The OAR ‘Masters’ (adult) rowing community includes members who enjoy rowing for many different reasons, from relaxing and enjoying local wildlife to rowing competitively in local, regional, and national regattas. All are welcome.
There are two “styles” of rowing: scull and sweep. The rowing motion, terminology, and equipment are largely the same, so students who start with one usually find it easy to pick up the other. We offer entry-level sculling classes that teach from the very first time someone touches an oar. Students do not have to have any prior rowing experience to be able to join the class.
- Learn to Scull: Sculling is rowing a boat with 2 oars per person. Learn to Scull classes use beginning-level rowing shells with 1 rower per shell.
- Learn to Sweep: Sweeping is rowing in a boat with 1 oar per person. Boats need to have an even number of rowers in them. Learn to Sweep classes utilize multi-person boats where rowers practice on the water alongside experienced rowers.
Students will need to complete a Float Test prior to their class commencing.
After each class, have a look at all that OAR has to offer!
Individual lessons are also available to beginner rowers. More information here.
Questions? Contact LTR@OlympiaAreaRowing.org
2025 Learn to Row Classes
This summer, we are offering two types of sessions for learning to row:
Session one is the basic first step in learning to row, and session two is a skill-building session.
Session one will focus on learning to row in bigger, more stable boats with help from experienced adult athletes. Each class will take place over two consecutive weekends, with the first Saturday running from 8 am until 12 pm and the other 3 classes running from 9 am until 12 pm.
Session two will be a skill-building session where we will build on what was learned in session one. There will be the possibility to get in singles in session two, depending on the coach’s direction.
All of these sessions will be sculling-centered, though we may add another Learn to Sweep class at the end of the Summer
Each sculling class can accommodate 12 individual, adult students (with a minimum of 4 students to run the class as planned).
The cost for each student is $250. In the instance that weather keeps us off of the water (eg: smoke, fog, wind, seals on the dock) and we have to cancel a session for safety, we’ve planned 1 make-up session for each class. A USRowing individual membership is required ($25) to participate in these classes.
| Class | Dates | Times | Make-Up Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTR 01 | April 26, 27 May 3, 4 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sum 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 02 | May 17, 18 May 24, 25 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sum 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 03 | June 14, 15 June 21, 22 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sum 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 04 | July 12, 13 July 19, 20 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sum 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 05 | July 19, 20, 21 July 27, 28 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sum 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
Learn to Row (sweep) classes require 6 students in order to run. 18 spots are available.
Learn to Scull
In this 5-session class, students learn how to handle the shells, basic rowing techniques, and safety. The first session is an introduction to rowing on the indoor rowing machine with on-water safety information. The following four days of class involve on-water training with water safety tests at the very end of the class.
Sculling classes are limited to 6 rowers to ensure positive, productive, and empowering experiences for all. Spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn to Sweep
Learn to Sweep focuses on basic sweep rowing techniques, teamwork, and rowing safety. Students practice on the water alongside experienced volunteers to ensure the utmost in safety.
Sweep classes are limited to 18 rowers. Spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions? Please contact LTR@olympiaarearowing.org