Beginning Sweep Rowing
$120 per session
Program Description:
This class teaches new rowers the basics of team rowing. Students will be introduced to the sport in a small-group setting and will learn boat-handling skills, water safety, and rowing technique. The class fee includes a free guest membership for one (1) month, upon completion of the class, where new rowers can row with the novice/intermediate team to improve their skills in a team setting.
Prerequisite:
No rowing experience is needed. Swim test, waivers, and class fees must be received prior to the class.
Class Times:
Sweep rowing sessions will meet Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for two (2) weekends per session.
Class Dates:
Session 1: April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2012
Session 2: June 23-24 and June 30-July 1, 2012
Session 3: July 28-29 and August 4-5, 2012
Session 4: September 29-30 and October 6-7, 2012
Session 5: October 27-28 and November 3-4, 2012
FAQ:
More Questions:
Email sweep@lakemerrittrowingclub.org
Registration:
Beginning Sweep Rowing Registration Forms:
LMRC Swim Test
LMRC Standard Athlete’s Release Form
Enrollment Directions:
1. All rowing students must show proof of their ability to swim (from a Water Safety Instructor) before taking the class. Complete your swim test, fill out the Swim Test Form, and have it signed by the WSI.
The Swim Test and a list of pools that can administer the test can be found here.
2. Complete a personal check payment for $120 (made out to Lake Merritt Rowing Club).
3. Complete a Standard Athlete’s Release Form.
4. Mail all three documents (Swim Test Form, Check payment, and Standard Athlete’s Release Form) to the following address:
Maria Watt
1264 Monterey Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94707
Each class will hold ten people. Enrollment in each class will be based upon a “first come, first served” process when we have full receipt of all the necessary documentation. A spot will not be held for anyone who neglects to send all three documents. A spot in the class is not considered confirmed until the instructor approves and the appropriate forms and payment are in order. Please indicate which class you are interested in when you submit your documentation. After we receive your documents, we will notify and confirm the class schedule with you. If we cannot schedule you into your desired class, we will notify you of the next available class.
NOTE: If the forms and checks are sent to the club’s post office box instead of to the address above, you most likely will not get into the next available class.
——————————————————————————————————————————-
Additional Sweep Rowing Information
In sweep rowing, each rower has one oar and holds the handle of his or her oar with both hands. The oars alternate from the port and starboard sides of the boat. Sweep boat configurations accommodate two, four, or eight rowers. Sweep boats usually have coxswains, whose job is to steer the boat and call out rowing commands to the crew.
During the sweep rowing class, participants are taught using the club’s ergometers and eight-oared rowing shells. Students are taught how to hold, lift, and carry the boat out of the boathouse and into the water (and back into the boathouse again), how to insert the oars and get into and out of the boat, how to maneuver the boat with the oars, how to row together as a team, and how to follow basic coxswain commands. During the classes, the students will row on Lake Merritt under the supervision of the instructor and learn the proper traffic pattern on the lake.
Upon successful completion of the beginning sweep rowing class, new members are welcome to join the club’s organized intermediate sweep rowing crew.