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 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 SCULL CLASSES
We currently offer two levels for learning to scull (rowing with two oars) this summer:
Learn to Scull Level 1 is the basic first step in learning to row, and Learn to Scull Level 2 is a skill-building session.
Learn to Scull (LTS) Level 1 is for absolute newbies. In this class, we will focus on rowing in team boats (quads) and developing the skills in 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.
If you are looking to row individually in a single scull, we offer individual lessons to accommodate this.
The cost for LTS Level 1 is $250 per student.
Learn to Scull (LTS) Level 2 is a skill-building session, adding on to what was learned in LTS Level 1. This class is designed for graduates of the LTS Level 1 class or for returning rowers who wish to hone their team boat skills before joining the regular club membership. This class can be taken more than once.
The sessions will focus on rowing in team boats (quads) and developing the skills and confidence to match others in your boat. The development of skills will emphasize stroke specifics, timing, and teamwork. The session teaches sculling – rowing with two oars.
Upon completion of this class, participants should be ready to join the OAR Adult Team. Through these Learn to Row opportunities, OAR seeks to build a cohort of “novice” rowers who will work together in building skills, endurance, and camaraderie.
Each 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 LTS Level 2 is $125 per student.
If 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 ($10) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTS Level 1 Session 1 | April 26, 27 May 3, 4 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTS Level 1 Session 2 | May 17, 18 May 24, 25 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTS Level 1 Session 3 | June 14, 15 June 21, 22 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTS Level 1 Session 4 | July 12, 13 July 19, 20 | 1st Saturday 8:00a – 12 pm Sat/Sun 9:00a – 12 pm | TBD |
| LTS Level 1 Session 5 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTS Level 2 Session 1 | May 27, 29, 31 | Tuesday/Thursday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 am | TBD |
| LTS Level 2 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
