“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
Adult Learn to Row
This program is a fun 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.
Most of the 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 will 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 typically need to enroll in multiple classes to become proficient enough to pass the captain's test.
Ages: Age 18 and up
5 Sessions offered:
Classes are offered in two week blocks with 2 practices/week
Session 1: June 9 - 19
Session 2: June 23 - July 3
Session 3: July 7 - 17
Session 4: July 21- 31
Session 5: August 11 - 21
Class times:
Mornings - Mondays and Wednesday 5:30-7:30am
Evenings - Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm
Register here (select "Adult Learn to Row" and your session and time slot preference).
Please be aware that all rowers, even members of Learn to Row classes, 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 visit our Registration Page the simple step-by-step process.
$125/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.
This program is a fun 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.
Most of the 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 will 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 typically need to enroll in multiple classes to become proficient enough to pass the captain's test.
Ages: Age 18 and up
5 Sessions offered:
Classes are offered in two week blocks with 2 practices/week
Session 1: June 9 - 19
Session 2: June 23 - July 3
Session 3: July 7 - 17
Session 4: July 21- 31
Session 5: August 11 - 21
Class times:
Mornings - Mondays and Wednesday 5:30-7:30am
Evenings - Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm
Register here (select "Adult Learn to Row" and your session and time slot preference).
Please be aware that all rowers, even members of Learn to Row classes, 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 visit our Registration Page the simple step-by-step process.
$125/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.
Private lessons are available for $30-60/hour depending on the coach.
For more information or to schedule a lesson, contact us at [email protected] with the dates/times you are available and we'll connect you with a coach.
For more information or to schedule a lesson, contact us at [email protected] with the dates/times you are available and we'll connect you with a coach.
