Bainbridge Island Rowing
Bainbridge Island Rowing

Adult Learn to Row

We are thrilled that you have found us and are interested in learning to row. Here at Bainbridge Island Rowing we believe that rowing changes lives through friendships, community, teamwork and the serenity of being out on the water. Every spring through summer, we offer Learn to Row classes on the water. During the winter months, we offer ‘Learn to Erg’ classes indoors on the erg (rowing machine).

2024 Learn to Row

The format is a Weekend Intensive followed by skills development rowing sessions twice a week for two weeks. You are expected to commit to and attend all sessions.  Once you learned the skills and completed a Learn to Row class, you will have the opportunity to join our Novice rowing group. An essential part of BIR is safety and we require all participants that will be in our rowing shells to complete a float test. This is usually scheduled after a boathouse orientation on the evening of the first session at the Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center.

Learn to Row classes require a minimum enrollment of 4 people.

Learn to Row Session 1    |    March 21-April 3, 2024    |    $398

(Session has ended)

Thursday, March 21:  6:30-8:30pm (land) Saturday,  March 23:  7:30am-12pm (water) Sunday, March 24:  7:30am-12pm (water) Mon,  March 25 / Wed, March 27 / Mon, April 1 / Wed, April 3: Evenings 6:15-8pm (water)

Learn to Row Session 2    |    May 30 – June 12, 2024    |    $398

(Session has ended)

Thursday, May 30:  6:30-8:30pm (land) Saturday,  June 1:  7:30am-12pm (water) Sunday, June 2:  7:30am-12pm (water) Mon / Wed. Evenings, June 3, 5, 10 and June 12, 6:15-8pm (water)

Learn to Row Session 3    |    July 11 – 24, 2024    |    $398

(Session has ended)

Thursday, July 11:  6:30-8:30pm (land) Saturday,  July 13:  7:30am-12pm (water) Sunday, July 14:  7:30am-12pm (water) Mon / Wed Evenings,  July 15, 17, 22 and 24, 6:15-8pm (water) Additional Cost: $25 for USRowing Basic Membership ($20 for existing members) All rowers must have a valid US Rowing Basic Membership (good for 365 days).
 
Financial Assistance:
BIR is committed to making rowing available to all members of our Kitsap County community and financial assistance is available to those with demonstrated need. While funds are provided entirely by BIR (thank you to our many generous donors!), financial evaluations are done anonymously via Helpline House. Learn more here.

registeration is closed

 

Look for Learn to Erg 2025

These learn-to-erg sessions are on-land fitness/functional stretching sessions.  They are designed to teach  proper rowing form and prepare you for the Spring Learn-to-Row classes.  Participation in the winter learn-to-erg season is not required for the Spring learn-to-row classes but is highly encouraged.

Dates TBD  |  17 sessions total

Program Times: Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30pm Class limit: 16 Cost: Program Fees and Winter Dues Additional Cost: $25 for USRowing Basic Membership ($20 for existing members) All rowers must have a valid US Rowing Basic Membership (good for 365 days).
 
Financial Assistance:
BIR is committed to making rowing available to all members of our Kitsap County community and financial assistance is available to those with demonstrated need. While funds are provided entirely by BIR (thank you to our many generous donors!), financial evaluations are done anonymously via Helpline House. Learn more here.
 

Registration opens winter 2024

Private Lessons

If you cannot participate in our Learn to Row classes, or you want a refresher class after returning to rowing after a long absence, we offer private lessons with our coaches during the spring and summer.
Age: Open to ages 18 years and up. For athletes ages 14-18, please check out the BIR Junior Programs.
Private coaching rates:
  • $80 for one 1-1/2 hour lesson for up to two people
  • $300 for a package of four 1-1/2 hour lessons. Package classes can be split up into several sessions. Two person maximum for each lesson.
To connect with one of our private coaches, email admin@bainbridgerowing.org stating what you are interested in and possible scheduling needs.
 
Prerequisites for Learn to Row and Private Classes All participants must complete the following prerequisites. Float Test (for on the water rowing programs): ​This in-the-water task requires you, under the supervision of a certified lifeguard, to tread water in clothing for 10 minutes and don a personal flotation device in the water. BIR will be scheduling group float tests at the onset of each program, usually the first night of Learn to Row. Outside of those sessions rowers may ask the BI Aquatic Center to administer a basic swim test, which will suffice until the next available BIR float-test session. Rowers are encouraged to “self-test” their ability to tread water for 10 minutes and put on a PFD during the final minute. Physical Abilities: ​ You must be able to:
  • Bend your knees to the squat position.
  • Sustain aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes.
  • Lift 35 lbs. overhead (with assistance of your teammates) and walk up to 50 yards with the boat on your shoulder.
  • Be flexible enough to get in and out of the rowing shell from knee-deep water.
Questions?  If you would like more information, please email learntorow@bainbridgerowing.org