LEARN TO ROW
If you've always wanted to join a rowing team, this class is the place to start. Although there is no obligation to join the club, after completing Learn to Row, participants have the option to join the Minnesota Boat Club and continue rowing as a member of the Novice team.​ But, for now, this class will introduce you to all aspects of rowing technique.
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We will start by teaching you good technique, and then (in the nicest possible way!) make sure you use it. We will also consistently use "real" rowing terminology so that if you do continue, you will already speak the language. Understanding what your coach wants you to do is an essential first step towards being able to learn and adjust while out on the water. Once basic technique has been established on our indoor rowing machines, the class will move to the water where participants will progress their technique using our stable training boats. If participant technique and class timeline permits, the class will conclude with time in a real rowing shell!
Junior PROGRAM
MESSAGE FROM MBC:
With the changing water levels on the Mississippi River, we have made the decision to reschedule the Junior Learn to Row sessions. The new dates will be one session containing three days of learning the basics of rowing: June 19, June 21, and June 23 from 3:45PM to 5:45PM each day. If your athlete loves rowing and decides to join the team after completing the sessions, then we're offering $100 off of the regular summer season fee!
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One of our only home regattas (rowing races) will be on Saturday, June 17 at Lake Nokomis so if you're interested in seeing what our community is all about, please come and cheer on Minnesota Boat Club and see what racing looks like!"
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​OBJECTIVE:
Learn the basics of rowing!
Familiarizing participants with equipment, terms, safety and rowing technique; starting indoors on the rowing machine and progressing to on-water rowing (time and weather permitting).​
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Schedule: [UPDATED]
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June 19th, 21st, & 23rd from 9:00am to 11:00am
PARTICIPANT Fee: $200
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REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be able to swim and/or tread water for at least 15 minutes.
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aDULT PROGRAMS
STEP 1) Learn To Row
​OBJECTIVE:
Learn the basics of rowing!
Familiarizing participants with equipment, terms, safety and sweep rowing technique; starting indoors on the rowing machine and progressing to on-water rowing.​
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Schedule: Three 2-hour classes over 3 days.
PARTICIPANT Fee: $250
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REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be able to swim and/or tread water for at least 15 minutes.
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Step 2) Sculling Camps
​OBJECTIVE:
Having been introduced to the sweep rowing technique through Learn to Row or previous experience, MBC's sculling camps are geared toward getting rowers familiar with the basics of the sculling technique.​
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Schedule: One 3-hour session
PARTICIPANT Fee:
Option 1) $90
Option 2) Complimentary for LTR graduates who sign up for a Novice team membership.
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REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be able to swim and/or tread water for at least 15 minutes.
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Learn to Row graduate, collegiate rower, or you have contacted MBC and received approval from the Learn to Row Coordinator (Bri@MinnesotaBoatClub.org).
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STEP 3) NOVICE TRIAL WEEK
​OBJECTIVE:
The trial week offered to help LTR graduates gain confidence in the boat, get to know MBC members, coaches and culture, as well as provide a glimpse into what becoming a full time member looks like.
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Schedule: Join the development team for up to 4 afternoon practices (M/Tu/W/Th) during a designated trial week.
PARTICIPANT Fee: $50
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REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be able to swim and/or tread water for at least 15 minutes.
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Learn to Row graduate, collegiate rower, or you have contacted MBC and received approval from the Learn to Row Coordinator (Bri@MinnesotaBoatClub.org).
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WAITLIST
If sessions fill up and you weren't able to snag a spot, sign up for the Learn to Row Waitlist. Waitlist contacts will be the first to get notified when new sessions are available and if current sessions have a cancellation to fill.
Sweep vs. Sculling Technique
Follow this link to the US Rowing website for more information about the differences are between sweep and sculling.
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What to Wear and Bring
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Wear old tennis shoes or other stable footwear (no sandals or flip-flops).
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Wear fitted shorts, like Spandex, because looser clothes can get stuck in the moving parts of the rowing machines and boats.
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Bring a water bottle; you can fill it up at the boathouse.
How to Find Us
Click here for detailed directions.​
Weather
Rowing is a weather-dependent sport, but classes will be held rain or shine, with as much time as possible spent in boats.
Make-Up Classes
Because this is a team sport, we cannot offer make-up classes for individuals. Please choose a session that allows you to attend and participate in all the classes!
Limitations
Boats come in different sizes. The boats we use for our rowing classes can accommodate rowers up to 240 lbs. The maximum width for each seat in the boat is 24", or about the width of an easy chair. Our equipment is not safe for anyone beyond those limitations.
Refund Policy
There is a non-refundable, $10 deposit included in your registration. You can receive the remainder if you cancel your Learn to Row or Taste of Rowing enrollment more than two weeks prior to your session. You will receive a 50% refund (minus the $10 deposit) if you cancel 8 to 14 days before the start of your session. No refund will be given if you cancel during the week leading up to your session. In the event you need to request a refund or notify us of cancellation, please send a email to Bri@MinnesotaBoatClub.org
Custom Classes
It's also possible to have us coordinate a class specifically for your group of 8-12 people. Maybe your cycling group, book club or golf buddies would like to take a rowing class with you. We can try to have your class meet on 3 days and times that work the best for your group!
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"I REALLY ENJOYED IT & WANT TO KEEP TRYING!"
"THANK YOU!
SO MUCH FUN!"
"Very good pace of introducing the skills."