Learn to row
All the details about Learn to Row classes at the WA Rowing Club
New to rowing? We run stand alone, two-week, Learn to Row courses from October to January each year.
Training is on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Upon completing your LTR course, continue your rowing development with our Casual Summer Rowing squad. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, improve your new rowing skills, and stay fit over summer.
To secure your spot, email captain@warowingclub.org or fill in the form below.
Lean to Row courses run from October to January at the WA Rowing Club
2026/27 COURSES NOW AVAILABLE! fill out the form below to GET IN TOUCH AND SECURE YOUR PLACE IN ONE OF THE COURSE DATES BELOW.
SUMMER 2025/26 COURSES
Course 1: Oct 12th - Oct 24th
Course 2: Oct 26th - Nov 7th
Course 3: Nov 9th - Nov 21st
Course 4: Nov 23rd - Dec 5th
Course 5: Dec 7th - Dec 19th
—— Christmas Break ——
Course 6: Jan 4th - Jan 16th
Course 7: Jan 18th - Jan 30th
FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO GET IN CONTACT AND REGISTER YOUR PLACE!
Cost: $275
Cost includes:
6 sessions over 2 weeks.
Learn form our experienced coaches, club athletes and coxswains.
Learn and master the basics of the rowing stroke.
Discover different boats and equipment around the clubhouse.
Join our rowing community and stay fit over summer.
Signup!
Register your interest for a course via the form below or by emailing captain@warowingclub.org
Frequently asked questions
Q: I rowed at school years ago, do I need to do a Learn to Row course?
A: Like so many things in rowing, it depends. If you rowed for at least one school season and would be confident in your ability to obey commands to safely lift a boat, going straight into our development squad may be an option. The learn to row course can be a great refresher however if you already know the difference between the gate, sleeve, gunwale, and button, you may not need to go back to basics.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: We are happy to have athletes enrol in a Learn to Row course from the year they turn 15. There's lots of documentation about age limits in rowing and you're welcome to check it out. The reason we've put the age limit at 15 is that it means after a solid year sculling, we can transition athletes into different types of boats and vary their learning experience and rowing options.
Note: It is best particularly for younger athletes to enrol in a course as a group. Rowing together with peers is way more fun and we encourage young athletes to bring mates along. Don't hesitate to get in touch for more information!
Q: Is there a weight limit?
A: Yes, equipment is designed for an average weight of 80-85Kg, with an individual maximum of 105Kg.
Q: Do I need to wear one of those all-in-one lycra numbers like in the Olympics?
A: No, however loose clothing is a bad idea as it will get caught in the equipment. A close fitting workout shirt and shorts is perfectly acceptable.
You also need to make sure you wear socks in the boat and on our deck, and be prepared to get those socks pretty wet and dirty.
Q: Do I need to be able to swim?
A: Yes. It is a rare that anyone ends up in the river during the learning stages of rowing, and the Swan is shallow enough that in most places it's possible for someone of average height to stand. However rolling a boat can be a bit scary and it's best that you are comfortable with being in the water before embarking on your rowing journey.
You don't have to wear a "zoot suit" but they do help you go fast -
Q: I can't make it to all the sessions, can I still complete the course?
A: To be honest, if you can't make all the sessions in a course, it's best to skip the course altogether and enroll in the next one. There's quite a lot to take in, and we've generally found skipping classes will mean your skill level might be a bit behind by the end of the five sessions if you are intending to continue rowing with our development program.