Registration for Adult Learn to Row classes opens March 1.

Sessions A, B, C, E, and F meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 to 8:30 PM for two weeks.

Session D ("Camp") meets four consecutive evenings Tuesday through Friday, 6:15 to 8:30 PM.

Session A: May 20 to 29
$420

Session B: June 3 to 12
$370

Session C: June 17 to 26
$320

Session D Camp: July 8 to 11
$270

Session E: July 22 to 31
$220

Session F: August 5 to 14
$200

We offer a 10% discount for current members of affiliated partners Catalyst Rowing Fitness, Harbor Athletic Club, and teachers. You will need to demonstrate your affiliation with a membership or staff ID.

2025 Winter Learn to Row students enjoy a 15% discount. 

Please contact the Learn to Row Admin with your credential to receive your discount code.

Note: Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment. If cancellation is instigated by Mendota Rowing Club, a full refund will be issued.

If a participant cancels more than 7 days before the start of a session, a refund will be issued minus a $10.00 registration fee. If a participant cancels less than 7 days before the first class meeting, a 50% refund will be issued.

A participant may change to another session free of charge seven or more days before the original session start date.

Session registration will close one week prior to the first meeting.

Q: I've never rowed before. Can I take the class?

A: YES of course! Learn to Row is designed for folks who have never rowed before.

Q. Why are the later classes' fees less expensive?

Your class fee includes Summer Novice membership through August 31. This special group has a dedicated coach and meets at least three days a week. You are encouraged to continue practicing the basics you learned in class and gain new experience and, we hope, proficiency, by signing up for all the Novice Group practices your life allows.

Thus, the early classes effectively have a longer summer season included in the session.

Q: I want to learn to row in a single. Do you teach sculling?

A: We do! Based on class sizes and time constraints, your Learn to Row instructor can introduce both sweep and sculling techniques.

In 2025 we will offer group sculling classes for Learn to Row graduates. You receive an announcement when that is open. When you join Novice group you may also be introduced to sculling, at the discretion of the Novice Coach.

If you are motivated to jump directly to sculling after your Learn to Row class, contact us about private lessons. While so much of what every beginner needs to know is thoughtfully presented in the group classes, we can arrange to schedule an instructor for individual or small group instruction.  

Q: Sculling? Sweep? What?

A: Sculling is rowing with two oars, one in each hand. You can scull by yourself in a single shell (boat), or in two- and four-person boats.

Sweep rowing is when you have both hands on one oar, and you row in a bigger boat with other people, with a non-rowing coxswain who steers and directs the crew.

Q: I must drive to my class. Where can I park?

A: Parking is available on Gorham St as well as in the James Madison Park lot at Gorham St and N Butler St.

Q: What happens to class during inclement weather?

A: We'll set up a group text with your instructor, so they can notify you early if class is canceled. Otherwise, please assume that class will be held and come to the boathouse. There are lots of land skills to practice that apply in the boat.

Q: I need to miss a class. Can I make it up?

A: We will try to work something out, but missing a class is not ideal and we urge you to plan as well as you can to attend.

We have a limited number of spots in each class, and a structured schedule.

The boats require a set number of bodies, and a missing rower means at best an imbalanced row, at worst no one goes out.

Please do your best to sign up for a class session where you can come to every meeting. If you have an emergency, please contact your instructor as early as possible. For a make-up class, we'll try to work something out, but no promises.

Be reminded that your class fee includes ongoing coached sessions after your class ends. you are encouraged to continue by signing up for these practices to work on practicing rowing.

Q: How can I continue to row after class?

A: Your Adult LTR class fee includes coached Novice group practices until August 31st. After that date, you'll be eligible for a discounted club membership as a recent LTR graduate. After that, why, the world is your oyster.

Q: What should I wear to class?

A: Please wear or bring:

• stretchy close-fitting shorts, knickers, or pants
• a shirt you can move in. A UV top may be a good idea
• gym shoes for land work including rowing machines
  
• water-worthy footwear if you want your gym shoes to stay dry (e.g. Crocs or Tevas)
• socks are important for your comfort in the boat
• sunglasses, hat. Classes meet late afternoon and typically end around twilight
• a fleece jacket or windbreaker as weather conditions indicate
• water bottle. Plastic is preferred as it is kinder to the rowing shells
• food energy snack, if helps you stay focused.

If you have any other questions regarding class content, contact the Learn to Row Admin.