The OAR ‘Masters’ (adult) rowing community includes members that enjoy rowing for many different reasons that range from relaxing and enjoying local wildlife to those that row competitively in local, regional and national regattas.  All are welcome. 

There are 2 “styles” of rowing: scull and sweep. The rowing motion, terminology, and equipment is largely the same between them, 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 don’t 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 of our learn to row classes, adult rowers that have participated in the Learn to Scull class are entitled to 3 transition rows after each class that are coordinated with coaches to share what OAR has to offer!

Individual lessons are also available to beginner rowers. More information here.

Questions? Contact LTR@OlympiaAreaRowing.org

2024 Learn to Row Classes

Please contact LTR@olympiaarearowing.org and ask to be put on the waiting list for 2025!

We are offering 8 Learn to Scull classes, and one Learn to Sweep class in 2024. Each sculling class can accommodate 6 individual, adult students (with a minimum of 3 students to run the class as planned). Each sweeping class can accommodate 18 individual adult students (with a minimum of 6 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 Class Ended	April 19, 20, 21 April 27, 28	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat/Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, April 29 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR 02 Class Ended	May 10, 11, 12 May 18,19	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat 9:30a – 11:30a Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, May 20 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR 03 Class Ended	June 7, 8, 9 June 15, 16	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat 9:30a – 11:30a Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, June 17 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR 04 Class Ended	June 28, 29, 30 July 6, 7	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat 9:30a – 11:30a Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, June 8 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR 05 Class Ended	July 19, 20, 21 July 27, 28	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat 9:30a – 11:30a Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, July 29 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR 06 Class Ended	August 9, 10, 11 August 17, 18	F 6:30p – 8:00p Sat 9:30a – 11:30a Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	Monday, August 19 6:30p – 8:30p
LTR Sweep Class Ended	August 11, 12, 14 August 18, 19, 21 August 25, 26, 28	M/W 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sun 8:00a – 10:00a	TBD

Learn to Scull

In this 5-session class, students learn how to handle the shells, basic rowing technique, 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 technique, 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.