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 involves rowing in a boat with one oar per person. Boats need to have an even number of rowers. Learn-to-sweep classes utilize multi-person boats, where rowers practice on the water alongside experienced rowers. Learn to sweep classes are currently on hold for 2025. Check back for an update in the summer!
2025 Learn to Row Classes
This summer, we are offering two types of sessions for learning to scull (rowing with two oars):
Session one is a 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 sculling 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. Students will learn how to handle the shells, basic rowing techniques, and safety.
Session two will be a skill-building session, building on what was learned in session one. Depending on the coach’s direction, singles may be entered in session two.
All of these sessions will be sculling-centered, though we may add a 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) to ensure positive, productive, and empowering experiences for all. Spots are reserved on a first come, first-served basis.
The cost for Session One is $250 per student. The cost for Session Two is $125 per student.
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. Students must complete a Float Test before the first day of the course; the Test is not required for course registration.
| Class | Dates | Times | Make-Up Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTR 01 | April 26, 27 May 3, 4 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 02 | May 17, 18 May 24, 25 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 03 | June 14, 15 June 21, 22 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 04 | July 12, 13 July 19, 20 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTR 05 | August 9, 10 August 16,17 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| Class | Dates | Times | Make-Up Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Building Session 1 | May 27, 29, 31 | Tuesday/Thursday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 am | TBD |
| Skill Building Session 2 | June 24, 26, 28 | Tuesday/Thursday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 am | TBD |
After each class, look at all that OAR has to offer!
Individual lessons are also available to beginner rowers. More information here.
Questions? Contact LTR@OlympiaAreaRowing.org