No prior rowing or boating experience needed!
The Learn to Row (LTR) program will teach rowing terminology, proper rowing mechanics to stay safe* and avoid injury, how to scull (rowing with 2 oars), different techniques for steering a boat, self-rescue if you fall out of a boat, and rowing with other traffic on the Grand River. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable rowing on your own or with other people. No rowing experience is required for any of our classes.
We offer different class options tailored your availability and the class pace you desire. Please see individual class descriptions for details about what each class will go over and what you can expect to master during that time.
Our Learn to Row program in June consists of 8 class sessions taught by two experienced coaches and assisted by club member volunteers. During the four week program, students are encouraged to attend both classes each week in order to get the most out of the program. If you have to miss class, we will do our best to catch you up, but multiple missed classes in a row may not leave enough time to get you ready for solo rowing by the end of the session.
LTR program progression:
- Dry-land education & practicing the movements on ergometers (rowing machines)
- Rowing in a 16-person training barge
- Rowing in progressively smaller boats (4 person, 2 person, and 1 person)
- Exploring the Grand River!
LTR graduates are encouraged to continue rowing at Open Rowing sessions (for an additional fee) until the season ends!
The cost of the four week class is $275.
There are two class sessions running concurrently:
- M/W session: June 5th - 28th, Mondays & Wednesdays 6-8pm
- Tu/Th session: June 6th - 29th, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-8pm
*While we teach you how to be safe in a rowing shell and what to do if you fall out of the boat and have PFDs available for use, knowing how to swim and feeling comfortable in water are prerequisites to take this class. For your safety and the safety of your classmates and instructors, YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM.
You must also be able to handle moderate exercise, have moderate flexibility (think of gym rowing machines- rowing in a boat uses the same movements), and have reasonable swimming skills. If you have a prior injury and are unsure how that will affect your ability to row, please contact us.
WEEK 1
- Review the Lansing Rowing Club facilities, the surrounding park, and the river
- Learn the different parts of the rowing stroke
- Practice the rowing stroke on land using rowing machines
- Practice the basics of the rowing stroke in a training barge on the water
- Learn the different parts of the rowing boats and oars
WEEK 2
- Learn how to carry boats and oars
- Learn how to get in and out of boats safely
- Row in 4-person and 2-person boats with experienced club members
- Learn the basics of moving the boat and steering
WEEK 3
- Review the mechanics of the stroke and steering
- Go over river navigation and traffic pattern
- Watch coaches demonstrate getting back into a capsized boat
- Practice getting back into a capsized boat - this is optional, but strongly encouraged
- Row in 1-person boats
WEEK 4
- Fine-tune balance, rowing stroke, and technique
- One-on-one instruction with coaches, as needed
- Learn how to navigate under a bridge safely
- Explore the river and have fun!