June 16 seven new rowers and a Canada goose graduated from the Bainbridge Island Rowing Two-Week Learn to Row class. The seven completed seventeen hours of instruction and practice spread out over two weeks of Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The aforementioned goose failed to get out of the way of one of the trainees’ shells and then, in a panic, tried to climb onto the boat. But everyone, including the goose, survived and now has experience rowing.
The rowers practiced in eights and fours, switching seats every rowing session so they could experience rowing both port and starboard. Practice happened in Eagle Harbor mostly on calm water under sunny skies with many opportunities to see harbor seals and waterfowl.
The graduates are now eligible to join the Bainbridge Island Rowing Novice rowing group and continue to develop their rowing skills. If you want to be like them, there is one more Learn to Row Weekend Intensive scheduled this summer. The dates are July 12, 14, and 15, with rowing times from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Thursday evening and from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both weekend days.
The fee for this intensive is $195. Prereqs are minimal: You will need to complete a float test, you must be able to lift 35 lbs. overhead (with assistance of your teammates) and walk up to 50 yards with the boat on your shoulder, and you need to complete a USRowing waiver. Further information is available on the Learn to Row page of the BIR website.
Before rowing, visit the USRowing Website and view these recommended videos to get a better feel for the sport:
- USRowing: Rowing 101
- YouTube: Washington Rowing Ham & Egger Regatta
- YouTube: US Women’s Olympic race in RIO
Space is limited for the intensive so sign up right away.
If there is more demand for learn to row sessions, BIR will organize another one-day Learn to Row class for later this summer or early fall. If interested, email learntorow@bainbridgerowing.org.