Learn-to-Row Program

Next LTR Program starts: September 2024 (SOLD OUT)

Weekend Intensive: September 21 & 22, 2024

Cost:
  • $300 for the weekend intensive
  • $25 US Rowing Membership
  • $150 club dues per quarter
  • $325 coaching fee per quarter

​The Learn-to-Row program is 6 months long and includes a one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) intensive called LTR Weekend followed by 6-months of practice rows.  The $300 weekend fee covers only the weekend intensive and following 1 week of rowing. This event typically sells out within a couple of minutes of registration opening. We ask that only those that are willing to commit to the entire program apply.

  • Twice a year, the Los Angeles Rowing Club (LARC) conducts a Learn-to-Row (LTR) program to teach the sport of rowing to adults with no prior sweep rowing experience or to those who want a refresher course. The course is taught by experienced club volunteers. The Learn to Row program is only offered twice each year, despite great demand, as our club is composed of all volunteers and this event takes a large time investment to coordinate.
  • We teach sweep rowing (one oar per person), in crews of four and eight, in a calm and supportive atmosphere. Our emphasis is on basic technique, teamwork, and having fun!
  • All equipment is provided.
  • The Spring session usually kicks off late March or early April and the Fall session usually begins mid-September or early October. Each class is limited to 16 individuals per session. Contact us here if you are interested in joining the next LTR program.
  • All participants are required to sign a liability waiver and audio/visual waiver in order to participate.
Learn-to-Row Weekend
The LTR program begins with an orientation weekend intensive, held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Attendance both days is MANDATORY. Please do not apply if you are unsure that you can be there for the entire weekend session.  Orientation culminates with a fun club-wide barbecue that allows new rowers to meet club members.
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What can you expect on LTR weekend? 
You will learn fundamentals of rowing, boat-handling skills and safety. Rowing technique is practiced first on the ergometer (rowing machine) and then you will actually get into a boat and ROW on the water! Despite how easy rowing may appear, this sport is highly technical, taking many years to master. There is so much to learn including the language of rowing, stroke sequence, balancing the boat (setting), and technical detail. You should be willing to work on technique for the first month or two of rowing. The intense cardio workout will come after that.  If you are looking only for cardio you may want to consider sticking with rowing machines (ergs).

​What should I wear/bring?
  • Clothes: The fashion police will not be attending, but DO NOT wear baggy shorts or sweats, because they get caught in the seat tracks. Bike shorts, leggings or something similarly tight are needed.
  • Shoes: You will need sneakers for the ergs. For the water rowing portion, Flip flops or crocs are encouraged, as you'll be walking across the beach into the water. 
  • Socks:  For comfort and sanitary purposes, bring a pair of socks; you will put them on prior to slipping your feet into boat shoes.
  • Water: Bring bottled water to hydrate yourself while in the boat.
  • Sunscreen:  Please wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Requirements:
To participate in the LTR program, individuals are required to:
  • be at least 18 years old
  • attest to their ability to stay afloat in water for 10 minutes
  • be in good physical condition
  • be able to lift and carry 30 lbs up and over their head (we carry our boats to and from the water for each row) All rowers must be able to take their fair share of the weight of the boat
  • complete all waivers and paperwork prior to the weekend
  • attend the LTR weekend in it's entirety
  • participate in a minimum of at least two rows per week in the LTR boats 

Learn-to-Row FAQs

​What is the cost of the Learn To Row orientation? 
The LTR weekend intensive is $300 per rower, which includes the orientation weekend and two free rows the following week. Payment is required at the time of registration and is non-refundable. You will also be required to sign up for a USRowing membership which costs $25.

What is the cost of continuing in the LTR program? 
After orientation, LTR rowers, like all other LARC members, pay $300 for the next 6 months of LTR rowing. There will also be a required $650 coaching fee which covers the 6-month period. Both dues and the coaching fee are paid per quarter.

What does rowing look like?
​How do I prepare for participating in the Learn-to-Row Program?
​Have you ever been on a rowing machine (erg) in a gym or have you taken a rowing class? If not, we encourage you to try the erg (land rowing) before the Learn To Row weekend. Most fitness centers have ergs available as part of their workout equipment. You can also go to iROW Fitness Studio in Los Angeles and rent time on equipment without having a membership. Here’s an example of good technique on the erg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ82RYIFLN8

How can I increase my odds of getting a spot in the next Learn-to-Row Program?
​We know that spots filling up quickly can be very frustrating for those who have made previous attempts to get into the program.  Therefore, we are offering an additional, early registration date for those who have signed up for a package of erg (rowing machine) or sculling classes. These spots are limited; however, if you are unable to secure a spot during early registration, you will have another chance to try for a spot during open registration.  We do not offer erg or sculling classes at LARC, but below is a list of places that do: 

Sculling:
UCLA Marine Aquatic Center (MAC) https://www.recreation.ucla.edu/mac#16942732-rowing

Erg Classes and Sculling:
iRow Fitness 
https://www.irowfitness.com/lessons/#water

Erg Classes: 
The Row House
https://www.therowhouse.com/location/santa-monica
This location offers a variety of erg classes. Their Full Row class would be most beneficial for LTRs. They often have deals and discounts on packages as well. 

These classes are not mandatory and are not affiliated with LARC.  Registration for our LTR classes is still open to everyone.   This is just an option for those that want to increase their chances of securing a spot in the LTR program.  Please note you will still need to pay the LTR registration fee for LTR Weekend by completing online registration on the date(s) mentioned above.  

In order to qualify for priority early registration, you must forward Marygrace Coquia (our VP of Membership) at [email protected] the confirmation email that you are enrolled in an erg or sculling class at least one month prior to the next LTR registration date. You may also take a package of erg or sculling classes elsewhere and be eligible for early registration as long as you forward the confirmation to Marygrace.  The early registration date will then be emailed to you. 
Erg and/or sculling lessons will be very helpful for learning how to sweep row because you will have learned and been able to practice the basic body mechanics of rowing prior to joining LTR.