Learn to Row for Adults
Do you want to learn how to row? There are two types of rowing: sculling and sweep rowing. You are encouraged to read up on the differences, but here they are defined simply: In sculling, each athlete holds two oars (one in each hand), and can scull alone in a single shell (boat) or with a partner in a double shell or with 3 others in a quad (shell). In sweep rowing, each rower holds only one oar and rows as part of a crew (which generally includes a coxswain and 4 or 8 rowers). You can learn to scull or sweep or both at MRC.
LEARN HOW TO SCULL
Sculling offers a way for you to row at a time that is convenient for your schedule. The Club has several single shells, double shells, and two quads for members' use. And to get you started, we have wide-bottom trainer singles which are more stable than the narrow shells used for racing.
Introduction to sculling instruction is provided free to all new fully-paid members by volunteer Club members who are experienced scullers, beginning when the water is warmer, the winds are minimal and the current is slow (generally mid May at the earliest). You will receive two lessons with an instructor, by which time you should have gained the skills necessary to push off from the dock in a trainer single, row out a ways, turn around, and safely land back at the dock without assistance. After successfully meeting those requirements and displaying safety awareness and boat handling skills, you are welcome to use Club singles to row on your own, abiding by the Club's Safety Rules. Or, if you would like some additional learning time on the water in a double with a volunteer club sculler, you may wish to take advantage of up to two sessions with a "double-setter", a person who will go out with you in a double, to give you more time and experience on the water. This is also a great way to meet other scullers and perhaps find a sculling buddy or partner.
LEARN HOW TO SWEEP
Sweep rowing is a team sport, with each boat consisting of a coxswain and either 4 or 8 rowers. A boat cannot go out without all seats filled, so it demands athletes who are committed to their crew's practice times.
In 2011, MRC will be offering Sweep Learn to Row (LTR) to adult men and women, without requiring club membership. Beginning sweep rowers must attend an LTR session. We expect to hold up to six different LTR sessions in 2011, two each in June, July and August. Participants will be expected to attend two evening practices a week (either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Coxswain training is also available during LTR sessions.
2011 ADULT LEARN TO ROW SESSIONS
Session #1: June 6 – June 29 (Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30pm – 7:30pm)
Session #2: June 7 – June 30 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm – 7:30 pm)
Session #3: July 11 – August 3 (Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30pm – 7:30pm)
Session #4: July 12 – August 4 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm – 7:30 pm)
Session #5: August 8 – August 31 (Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30pm – 7:30pm)
Session #6: August 9 – September 1 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm – 7:30 pm)
Cost: $150 per session. Space is limited in each adult LTR session and slots will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. There are no refunds and no discounts for missed practices.
Upon successfully completing LTR by demonstrating specified skills and safety awareness, a participant who wants to continue sweep rowing may join the Club by paying annual membership dues of $400 plus a coaching fee (about $100 for the summer, prorated based on the participant's start date). Sweep rowers have the option to either row recreationally or competitively. Competitive rowers have attendance and training requirements, but all rowers have the opportunity to race.
LTR rowers and coxswains use an online signup system to indicate when they will attend practice.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
- Swim at least 200 meters (self-certify on waiver)
- Tread water for at least 10 minutes (self-certify on waiver)
- Lift a minimum of 40 pounds over head (self-certify on waiver)
- Sign the MRC waiver
- View U.S. Rowing Safety DVD
- Take an online safety quiz based on MRC rules and U.S. Rowing Safety DVD
For more information about learning to scull or the Milwaukee Rowing Club's adult program for beginner and experienced rowers and coxswains, please contact the MRC Adult Rowing Committee: ARC@milwaukeerowingclub.org.
