Q: Where is Lake Merritt Rowing Club Located?
A: LMRC's temporary home is 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland while the Old Boathouse is being renovated. The new site is located adjacent to the Lake Merritt Boating Center.  To get to the new site enter the Lake Merritt Park from the main entrance by Children’s Fairyland, continue along the main park road and turn into the Lake Merritt Boating Center parking lot.  There is a $3 park fee on weekends.  A map of the boathouse location can be viewed via Yahoo! Maps.!

Q: Is this class for beginners?
A: Yes. Learn to Row is for those who have never touched an oar in their lives but can’t wait to start!

Q: Am I: fit enough / tall enough / too old / too heavy / too… to take this class?
A: Whatever your reason for wanting to row, be it to get in shape, compete in the Olympics, or just be on the water, beginning classes are where you start. If you have a desire to learn, we have the desire to teach you. There’s a lot to cover, and everyone will face different challenges, but the focus is on having fun and learning the basics to take you to where you want to go. Beginning Sculling uses small boats (one-two person) that can accommodate individuals up to 220 lbs.  Beginning Sweep Rowing and Summer Youth Rowing use our larger boats (four-eight person) that can accommodate up to 260 lbs.

Q: What kind of workout will I get?
A: Rowing is a full body workout. The amount of effort you expend is directly proportional to the workout you will get. The first few classes focus on learning proper technique - then it's up to you how much of a workout you get.

Q: I already kayak / canoe / whitewater raft, etc. Can I skip this class and go right into one of the rowing programs?
A: While your on-water experiences will undoubtedly help with your balance and boat sense, rowing is completely unlike any other paddle sport. The technique and equipment is unique. Learn to Row is a prerequisite for anyone who has never participated in this sport.

Q: What do I need to wear/bring to class?
A: You shouldn't have to purchase anything special to participate in Learn to Row. The first class is land-based, learning the basics on the rowing ergometer with some on-the-water rowing. After that, once you move onto the water, dress weather-appropriately as if you were going for a jog or brisk walk. Layers are best. You want to wear clothes loose enough to move in, but not so baggy that fabric will get caught in the moving parts of the boat, specifically the sliding seat. In cold weather, remember that cotton will not keep you warm if it gets wet. Man-made layers of cool-max, polypropylene or fleece work best. Also, old athletic shoes and wool socks are recommended to keep your feet warm, as they almost always get splashed. In warm weather, hats and sunscreen are advised.

Q: Can I wear gloves?
A: Gloves are not recommended for rowing, as one of the things we focus on is developing good bladework; the technique of positioning the blade to enter the water at the correct angle. Having direct contact with the oar handle is essential to ‘feel’ when the blade is in the correct place.

Q: What are my chances of ending up in the water?
A: It is our goal to always be ‘on’ the water and not ‘in’ the water. That said, rowing is a water sport and there has been the occasional instance of a rower ending up in the water. In the largest boats, or ‘eights’, it’s nearly impossible to fall in. Smaller boats are ‘tippier’ and the chance is greater that rowers go in... yet this is a rare occurrence. Our coaches are equipped to handle these situations quickly and safely, and each class watches a safety video before going on the water.

Q: What is next after the class?
A: Upon successful completion of the Beginning Sculling Class , joining the club and getting a key, new scullers can take out Aero's on their own during daylight hours.  Upon successful completions of the Beginning Sweep Class and joining the club, new rowers are invited to participate in the Intermediate Sweep Program that rows on M/W - 6pm and Sat - 8:30pm.