You should plan to arrive at the boathouse near at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your session.  Directions to the boathouse parking lot is here.

If you haven’t viewed the prep materials online you might want to do that, now.  This will help you understand the terminology of the sport and help you get the most of this short introduction session.

You should come prepared to have fun and to learn new things.  Rowing is very easy with just a few basic steps in each stroke but, like any new activity, it can be challenging to master at first. While simple, there are many things to learn all at once.  The key is to relax.

You should bring the following:

• You should wear comfortable shorts and shirt that are not loose.  Loose clothing, especially shorts, can get caught in the seat. 
• Socks
• You should apply sunscreen before the course begins, being sure none is still on the palms of your hands. 
• Wearing a hat and sunglasses that are not likely to fall off can be a good idea. 
• You should bring water or athletic drink.

Half of your session will be on the water.  Rowers don’t wear lifejackets but there are lifejackets in the coach’s launch in the very unlikely event an emergency occurs.  Should you fall in the water - you would be the first in one of our Learn To Row sessions - you should stay at the boat and the coach will assist you.

This two hour session introduces you to the basics of rowing so that you can better decide if the sport is a good fit for you.  You will learn the proper rowing stroke on a rowing machine, known as an erg, learn some basic terminaology and then finish your introduction by going out in a rowing shell.

The session will start with a very short overview of the topics to be covered including explanation of the terms and commands used in rowing.

You will learn the proper rowing stroke sequence on a rowing machine before we go out for a short row in a rowing shell.  The proper rowing stroke is important to be sure you do not injure yourslef and that you are in synchronization in the boat.

You and other new rowers will go out in a rowing shell along with experienced rowers to continue your learning.

In order to partcipate in this session you must have be able to swim!  You will not wear a life jacket since they interfer with the rowing stroke.  There will always be a safety boat nearby but should you fall into the water you will have to stay afloat long enough to be rescued.  It is VERY rare that a rower falls in but your safety is very important.

You should be fairly fit but this session will not require extertion.  Coming with a fun outlook and willingness to learn are the most important things to bring.  A water bottle might be nice, however.

Avoid wearing loose clothing, especially loose shorts.  Loose clothing can be caught in the rowing seat.