COACHING & CLINICS

The Open Water Rowing Center is not a crew team with a set schedule of practices; instead we are a club of individual rowers sharing facilities, equipment and coaching services. In addition to the Bay Rower program for novices and private coaching, OWRC offers regular clinics for rowers of varying experience.

Experienced Rower?

We have a unique rower’s “playground” just beyond our dock, but before you can enjoy it you need to be certified by an OWRC instructor to use club equipment and facilities. A 1 hour Certification may be all that’s needed to orient you to our waters and ensure that you can safely handle our often changing water conditions.

Certification: $75 per hour

Tuesday Rowing fundamentals

This clinic is for novice to intermediate scullers; the emphasis is on refining technique as well as exploring Richardson Bay. Limited to 5 participants.

Tuesdays – 8:15 AM - 9:45 AM

$25/session or $200/10 sessions (shell rental extra)

SELF rescue clinic

The Self-rescue Clinic includes a demonstration and coaching at the dock teaching you how to safely get back into a shell. All are invited to watch. Those who would like to be certified must sign up for the clinic and perform a self-rescue. Please bring a change of clothes and towel if you wish to shower here after your test.

Each one hour session is limited to 4 students. OWRC will provide the Aero for the test.
Cost: $25 per session

Rough Water clinic

A three-hour clinic is held at least twice a year on a weekend morning. This clinic is required of rowers who wish to venture beyond Richardson Bay, but is recommended for any rower ready for the next step up in skill level. Competence and confidence in rough conditions will benefit anyone rowing on the bay, and many find it an important and enjoyable part of the sport.

Cost: $150 per session – shell rental included.

Rough Water Technique (PDF)

ROWED SWEEPS IN COLLEGE BUT HAVE NEVER SCULLED?

Sculling is sufficiently different that you will need to take a private coaching session, or if it’s been a long time since you rowed, our novice sculling class may be best to get you back on the water. Speak to OWRC staff about whether a full novice sculling program or a private coaching session is best. You’ll be certified as “novice” but as an experienced rower will likely progress quickly.

ROWED FLAT-WATER SHELLS OR “TRADITIONAL” ROWING BOATS?

Our coaches will want to give you an orientation to our boats – be it an open water single or our traditional dory – and our bay water. Let them know your type and level of experience. When they are confident that you are safe in our boats, and comfortable on our water, you will be certified to row in Richardson Bay. Rowers with lots of sculling experience may move quickly to take the Rough-Water Clinic and other advanced courses.

EXPERIENCED OPEN-WATER ROWER?

You must be eager to get back out there! We understand. Before you can rent a boat, you will need to be checked out and oriented to our boats, boathouse and waters. How much orientation you’ll need and what level boat you will be certified for, depends on your specific experience and your boat handling skills on our water. Call or drop by OWRC and talk to our staff. They’ll set you up with the best way to get back on the water.