Whatever your reason for wanting to row, Lake Union Crew’s popular Learn to Row class is the starting point for anyone interested in the sport. Participants are taught all the fundamentals of the stroke, and are introduced to basic drills used to coordinate movements within the boat. Emphasis is on learning in a fun, pressure free environment.

This class meets 12 times over a four week period; 3 classes per week. The first 3 classes are the most important, as that’s when students learn the stroke on land, both in the gym on our ergometers, and in our unique indoor rowing tank. Missing a class or two after that is not a problem.

Classes are offered year ‘round with both morning and evening sessions available. Some classes fill up faster than others, so
             
register now to reserve a seat in the class of your choice. Read on for the full schedule of classes.

2008 Learn To Row Schedule [back to top]

Learn to Row classes meet 3 times per week for four weeks. Lake Union Crew offers convenient class sessions; morning sessions are held MWF from 8:00 am - 9:30 am, and evening sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am - 11:00am. During summer and fall, an additional evening class is available, on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:45am - 12:15pm.

Morning Sessions - Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00-9:30 am
January 7 - February 1
January 21 - February 15
February 18 - March 14
March 17 - April 11
April 14 - May 9
May 12 - June 6
June 9 - July 4
July 7 - August 1
August 4 - August 29
September 1 - September 26
September 29 - October 24
October 27 - November 21
Happy Holidays! Learn to Row will return in January 2009!

Evening Sessions 1- Tue, Thu 6:30-8:00 pm, Sat 9:30-11:00 am
January 8 - February 2
January 22 - February 16
February 19 - March 15
March 18 - April 12
April 15 - May 10
May 13 - June 7 - CLASS FULL
June 10 - July 5
July 8 - August 2
August 5 - August 30
September 2 - September 27
September 30 - October 25
October 28 - November 22
Happy Holidays! Learn to Row will return in January 2009!

Evening Sessions 2 - Mon, Wed 6:30-8:00 pm, Sat 10:45 - 12:15
May 12 - June 7
June 9 - July 5
July 7 - August 2
August 4 - August 30
September 1 - September 27
September 29 - October 25
October 27 - November 22
Happy Holidays! Learn to Row will return in January 2009!

Instruction Fee - $99 [back to top]

Registration

Download the Learn To Row Registration and Waiver Forms . This single download is a 2 page document that contains both the Registration and Waiver forms. Complete, sign and mail or fax them to us to ensure your place in class. (Download Adobe Reader for PDF files)

Learn To Row FAQ [back to top]

Q: Is this class for beginners?
A: Yes. Learn to Row is for those who have never touched an oar in their lives but can’t wait to start!

Q: Am I: fit enough / tall enough / too old / too heavy / too… to take this class?
A: Whatever your reason for wanting to row, be it to get in shape, compete in the Olympics, or just be on the water, this class is where you start. If you have a desire to learn, we have the desire to teach you. There’s a lot to cover, and everyone will face different challenges, but the focus is on having fun and learning the basics to take you to where you want to go. Our boats can accommodate individuals up to 285 lbs.

Q: What kind of workout will I get?
A: Rowing is a full body workout. The amount of effort you expend is directly proportional to the workout you will get. The first few classes focus on learning proper technique - then it's up to you how much of a workout you get.

Q: I already kayak / canoe / whitewater raft, etc. Can I skip this class and go right into one of the rowing programs?
A: While your on-water experiences will undoubtedly help with your balance and boat sense, rowing is completely unlike any other paddle sport. The technique and equipment is unique. Learn to Row is a prerequisite for anyone who has never participated in this sport.

Q: What do I need to wear/bring to class?
A: You shouldn't have to purchase anything special to participate in Learn to Row. The first 2 classes are land-based, learning the basics in the gym on the rowing ergometer, and then in our indoor rowing tank. After that, once you move onto the water, dress weather-appropriately as if you were going for a jog or brisk walk. Layers are best. You want to wear clothes loose enough to move in, but not so baggy that fabric will get caught in the moving parts of the boat, specifically the sliding seat. In cold weather, remember that cotton will not keep you warm if it gets wet. Man-made layers of cool-max, polypropylene or fleece work best. Also, old athletic shoes and wool socks are recommended to keep your feet warm, as they almost always get splashed. In warm weather, hats and sunscreen are advised.

Q: My hands get really cold. May I wear gloves?
A: Gloves are not recommended for rowing, as one of the things we focus on is developing good bladework; the technique of positioning the blade to enter the water at the correct angle. Having direct contact with the oar handle is essential to ‘feel’ when the blade is in the correct place. An alternative to gloves, however, are things called ‘pogies’. Pogies slip over your hands and then slide over the end of the oar, protecting your hands while maintaining contact with the handle. Lake Union Crew carries them in our pro shop, or your coach can tell you how to make some from a pair of old socks.

Q: How much time is spent on the water?
A: Of the 12 classes, 10 of them are devoted to water training. The first 2 classes are land based, and that is where we will learn all the fundamentals of the rowing stroke. Body positioning, sequence of movements, etc. It is most important to attend these first 2 classes. If you miss 1 or 2 after that, it’s not too much of an issue. Talk to your coach if you have any conflicts.

Q: What are my chances of ending up in the water?
A: It is our goal to always be ‘on’ the water and not ‘in’ the water. That said, rowing is a water sport and there has been the occasional instance of a rower ending up in the water. In the largest boats, or ‘eights’, it’s nearly impossible to fall in. Smaller boats are ‘tippier’ and the chance is greater that rowers go in... yet this is a rare occurrence. Our coaches are equipped to handle these situations quickly and safely, and each class watches a safety video before going on the water.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us!