Learn to Row - Ann Arbor Rowing Club

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AARC Learn to Row Program (LTR)

AARC invites you to experience the joy of rowing on Argo pond and we welcome all new rowers to our Learn to Row (LTR) classes!

In sweep rowing, each rower uses one oar in boats of 4 or 8 rowers (plus a coxswain). Sweep rowing is about working together with other athletes to enjoy the water. Come experience the joys of teamwork, camaraderie, and getting in sync with others to accomplish great things!

Our Learn to Row classes are designed for adults of all ages and abilities with no previous rowing experience. Many of our current AARC club members learned to row in one of our classes!

Learn to Row Program Description

Participants will begin on land with training on Concept2 rowing machines. Once students become comfortable with the basics, the class goes out on the water in an 8-person shell. A qualified coach will ride alongside the boat in a motored launch to provide instruction and guidance for rowers as they learn the rowing stroke and techniques of rowing together. An experienced coxswain guides the boat to ensure rowers have an optimal learning experience.

Structured lessons occur over four weeks, meeting three times per week for approximately 90 minutes per session (See table below for meeting times.)
Attendance at all practices in the first week of class is REQUIRED
Coach to student ratio of approximately 1:5.
Participants will use AARC boats and equipment during lessons
Social events with new rowers and AARC members will help participants learn more about the sport and the club

Requirements

Register and pay for Learn to Row Session (see below)
USRowing Learn-to-Row membership ($10) including signed waiver (information will be emailed to registrants to complete this immediately preceding the start of the class session)
Must have sufficient mobility to enter and exit the boat safely and strength to participate in lifting the boat
Swimming ability (Adults over 18 must attest that you can swim)
LTR classes are intended for those 18 and older. If you are under 18 years, please check out the Washtenaw Rowing Center or your local high school.

(See the table at bottom of the page for Class Registration)

2025	Practice Signups	Weekly Schedule

After Completion of the LTR Class

Immediately after successful completion of the LTR class, the rower is invited to become a Full Member of AARC and to participate in our coached Technical Sweep Program. The first four weeks immediately following the completion of your class are offered at a discounted rate as a trial period. This allows new rowers to experience continued growth in skills, fitness, and comfort on water and confirm that rowing and AARC are a fit. Please note there is no flexibility on which 4 weeks are offered at a discounted rate.

Note that you have more schedule flexibility as part of the Technical Sweep Program, as you select, one week in advance, which of the 6 coached practices you will attend.

After the 4-week Technical Sweep Rowing trial period, we hope you will continue to row with us. If you do, you will need to register for the remainder of the Technical Sweep Rowing Program season and pay appropriate seasonal fees, as well as upgrade your USRowing membership. To learn more about the Technical Sweep program, click here.

You will receive more information about registering for the Technical Sweep Program via email once you have started your LTR class.

Is a Learn-to-row class right for me?

There is no training or fitness level necessary for this class, but rowing requires a certain about of mobility to enter and exit the boat safely. If you are able to get down to the floor in a sitting position using only one hand, and then get back up again, you should be fine. If you have difficulties with this maneuver, you may want to take a mobility course (e.g., yoga, tai chi, etc.) to improve your flexibility before enrolling in the class. If you have questions, please contact a coach. If you have specific questions, please contact us at info@a2crew.com.

Sign up early, Classes fill fast!

$300 for the 4-week program or $225 for Students (college, professional & graduate students) and Veterans
AARC endeavors to make rowing accessible to the broad community. To support participation, scholarships are available to those with financial need.

Refund Policy

Please review our refund policy carefully before registering for a learning program.

If you withdraw from a class 28 or more days (4 weeks) before the first day of a class, you will receive a refund minus a $25.00 processing fee.
If you withdraw from a class 21-27 (3-4 weeks) days before the start date of a class, you will receive a refund minus a $50.00 processing fee or credit for another class (in the same year, if space is available), minus a $50.00 processing fee.
If you withdraw from a class less than 21 days (20 days or less) before the first day of the class, you will receive credit for another class (in the same year, if space is available), minus a $50.00 processing fee.
NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS WILL BE GIVEN ON OR AFTER THE START DATE OF THE PROGRAM. (Exceptions may be made due to injury)
No credits will be carried to the following year.

2025 LTR Classes
Registration Opens March 26th @ 9am
To register, click on the button for the appropriate session in the table below.
Please review the Learn to Row Intro Packet

Phase #1 Register	Learn to Row Class	Days	Time	Phase #2 Technical Sweep Program Trial $100 or $75 student/vet	Phase #3 Technical Sweep Program $365 or $275 student/vet
LTR 1	April 26-May 22	Sat/T/Th	T/Th: 6:30-8:00 PM Sat: 9-10:30 AM	May 27-June 21	June 23-Aug 29
LTR 2	April 28-May 24	Mon/Wed/Fri	6:30-8:00 PM	May 27-June 21	June 23-Aug 29
LTR 3	June 2-June 27	Mon/Wed/Fri	6:30-8:00 PM	June 30-July 6	July 28-Aug 29

Questions?Email info@a2crew.com