sculling (two oars per person). Satisfactory completion of this class qualifies participants for the second Learn-to-Row class (R1B) or Novice Rowing (R2).

Learn-to-row classes meet ten times for two hours each, for a total of 20 hours of instruction. We row rain or shine, so come prepared.

Class registration is required for these sessions; click the class number to go directly to the registration page.

*Participants must complete and submit a signed Float Test in order to row. A Risk & Release form can be signed prior to, or on, the first day of class

Novice and Experienced rowers practice at the same times and register for the same classes.

Novice Rowing (R2)

Participation in Novice Rowing (R2) requires completion of Learn-to-Row (R1) or equivalent rowing experience and coaches’ approval. The focus of this class is skill development, with special attention to building participants’ sweeping, sculling, and coxing skills.

Experienced Rowing (R3)

Participants must have developed their sweeping and sculling skills to the point at which rowing and setting the boat comes intuitively. This usually requires 2 years of rowing experience and coaches’ approval.

This class has a dual focus of fitness and technique. Many participants compete throughout the year.

Participants practice together on 9-11am Saturday and Sunday, year-round, 9-11am Tuesday and Thursday, year-round (with a break in July), and/or 6:45-8:45pm Tuesday and Thursday in the late spring and summer.

Class registration is encouraged for participation in these sessions; participants using an open row “punch card” will be boated last.

All participants must have current Float Test and Risk & Release forms on file, as well as a USRowing membership. Instructions for obtaining a membership are here.

Competitive Rowing (R4)

Participation in Competitive Rowing (R4) requires past participation in Experienced Rowing (R3) or equivalent experience; participants must have coach approval before registering. Athletes must be able to perform the basic stroke in sweep and sculling, demonstrate proper boat handling, boat safety and coxing. This program is designed for the rower who wants to race, or the rower who wants to train alongside the racers. The expectations and goals are self-driven, but the program develops the rower for success; physically and mentally.

The focus of this class is competition. In addition to local and regional regattas, Competitive Rowing participants compete at different regattas across the country, such as Head of the Charles in Boston, MA.

Competitive Rowing participants practice together 5:30-7:30am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (and 9-11am Saturday) February through November. Supplemental erg/land conditioning classes may take place in the off-season (November-February). Note: Seattle Parks & Recreation policy prohibits novice participants from rowing before sunrise. This effectively limits novice participation to the months May, June, and July.

A commitment to regular attendance is required, so class registration is expected for participation in these sessions; participants using an open row “punch card” may not be boated.

All participants must have current Float Test and Risk & Release forms on file, as well as a USRowing membership. Instructions for obtaining a membership are here.

Erg Conditioning

Participation in erg conditioning classes is open to all adults, but completion of a Learn-to-Row class is strongly encouraged. These are on-land conditioning classes primarily consisting of indoor rowing on ergometers (ergs).

The focus of this class is improving fitness and form for on-water rowing. Coaches may also incorporate other land-based exercises.

Class registration is encouraged for participation. Drop-in fitness “punch cards” are available from the GLSCC office for occasional attendance.

Click here to register for an upcoming Erg Conditioning class.

All participants must have a current Risk & Release form on file.