Learn to Row

It's fun and challenging! Our classes are for learning the basics, not necessarily getting in a workout, but rowing is a sport that can be physically strenuous, and it will work your mind as well! Rowers must stay in sync with one another to move the boat effectively, so you must concentrate on your movements and match them to everyone else's. The shared experience makes for great cameraderie both on and off the water. When all the rowers are moving together and the boat is slipping through the water, it's an exhilarating feeling. Rowing shells are designed for racing, so they're really fast! It's also very pleasant to be out on the water, enjoying the fresh air and nature around us.

Then you’re welcome! ZLAC has members ranging from high school freshmen up to women in their 90s, and our Masters Team consists of women 18 and older. Learn to Row classes typically have women of a variety of ages, sizes, races, and fitness levels, so all we’re expecting from you is a willingness to learn and a can-do attitude!

A basic level of fitness is required, because you will need to help pick up the boat and carry it across the beach to the water. It’s kind of heavy, but when everyone lifts together, it’s not too hard to carry. If you are already an athlete, but you haven’t rowed before, once you start rowing you will discover muscles you didn’t know you had! Rowing uses legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms - about 85% of your muscles. But rowing technique is just as important as strength, and you’ll begin to learn it in class.

Yes! Elite competitive teams usually have really tall people, because with longer limbs you can swing the oar farther. But women of any height can row. If you are a more petite person, you have a unique opportunity, in that you will fit in the coxswain's seat. The coxswain (pronounced cox-un), a.k.a cox, is the person who steers the boat and gives direction to the rowers via a microphone. We have many people who do double duty as coxes and rowers.

ZLAC does not have a program specifically for women with disabilities, but we may be able to offer adaptive equipment or accomodations for disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please email athletics@zlac.org to inquire.

This is very unlikely, but it occasionally happens. This is why we require you to complete our swimming certification form (it is not possible to wear a life jacket while rowing). All our coached programs have a coach in a motorized launch accompanying the rowers. The rowing shell itself will not sink even if it tips over; it has trapped air pockets in the front and back, so the rower(s) would just need to stay with the boat and hold on. A large boat with 4-8 rowers has an extremely small chance of capsizing; 1- to 2-person boats occasionally flip, but again, it’s very rare. Typically, the rower is able to right the boat, get back in, and row to shore. ZLAC takes safety very seriously, so you will complete a flip test before being allowed to row on your own.

Yes! To launch the boat, we wade knee-deep into the bay. As you are rowing, you will be splashed with water. Some water always accumulates in the bottom of the boat, and when you pick it back up at the end of your row, the water will rain down onto you. We recommend you wear synthetic, quick-drying fabrics and bring a change of clothes.

Wear clothing that is wicking and quick-drying. You’ll be working out and getting wet. Tights or biker shorts are best, because loose material can get caught in the seat, so don’t wear sweatpants or running shorts. You will be walking into the water up to your knees or maybe higher, so if you wear long pants, it’s best that they can be pulled up above the knee. Some people wear water shoes down into the water to protect their feet from broken shells; others simply go barefoot. You will need to bring socks with you into the boat, these can be short or long. Some people have a belt pack or tiny backpack for carrying socks and a water bottle down with the boat, but classic rowing style is jamming them into your waistband or the back of your sports bra!

You can wear a tank top, t-shirt, or long-sleeved shirt - anything that allows you to move freely - and you can bring a fleece or warmer layer if it’s cold weather. It’s often chilly on the water when you’re not actively rowing, but you’ll warm up quickly when you do row! Keep in mind that any layers you remove are going to get wet, so having a dry change of clothes for after your session is nice. A beanie, ballcap, visor, or headband can be very helpful to keep your hair out of your face and block glare. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen too!

Unless you do a lot of manual labor like gardening, there’s a good chance you’ll get hot spots or blisters at first. Your hands will get accustomed to the oars with practice, but many rowers use medical tape to cover any tender spots. Gloves are not typically worn.

This is what the class is for! We’ll go over how rowing works and teach you what to do. When you are handling the boat or actively rowing, the coxswain will give clear commands according to a set formula, and you will obey them. It’s her job to watch out for obstacles, steer the boat, and coordinate the movements of the rowers. If this sounds like fun, we’re always looking for coxes! The coaches will also be present in a small motorboat, telling the coxswain where to go and what to do.