Adult Learn-to-Row Camps

Do something different this summer—learn to row on American Lake!

CBRC is a great place to learn to row.

Our camps are designed for adults with no prior rowing experience, and we offer camps in both sculling (2 oars per rower) and sweep (1 oar per rower).

Camps are generally held June - August, and session dates will open for registration by early March.

At-A-Glance

  • Practices are held at Harry Todd Park on American Lake in Lakewood, Washington.

  • Camps consists of a Thursday morning (5:30-7 a.m.) land-based class and four on-the-water classes on consecutive Friday (5:30-7 a.m.) and Sunday (6:30-8:30 a.m.) mornings.

    Sessions will be announced and registration will open in early March.

  • The cost for each session is $180

    Please review our cancellation and refund policy.

QUESTIONS? Email a Coach

What You’ll Learn at Camp

Each session teaches the fundamentals and more:

  • The rowing motion, usually taught on a rowing machine (erg) in our boathouse.

  • The commands to lift and carry a shell from the boathouse either to canvas slings for adjustment, or safely to the dock to set it in the water. And, of course, remove the shell from the water and carry it safely back to the racks in the Boathouse.

  • The proper method to attach the sculls or sweep oars to the oarlocks.

  • The proper method for getting in and out of a shell.

  • Progress from rowing short distances on the water to building confidence and fitness over longer distances.

Summer Learn-to-Row participants can register for as many camp sessions as they like!

Returning rowers who have successfully completed our introductory camp(s), or have previous rowing experience from other rowing clubs, are welcome to join the Masters team.

We offer camps in both sculling and sweep rowing

A scull is a thinner, lighter oar. Sculling requires to use of two oars or sculls by the rower and is done in single shells with one rower (Singles), double shells with two rowers (Doubles) or four rower shells called Quads. Doubles and Quads are referred to as team boats. 

A sweep oar is a thicker, longer and heavier oar. Sweep rowing requires the use of one oar per rower with one rower on the port (right) side of the shell and another on the starboard (left) side of the shell. Sweep rowing is done in shells called Pairs (with two rowers), Fours (with four rowers), and Eights (with eight rowers). Fours and Eights also include a coxswain to give the rowing commands and steer the shell. Fours and eights are also referred to as team boats. 

Singles boats teach balance and patience; team boats teach balance, patience, and teamwork.