Rowing Classes

ARA has two types of classes for people who want to learn to row.

Learn to Row teaches sweep rowing which is a team sport. You will row in an 8-person sweep rowing shell using one 13-foot oar on either the port or starboard side of the boat. The rowers face the stern (back) of the boat and a coxswain (cox, the 9^th person and non-rower) sits in the stern of the boat and provides direction to the rowers.

Learn to Scull teaches sculling which can be done as an individual, or in boats with 2 or 4 rowers (singles, doubles and quads). Sculling in singles can be taught throughout the season through private lessons but opportunities to learn sweep rowing are limited to the Learn to Row classes or special events, such as our annual Dave Thorsness Rowing Challenge fundraiser.

We start Learn to Row classes as soon as Sand Lake thaws since sweep rowing in 8s is generally stable and safe in colder water. Learn to Scull starts later in June when the water warms up a bit since sculling, especially in singles, can be less stable than rowing in bigger boats. Sweep rowing and sculling are different, but both are really fun!

If you have any questions regarding our classes, please contact President@AnchorageRowing.com