Learn To Row

Learn to Row With Capital Rowing Club!

Novice "Learn to Row" Classes at the Anacostia Community Boathouse. 

Capital Rowing Club, with experienced coaches and volunteers, offers an introduction to the sport of rowing for individuals in the greater Washington, DC area. Each session, which includes 10 classes on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am - 12pm (unless otherwise noted) at the Anacostia Community Boathouse, introduces the basics of rowing - such as language and handling equipment to performing rowing drills and rowing all eight. 

No previous experience is needed. With five different session there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Each class is limited to 32 students, which allows for personal interaction with coaches, volunteers and other novices. Once novices graduate, they are invited to become club members and get more involved with Capital and their new sport!

Per session, there is a one-time fee of $300, which covers all ten 3-hour classes. Session fill up fast, so please click on the link below to register. We use Ronin to manage money and registration. We advise you not to delay in registering, as sessions can fill up fast! 

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQs and/or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Session I: April 6, 7, 13 (8-11am), 14, 21, 27, 28, May 4 (8-11am), 5, 12 

 Session II: May 18, 19, June 1, 8, 9, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30  (waiting list only)

 Session III: July 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, Aug 3, 4, 10

 Session IV: Aug 17, 18, 24, 25, Sept 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

 Session V: Sept 29, Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 20, 26, 27, Nov 2, 3

Novices will learn:

• Body mechanics of the stroke
•  Fundamental boat topics such as set, run, ratio, and timing
• Blade (oar) technique
• Use of rowing machine (ergometer or "erg")
• Introduction to training and racing
• Boat safety
• Equipment terminology and care

A typical practice might consist of the following activities:

• Stretching
• Land coaching via demonstration on the ergs
• Light erg sessions to practice technique and body mechanics
• Rowing on the water using a training barge or in 8-person or 4-person rowing shells.

Learn to be a Coxswain!

Perhaps you think rowing isn't for you, but you've always wanted to get involved: In conjunction with our learn to row novice class, Capital Rowing offers the opportunity to learn to be a Coxswain! Sit at the head of the boat, and gain confidence to take charge on the water while learning the basics of rowing! Cox-Boxes, riggers, racing starts, power 10's, and the words "way-enough" will no longer be part of an alien language. It will all be there for you to learn and use each day. So, get ready to jump right in and become the "quarterback" of rowing - the Coxswain. Class is taught with the novice learn to row class. Two spaces are available per class. Come join us for ten 3-hour sessions at the boathouse to learn the basics of coxing on the water. Classes take place between 9am - 12pm (unless otherwise noted) on Saturdays and Sundays at the Anacostia Community Boathouse. 

 If you have any questions, please email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Per session, there is a one-time fee of $100, which covers all ten 3-hour classes; click on the link below to register. We use Ronin to manage money and registration. We advise you not to delay in registering, as sessions can fill up fast!

Session I: April 6, 7, 13 (8-11am), 14, 21, 27, 28, May 4 (8-11am), 5, 12

 Session II: May 18, 19, June 1, 8, 9, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

 Session III: July 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, Aug 3, 4, 10

 Session IV: Aug 17, 18, 24, 25, Sept 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

 Session V: Sept 29, Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 20, 26, 27, Nov 2, 3