Overview

After the initial "learn to row" you may join the club and row in boats appropriate to your skill level. You may sign up for each additional set of lessons when you feel ready.

There are four steps to learning how to row at Bayside Rowing Club.

Our weekend "crash course" combines the first two (2) steps: learning how to row and learning how to scull (see below).

Step three (3) and four (4) take place after you've acquired some skill within the sport.

Step One: Learn to Row

All beginners will learn to row in Viking Boats. These boats measure 40 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and carry 14 rowers and (one) 1 coxie to steer the boat. On average, these boats weigh 800 pounds. They are very stable and ideally suited for beginners. Click here to see Viking Boat rowing in action.

Step Two: Learn to Scull

Sculling is where to the rowers use two (2) oars each. It is one of the most enjoyable forms of rowing. All sculling students will learn in “touring quads” which are ideal for the beginning sculler. These lessons will introduce the rower to the sliding seat and the concept of balance.

Step Three: Learn to "Olympic" Row

Olympic-style rowing is what you’ve probably seen on television. The boats are narrow and require more skill and experience. These lessons will be conducted in “eights”. Each rower holds one oar and sits single file. Coordination, timing, balance and teamwork are essential skills.

Step Four: Learn to "Olympic" Scull

Once rowers have mastered Olympic-style rowing, then the next logical step is Olympic-style sculling in racing singles and doubles. These boats are the narrowest and the most challenging form of rowing. However, it is also regarded as the most enjoyable level of rowing. These nimble rowers skim across the water like water spiders, exhibiting the balance of a tight-rope walker and the grace of a ballerina.

Details