The best way to get started is to sign up for one of our scheduled community row events, one of our Learn to Row courses, our youth summer camps, or private/semi private lessons.

We recommend wearing tight-fitting leggings or shorts and a snug fitting workout style top as well as sneakers or slip-on shoes that are easy to take on and off on the dock.  Each seat in the boat has a built-in pair of shoes, so you’ll want to wear socks for comfort and hygiene. 

High-visibility colors, especially shirts & hats, are appreciated by the coaches to make it easier to see you on the water. Other useful items include a hat or visor, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Athletes should also have plenty of water and we recommend bringing 2 water bottles. Bottles that only require one hand to operate will be easier to use since it’s important to keep at least one hand on the oars at all times. 

And just in case you happen to fall in the water, we recommend you bring a warm jacket, towel and a change of clothes to keep in your car.

We also recommend having a snack on hand for afterwards. 

When you first learn to row, you’ll first spend some time on land, then on water. As you progress you will spend more and more time on the water. Initially, however, participants will be introduced to rowing equipment and rowing terminology on land. It can be useful to learn the basics of the rowing stroke on an ergometer - or erg - so we’ll spend some time on that  before getting you out into boats!

After progressing to the on-the-water portion of your class, we’ll carry boats down to the lake and participants will receive instruction in rowing shells that vary in size from a single boat to a double (2 people) to a quad (four-person boat). Time on the water may include drills, games and other activities designed to help you learn to feel stable and efficient in the water.  There will always be a coach out on the water with you in a motorized launch to offer help and guidance and keep you safe. At the end of the practice we will carry the boats and oars back up to the boatyard, put them away and debrief on the session 

Rowing is a very physical sport, and you will be expected to have at least a basic level of physical fitness, flexibility, and strength to start. You also need to know how to swim.  If you have any injuries or questions about your abilities, you should consult with your physician before starting a program. If you have any reservations before beginning a Learn-to-Row class, be sure to discuss them with Coach Gracie. We are here to help and to make sure everyone enjoys the sport in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.

Knowing how to swim is a requirement of the sport. While ending up in the water is rare, it does happen from time to time and we require all athletes to be able to tread water and get themselves back to the boat if need be. The other requirement is to be able to carry 20-30 pounds over short distances since we carry our oars and boats to and from the dock every day.

Every day athletes start by gathering by the boats where the coach gives the daily practice plan and boat assignments. Athletes then walk their boats and oars down to the dock. Once the boats are on the water, athletes will warm up with some technical drills and then complete that day’s workout. At the end of practice, the boats and oars are all brought back to the yard. When everything is put away, the groups meet to discuss the practice.

Once you complete the Learn-to-Row course, you can join the next appropriate group based on your individual goals and experience. Masters Recreational and Masters Competitive are the two options for adults and our Junior Racing Team is the option for youth! We hope you love rowing as much as we do and stick with it!