Our Summer 2025 Learn to Row (LTR) Course for Adults (high school graduates and older) starts on Aug 8th. The course consists of approximately 16 hours of coached instruction.  This typically translates to about 7 or 8 class sessions over a 3-week time period.  The schedule varies at different times of year.  Winter classes may be restricted to weekend mornings, while summer classes may take advantage of weekday evenings.  The first 3 classes are mandatory. If you know in advance that you can not make the first 3 classes, we suggest you wait for the next session.

The calendar for the upcoming Summer Course is a bit further down this page.  If you find the schedule amenable and are interested in learning something new, get registered and join us on the water!

If you have questions, send them to ltr@rowccrc.org,

The Learn To Row program is for people with little or no prior experience with rowing.   The cost is $225 for all sessions in the course.

Once you have confirmed a specific course with us, it might be helpful to take a look at the course information listed below so that you can come well prepared.  Then complete the online registration, fill out the appropriate Waiver, and pay for your course.  The first 3 sessions are mandatory, and if you know in advance that you won't be able to make most of the subsequent sessions, please consider holding off until the next scheduled Learn to Row class when you know you can make all of the sessions. While you're waiting for the classes to start, take time to read the info below so you know what to expect.

CCRC kicked off a new program to teach our military Veterans & Active First Responders the sport of rowing at no cost.  This program launched in 2022 and will continue to run concurrent with all subsequent scheduled Learn to Row sessions.  Because the course fees are waived for military veterans & active first responders, they will need to register using their own link.  This is a great opportunity for us to serve those - in some small capacity - that have sacrificed so much!!  We hope our area Veterans and First Responders come out and join us for a fun and educational introduction to crew rowing.  Free registration is available using the link below.

Please reference the calendar below for class dates and times for our upcoming Summer Course.

• Our Learn To Row Course is held several times throughout the year.  Class information will be updated on this page. 
• Here's where we'll meet.
• Learn To Row sessions are normally held for three consecutive weeks.   Seven or eight class sessions are generally included in each course.  

CCRC's Learn To Row course is taught by our USRowing Certified coaches and experienced rowers and volunteers.  The course focuses primarily upon teaching the rowing technique rather than focusing on athletic ability, so it is well-suited for those looking for an engaging sport with which to become more physically active.

What is the time commitment?
LTR sessions run for 3 consecutive weeks, with classes on either Saturday & Sunday mornings or Saturday morning and a weeknight evening - depending on the season.  Winter LTR sessions are generally held only on weekend mornings due to limited daylight in the evenings.  Lessons average between 2 to 2.5 hours.  Regular attendance results in a quicker grasp of the basics.  It also makes for easier coaching when all rowers learn the same techniques together and at the same time .  However,  we understand that scheduling challenges are a part of life and will work with participants to plan practice days that will yield the best turnout for the group.   We do ask that you make sure to attend the first 3 classes of each course because they include foundational instruction that will not be repeated later in the course.  If you are unable to make those first 3 classes, it is best to wait for a subsequent session with a more amenable schedule.

If you are interested in learning some basics before you start your class, you can check out this Rowing 101 video, take the online Learn To Row Course and watch this YouTube video of the rowing stroke.  These provide some high level basics that will help you know what to expect.

Although experienced rowers can make rowing appear easy, it is a highly technical sport that takes years to master. This course will teach you the basic techniques required to row at a minimal level and provide you with a base on which to build should you decide to continue.

What are the classes like?
First day begins with introductions to your coaches.  As a student you can expect to spend the majority of the first day in the boatyard where you will be introduced to the rowing shells and learn the various parts and how they work. You will also be introduced to the Concept 2 rowing machine on which you will begin learning basic rowing techniques.  

Subsequent days: Each class day is spent teaching high level rowing technique. You will learn drills which address different components of the stroke and help to build muscle memory. You will learn how to put together these movements in sync with other people to make a boat move forward efficiently .  

Safety
Safety for our students is our primary goal.  Everyone is required to watch the USRowing Safety Video.  You can view it online on YouTube by following this link.

Medical conditions need to be reported to the coach. In some cases a written release from your doctor may be required. 

As a minimum we require all students to be able to tread water for at least 10 minutes. If you should later decide to join the club, an attestation of capabilities will be required.

Are there any physical requirements?
There is no pre-training or fitness level necessary for this class, however, the ability to lift 35 pounds overhead is essential to help with portaging boats into and out of the water.  Rowers who continue with the sport and engage in it regularly will realize significant cardiovascular and core strength development.

Learn To Row is designed to teach you the basic techniques you will need if you wish to continue rowing and bring about these changes; however, there are a few minimum physical requirements for taking a Learn to Row class.

• Touch your ankles without bending your knees.
• Bend your knees to the squat position.
• Sustain aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes.
• Lift 35 lbs. over your head. You along with 7 other rowers will be required to lift and carry a 8 person racing shell that weighs 250 lbs over your heads from the yard to the water and then back.
• Fit into a narrow boat (not more than 20").
• Swim (tread water) a minimum of 10 minutes.  If you cannot do so, you must provide and wear a USCG approved floatation device while on the water. 
• You must be somewhat physically fit and flexible enough to get into and out of the rowing shell.

Rowing is a whole body sport that uses legs, core (abs and back) and arms to put the oar in the water and make a boat move. Rowing also develops (and requires) excellent flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. 
 
General Info, what to wear, and what to bring:
Arrive at the yard a few minutes early.

• Bring water in a soft sided water bottle. You will be on the water several hours so keeping hydrated is of extreme importance in both hot and cool temperatures.
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses
• Cap or visor
• Shorts and tee shirt or form fitting exercise clothing.  Loose, baggy shorts will not be permitted; they will get caught in the sliding seat wheels. In cooler temperatures wear layers that can be easily removed as you warm up.
• Socks
• Sandals or something that can easily be slipped on and off your feet. The boats come equipped with their own shoes.

What happens after Learn to Row is over?
Learn To Row graduates are welcome to continue their learning experience by becoming members of the club.  Learn to Row graduates are extended a 30-day risk-free trial period upon becoming members which allows them the option to opt out without financial penalties if they decide crew rowing isn't what they expected.  Joining membership enables new rowers to participate in practice sessions with our Masters Crew during the week (schedule will vary).  For more details on the different programs go to the Join Us section on the Main Menu.
 
If you have any questions please email us at ltr@rowccrc.org