“Fourteen years ago, a friend and I took a learn to row class on a whim. Today, rowing has become a significant part of our fitness regime. Nothing is more beautiful than rowing on Cayuga Lake at sunrise." – Jess McGee, Masters Rower
SUMMER 2026
Adult Learn to Row I: Rowing Basics
This program is a fun 2-week introduction to the sport of rowing and covers all aspects, including equipment, water safety, rowing technique, and boat handling. The focus of learn to row is developing skills to become a life long rower.
Time will be spent in sculling boats with each rower using two oars. Rowers will learn the basics in stable training boats. As rowers get comfortable with rowing, they may. progress up to a speedy, racing single. Sculling programs teach rowers to be independent so they can eventually take a boat out on their own after they pass the captain's test. Rowers can take LTR I: Rowing Basics multiple times. If they are ready, their coach will suggest signing up for LTR II: Skills Development. Rowers will need more than one LTR I class before being ready to pass our Captain's Test Certification.
Prerequisites:
Ages: Age 18 and up
Sessions offered: choose at least 1
Classes are offered in two week blocks with 2 practices/week
Session 1: June 8 - June 21
Session 2: June 22 - July 5
Session 3: July 13 - July 26
Session 4: July 27 - Aug 9
Class times: choose 1 per session
Mornings - Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30am
Evenings - Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm
Register here (select "Adult Learn to Row" and your session and time slot preference).
Please visit our Registration Page the simple step-by-step process.
$150/session (total of 4 classes)
*Student Discount available for undergrad or graduate students. Enter code STUDENT when checking out.
What to wear?
Wear clothes that are comfortable for exercising and appropriate for the weather. We will go out in cold, hot and rainy conditions (everything but thunderstorms), so check the weather frequently and come prepared.
For the top of your body: Shirts/jackets should be form-fitting and not baggy - loose or baggy sweatshirts can get caught on the oars.
For bottoms: sweatpants or leggings are ok, as are running-style shorts or compression shorts. Again, avoid baggy clothing. Shorts that are long and loose can get caught in the boat seat.
On your head: Hats and sunglasses are recommended to keep the sun out of your face and eyes.
On your feet: For the first couple classes you should wear athletic/running shoes. We will do some introductory work on our rowing machines during the first classes and you will want shoes for that. After that, you can wear any shoes you want (including flip flops), but be sure to bring socks. There are shoes in the boats that are attached to the boat. You just wear socks in the boats.
All practices occur in Stewart Park at Cascadilla Boathouse. Practices are held, weather permitting, on the Cayuga and Fall Creek Inlets, and Cayuga Lake. Typically, boats go out in most weather except when there is a strong north wind or thunder. If the weather does not allow rowing, practices are held on-land and include aerobic workouts, strength training, erging, and stretching.
Adult Learn to Row I: Rowing Basics
This program is a fun 2-week introduction to the sport of rowing and covers all aspects, including equipment, water safety, rowing technique, and boat handling. The focus of learn to row is developing skills to become a life long rower.
Time will be spent in sculling boats with each rower using two oars. Rowers will learn the basics in stable training boats. As rowers get comfortable with rowing, they may. progress up to a speedy, racing single. Sculling programs teach rowers to be independent so they can eventually take a boat out on their own after they pass the captain's test. Rowers can take LTR I: Rowing Basics multiple times. If they are ready, their coach will suggest signing up for LTR II: Skills Development. Rowers will need more than one LTR I class before being ready to pass our Captain's Test Certification.
Prerequisites:
- No rowing experience required!
- All rowers are required to have a swim test on file and a current USRowing membership. As of Spring 2025, there is now a special Learn to Row Membership, which costs $10 for 60 days. Since this membership is only valid for 60 days, please register a few days before your class begins so that your membership does not expire before your class ends.
- Please be aware that there must be 5 people registered 48hrs before the start of a session for a class to run. If you register for a session that does not meet minimum enrollment, you will be notified by email and your registration fee will be refunded.
Ages: Age 18 and up
Sessions offered: choose at least 1
Classes are offered in two week blocks with 2 practices/week
Session 1: June 8 - June 21
Session 2: June 22 - July 5
Session 3: July 13 - July 26
Session 4: July 27 - Aug 9
Class times: choose 1 per session
Mornings - Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30am
Evenings - Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm
Register here (select "Adult Learn to Row" and your session and time slot preference).
Please visit our Registration Page the simple step-by-step process.
$150/session (total of 4 classes)
*Student Discount available for undergrad or graduate students. Enter code STUDENT when checking out.
What to wear?
Wear clothes that are comfortable for exercising and appropriate for the weather. We will go out in cold, hot and rainy conditions (everything but thunderstorms), so check the weather frequently and come prepared.
For the top of your body: Shirts/jackets should be form-fitting and not baggy - loose or baggy sweatshirts can get caught on the oars.
For bottoms: sweatpants or leggings are ok, as are running-style shorts or compression shorts. Again, avoid baggy clothing. Shorts that are long and loose can get caught in the boat seat.
On your head: Hats and sunglasses are recommended to keep the sun out of your face and eyes.
On your feet: For the first couple classes you should wear athletic/running shoes. We will do some introductory work on our rowing machines during the first classes and you will want shoes for that. After that, you can wear any shoes you want (including flip flops), but be sure to bring socks. There are shoes in the boats that are attached to the boat. You just wear socks in the boats.
All practices occur in Stewart Park at Cascadilla Boathouse. Practices are held, weather permitting, on the Cayuga and Fall Creek Inlets, and Cayuga Lake. Typically, boats go out in most weather except when there is a strong north wind or thunder. If the weather does not allow rowing, practices are held on-land and include aerobic workouts, strength training, erging, and stretching.
