LEARN TO ROW

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The Los Angeles Rowing Club Spring 2017 Learn To Row Weekend will take place on March 25th from 7am-12pm and on March 26th from 8am-12pm.  Registration will open on Sunday February 26th at 8:00am.  Please submit an LTR enquiry form to larcvp@gmail.com.

How do I learn to row?
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.

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 20 individuals per session.
Contact us here if you are interested in joining the next LTR session.

Learn-to-Row Program

LTR Weekend: The LTR program begins with an orientation weekend, held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Attendance both days is MANDATORY. Orientation culminates with a fun club-wide barbecue that allows new rowers to meet club members.

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! After this introductory weekend, LTR rowers have the opportunity to participate in free rows during the following week and weekend. If you decide to commit to the program, you will be asked to join LARC and attend LTR instructed rows at least twice a week for the next 6 months. Most Saturday rows also include coaching.

Learn-to-Row Schedule
LTRs meet on the following days and times (your row will be scheduled for you, based on your availability). Night owls, take note:
  • Wednesdays at 6:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Saturdays at 7:00 am - 8:30 am
  • Sundays at 7:00 am - 8:30 am
LTR rowers may be invited to advance into novice boats at the end of their first three months; these members will still be required to row at least once per week in an LTR boat.

What is the cost of the Learn To Row orientation?
The LTR weekend is $200 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.

What is the cost of continuing in the LTR program? 
After orientation, LTR rowers, like all other LARC members, pay $120 per quarter.

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 (fit enough to help carry a large boat overhead)
  • attend the LTR weekend
  • participate in a minimum of at least two rows per week in the LTR boats during the first quarter
  • sign an LARC Waiver

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. 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.

What does rowing looking like?
Please see the US Rowing – Row Technique flier for basic elements of a stroke.

Good rowing videos
This is the stroke of the Gold Medal Women's 8+ from the London Olympics. It's a good one because it is slowed down.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T19a0bRzp1Q 
Here is the same clip with text to explain each portion of the stroke: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bm3qf_AJHM

How do I prepare for the LTR program?

Step 1: Start on Land
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

Step 2: Sign up for the Learn-to-Row Program.

Step 3: Row, row, row. Practice makes perfect.

See you out on the water!!!