Learn to Row
Prerequisites and Preparation
If you can swim 50m and carry 40 pounds you are ready to row!
All equipment required to participate is suppled by the Kamloops Rowing Club.
Rowers should wear athletic clothing and avoid jackets or tops with front pockets as they will snag the oar handles. Running shoes with a narrower heal are recommended. There is no potable water on site so be sure to bring a full water bottle.
Program Details
The Learn to Row program consists of four 2 hour semi-private lessons. The lessons are generally held in quick succession during the months of May and June, allowing graduates to enjoy the rest of the rowing season. The lessons are conducted in stable coastal boats, wider hulled recreational boats or racing shells equipped with pontoons. In the unlikely event you should take an unplanned swim, be sure to bring a full change of clothing.
- Site orientation, boathouse tour and safety protocols
- Introductions to rowing equipment and terminology
- Dry land training in techniques and timing using the ERG (ergometer, aka rowing machine)
- On the water session focusing on boat entry and exit, simple boat adjustments, and practicing the basic components of the rowing stroke
- Dry land ERG warm up and review of lesson 1
- Rowing practice using drills to build rhythm, co-ordination and stability
- Rowing in a straight line
- Dry land ERG warm up and review
- Rowing practice using drills to develop required skills such as course correction, backing and turning
- Rowing in a straight line
- Dry land ERG warm up and review
- Rowing practice using drills to build co-ordination and stability in the boat
- Practice and evaluation of turning and backing, launching and docking
Once you have completed the Learn to Row Program you are welcome to join the club and participate in supervised rowing sessions. The purchase of a Row Pass is the best option for program graduates.