RRC offers group instruction in sculling and sweep rowing for adults who have little or no rowing experience. The goal of these courses is to learn rowing safety and etiquette, achieve basic rowing skills and technique, and understand the excitement and fun of the sport of rowing. Following successful completion of group instruction, introductory members are eligible to become novice members. You can become an introductory member by registering for one of our Learn To Row courses below. Boats and oars are provided.

Sculling Courses
All sculling courses will take place over four two-hour sessions at Lake Wheeler. Students will learn to scull, which involves rowing with two oars. Students will learn to row in four-person sculling boats (quads) that are steered by an experienced sculler. Students are taught by an instructor in a safety launch. Each sculling course is limited to seven students by necessity. The cost of the course is $150.

• April Course
• Saturday 4/3 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Sunday 4/4 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (note, this is Easter)
• Saturday 4/10 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Sunday 4/11 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.

• May Course
• Sunday 5/16 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Saturday 5/22 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Sunday 5/23 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Saturday 5/29 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (note, this is Memorial Day weekend)

• July Course
• Tuesday 7/13 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 7/15 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday 7/20 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 7/22 6p.m. - 8 p.m.

Sweep Courses
This year, we are offering one sweep rowing class, which will take place over six two-hour sessions at Lake Wheeler. Students will learn to sweep, which involves rowing with one oar. Students will learn to row in eight-person rowing boats (eights) that are steered by an experienced coxswain. Students are taught by an instructor in a safety launch. Each rowing course is limited to eighteen students by necessity. The cost of the course is $150.

• June Course
• Tuesday 6/8 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 6/10 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday 6/15 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 6/17 6p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday 6/22 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 6/24 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

What happens after I finish the course?
Graduates of our learn to row courses will know the fundamentals of the rowing stroke, commands, safety, and equipment. However, it's the rare athlete who can become a proficient rower without further instruction. With the novice rower in mind, we have created a novice membership. All graduates of our learn to row program are welcome to join the club as novice members and continue receiving coaching and instruction through the rest of the calendar year.

Our Novice Development Coordinator oversees a group of volunteer coaches, all of whom are experienced rowers. These coaches run two or three novices practices each week. All novice members are welcome to participate in every practice. A coach in a safety launch accompanies the rowers on the water to provide instruction and feedback. Consistent practice should give most novices the proficiency needed to compete in races during the fall season (if they want to!).

The novice membership is $200 and, in addition to coaching, includes all of the benefits of the standard membership.

How fit do I need to be to take a rowing class?
Introductory classes focus on technique rather than conditioning, so anyone with a moderate level of fitness will be able to enjoy a rowing class. The required physical effort is no greater than a brisk walk. As you continue to row, your endurance will improve as your technique permits you to row for longer periods of time. If you are already very fit, rowing is a superb full-body workout, but the rowing lessons themselves won't be. Rowing also requires moving boats from the storage racks to the water, which involves some lifting. If you have specific questions, please contact us using the online web form.

The course I want is full!
We do maintain wait lists for all courses because cancellations happen. If demand is high enough and we have available instructors and equipment, we may offer additional courses. Carolina Masters, a masters rowing program in Chapel Hill, also offers introductory rowing courses (sweep only).

Do you issue refunds?
We issue full refunds up to two weeks before the first day of each course. If you cancel after that time, we may be able to apply your payment to a later course.

How old do you have to be?
At this time, RRC offers introductory rowing courses only to adults (18 and over). We recommend contacting Triangle Rowing regarding programs for juniors (under 18).