Learn to Row

2025 Learn to Row

Learn to Row is a six-week introductory class designed for those with limited or no on-water rowing experience.

Information:

• *New this year*: Participants will begin with Learn to Sweep, and will then have the option to advance to Learn to Scull.
• Each Learn to Row class consists of 12 2-hour on the water sessions and 6 optional indoor rowing sessions
• Cost per class is $275 plus a processing fee. **Registrations are non-refundable. Registrations are transferable to another person.
• 8  participants per class
• Classes are filled in the order registrations are received. Email contact below to be added to a waiting list for a class that is full
• Participants must be 18 years or older
• You should be comfortable in the water. You should be able to tread water for 10 minutes and put a life jacket on while treading water

Please direct any questions to Lookout Rowing Club at lookoutrowingclub2@gmail.com

Class Overview

Lookout Rowing Club offers adults (18 and up) the opportunity to learn to row in a safe and positive environment. No prior experience is necessary. Classes are conducted by experienced LRC coaches and volunteers. We launch from the Chattanooga Rowing Center facilities located along the shore of the Tennessee River near downtown Chattanooga. We will begin with the basics of sweep rowing. Upon completion of LEARN TO ROW SWEEP rowers will move directly into the NOVICE MASTERS sweep program or take LEARN TO SCULL. All rowers are considered a NOVICE MASTER for 1 calendar year and will be expected to log 50 hours of on the water training to pass a safety/skills tests before advancing into the INTERMEDIATE MASTERS program.

SWEEP: In rowing, the word "sweep" is used for the method of moving the boat with one oar per rower. Although it is usual to use the term "rowers" for those who seep, the term "sweeper" is sometimes used. The act of propelling a boat by this means is called "sweeping" or "sweep rowing". Requires a coxswain to steer. Sweep rowing is typically done in a boat of 8, 4 or 2 rowers.

COXSWAIN: A vital leader in a sweep boat, responsible for steering,  motivating the crew, and executing a workout or race plan, effectively acting as a coach in the boat. Their value lies in their ability to guide the crew to success.  

SCULLING: Sculling is a form of rowing in which the rower uses two oars, once in each hang, to propel the boat forward. The oars are positioned perpendicular to the boat and are used to move the boat through the water in rhythm together. It requires a special technique that differs from rowing with a single oar. Sculling is typically done in a boat of 4 or 2 rowers as well as in a single rowing shell.

LTR is a six week program that is 12 sessions meeting 2 days a week, with an optional 3rd day of indoor rowing. We ask that you miss no more than 1-2 sessions as it is very difficult to catch up and we don't offer make-up sessions. The cost of each LTR class is $275. The cost of each  Learn to Cox class is $50

Our LTR focuses on rowing technique and does not consist of hard workouts. However, you will be active in class, so the following are required for class admission:

• Participants must be competent and confident swimmers. There is a strong current in the river.
• Participants must be able to lift at least 35 pounds overhead (participants will have to lift the boats to carry)

 

LTR SWEEP AND LTR COXSWAIN

Limited to 8 rowing participants. No limit on coxswains. Sweep classes will initially be conducted in 8+'s and when ready, 4+'s.

1. SWEEP A(Sold out)& COX A

• Begins May 12 and ends June 23
• Meets MONDAYS 6-8pm and SATURDAYS 8:30-10am
• OPTIONAL: THURSDAY indoor rowing session 6-7pm

2. SWEEP B (Sold out) & COX B

• Begins May 13 and ends the week of June 23
• Meets TUESDAYS 6-8pm and SATURDAYS 10:15am-11:45am
• OPTIONAL: THURSDAY indoor rowing session 6-7pm

3. SWEEP C (Sold out) & COX C

• Begins July 7 and ends the week of August 11
• Meets MONDAYS 6-8pm and SATURDAYS 8:30-10am
• OPTIONAL: THURSDAY indoor rowing session 6-7pm

LTR SCULL

Limited to 8 rowing participants. MUST HAVE COMPLETED LTR SWEEP. Sculling classes will initially be in 4x's (quads) and when ready move to 2x's (doubles). No 1x (single) sculling will be taught in this class.

1. SCULL A

• Begins week of July 7 and ends the week of August 11
• Meets TUESDAYS 6-8pm and SATURDAYS 10:15-11:45am
• OPTIONAL: THURSDAY indoor rowing session 6-7pm

2. SCULL B

• Begins week of August 18 and ends week of Sept 22
• Meets TUESDAYS 6-8pm and SATURDAYS 10:15-11:45am
• OPTIONAL: THURSDAY indoor rowing session 6:30-7:30pm

 

Learn to Row classes are open to people age 18 and older. If you are under age 18, please check out Chattanooga Junior Rowing at rowcjr.org .

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How hard will I physically be working? Will it be like a workout?

You will not row hard as you learn. We will focus on technique, so the hardest work will be mental for the first week. You may experience some soreness in your lower and upper back and your arms as your body gets used to the mechanics of rowing. As you get more advanced, you will spend longer times on the water rowing by yourself. Always come hydrated, we may be in the sun for two hours each lesson!

 

Is rowing hard to learn?

Rowing is not hard to learn, but it takes time to develop an efficient rowing stoke.

 

What should I wear?

You should wear athletic clothing. Make sure that your T-shirts and shorts are not baggy. Baggy shorts get caught in the slide of the seat rolling mechanism and your oars and fingers may get caught on loose T-shirts. NO skirts please!

 

What do people row in?

People row in boats called “shells”. Shells come in various configurations. Some are for people using only one oar (“sweep rowing”) while others are configured for people to use two oars (“sculling”). LRC focuses on teaching sculling (two oars). 

 

Do I need to know how to swim? Can I wear a life preserver?

You need to know how to swim in the event the shell turns over. Rowers typically do not wear life preservers because they can restrict the rowing motion. The shells and oars, however, float and can be used for floating assistance.

 

Will I ever flip over?

When we start rowing, you will not be in a single. The biggest risk for flipping occurs in this boat category. Rowing in LTR will be in larger, stable boats.

 

What kind of condition do I need to be in to row?

Rowing uses all the major muscle groups and is considered one of the top aerobic exercises, similar to swimming and cross country skiing. In order of effort the rowing motion uses legs, back, shoulders, and arms. Although not essential, having strength in the body groups listed above and some conditioning from bicycling, running or fast walking is helpful.

 

When I am done with the class, can I come down to row whenever I want?

After completion of Learn to Row Sweep, participants can either continue rowing in Learn to Row Scull or in our Masters Novice program. Upon completion of the Masters Novice program, participants can join as members.

 

How long is the rowing season? What do members do when the season ends?

The season starts in about April and typically ends in mid-November.   After the season ends some members continue to row indoors using the rowing machines at the facility to stay in general condition or to train for indoor rowing events.   Some start other activities like running or mountain biking. Others take a break! Talk to members to find out what is going on.