Intro to
Rowing

If you’re age 18 or older, have little or no experience rowing on water and are reasonably fit, Introduction to Rowing is the class for you. You’ll learn the basics of rowing and be on your way to discovering all the fun and joy of this sport. (Even if you’ve used a rowing machine in the gym, start with this class. Rowing on the water is a completely different experience.)

The class takes place over either three or four days, depending on the season.  Your experienced Rio coaches and volunteers limit class sizes to six rowers at a time, ensuring you’ll have a safe and highly personalized learning environment. Instruction begins on land with a tour of Rio’s boathouse and an overview of the sport, its terminology and the equipment. You’ll spend some time on the rowing machine practicing proper stroke technique. Then, your coaches will get you into a boat and onto the water.

Physical requirements:

People of all fitness levels can learn and excel in rowing, but to avoid injury, before your first class you must be able to  lift and carry 25 pounds, do a full squat, bend over and touch your hands to your knees, and climb up and down stairs without using a handrail. If you’re an adaptive athlete interested in learning to row, contact Brian McDermott. 

Before your first session, the City of Tempe requires that you complete and submit a float test.  Send it to our Intro Coordinator  or bring it to class. If you arrive without having a completed float test, you may not participate, and we cannot refund your payment.

What’s next?

After completing Intro to Rowing, you’ll be eligible to enroll in Rio’s Rowing Level 1 classes, where you’ll continue developing your skills with Rio coaches, working with rowers at your experience level.