The class will include proper erging techniques, practices on the water and video analysis of each participants rowing technique.

Please contact us to sign up, or for additional information at www.williamsburgboatclub@gmail.com

The class is for folks 14 and over. The cost is $50.00

Please email us at our website to be included in the next class or if you have any questions.

The Williamsburg Boat Club plans to hold our next Learn to Row (LTR) class over the weekend of September 25-26, 2010.  The cost is $75 per person for each of these classes and includes five hours of rowing instruction each day (Saturday and Sunday).  Participants must be 14 years or older.  After this class, all participants are invited to row with club members at any scheduled practices for a month so they can practice rowing.

We will need a minimum of 4 participants to hold this class, so if you are interested, please contact us (see the bottom line for contact information).

The class is planned to begin at 8 am at our rowing venue at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, just off Route 5 (here’s a map to the location).  The first session will consist of practicing proper rowing technique on rowing machines (ergometers) and a dockside rower.  Then we will get in a rowing shell (boat) and practice these new skills.  The water sessions will last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, and the class will be completed by 1 pm both days.  The second day will be two rowing sessions, with a videotape analysis of the first session held between sessions.

Before you row:
Participants will need to complete and sign three forms prior to the water practices. These include a standard US Rowing Release and Waiver of Liability, a brief medical history form and a swim test verification form. For the swim test, participants 18 or older can either demonstrate or verify they can swim a minimum distance of 75 feet, tread water or float for 5 minutes, and don a personal flotation device (life vest) while in the water. Youth rowers (17 years or younger) will need to perform this swim test and have a witness such as a parent, guardian or certified life guard co-sign the verification form. All required forms will be emailed to participants prior to the class, and participants are requested to bring the completed forms to the first session (along with a check payable to the “Williamsburg Boat Club” for $75).

What to wear and bring:
Participants should not wear loose or baggy clothes as these may get caught in the boat while rowing; we recommend wearing compression shorts and a workout shirt.  Do not wear bracelets, watches or rings, as these tend to become uncomfortable while rowing.  Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (consider wearing a strap with any glasses), socks, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (the dock we use floats on water and submerges a bit when launching and recovering boats). Rowing shoes are attached inside the boats, so bring socks to wear in the boat. If you need to carry any medicines, such as an asthma inhaler, bring those along and the coach in the safety launch will hold those for you. While on the water, we will have several breaks to get some fluids, so bring about 2 quarts of water or sports drink and a light snack.

To read some background information on rowing, we recommend you visit and explore the USRowing website.

Email us at williamsburgboatclub@gmail.com or call Coach Bob Morrison at 757-846-6860 to let us know you’re interested or if you have any questions.

We will need a minimum of 4 participants to hold this class, so if you are interested, please contact us (see the bottom line for contact information).

The class will begin at 8 am at our rowing venue at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, just off Route 5 (here’s a map to the location).  The first session will consist of practicing proper rowing technique on rowing machines (ergometers) and a dockside rower.  Then we will get in a rowing shell (boat) and practice these new skills.  The water sessions will last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, and the class will be completed by 1 pm both days.  The second day will be two rowing sessions, with a videotape analysis of the first session held between sessions.

Before you row:
Participants will need to complete and sign three forms prior to the water practices. These include a standard US Rowing Release and Waiver of Liability, a brief medical history form and a swim test verification form. For the swim test, participants 18 or older can either demonstrate or verify they can swim a minimum distance of 75 feet, tread water or float for 5 minutes, and don a personal flotation device (life vest) while in the water. Youth rowers (17 years or younger) will need to perform this swim test and have a witness such as a parent, guardian or certified life guard co-sign the verification form. All required forms will be emailed to participants prior to the class, and participants are requested to bring the completed forms to the first session (along with a check payable to the “Williamsburg Boat Club” for $75).

What to wear and bring:
Participants should not wear loose or baggy clothes as these may get caught in the boat while rowing; we recommend wearing compression shorts and a workout shirt.  Do not wear bracelets, watches or rings, as these tend to become uncomfortable while rowing.  Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (consider wearing a strap with any glasses), socks, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (the dock we use floats on water and submerges a bit when launching and recovering boats). Rowing shoes are attached inside the boats, so bring socks to wear in the boat. If you need to carry any medicines, such as an asthma inhaler, bring those along and the coach in the safety launch will hold those for you. While on the water, we will have several breaks to get some fluids, so about 2 quarts of water or sports drink and a light snack.

To read some background information on rowing, we recommend you visit and explore the USRowing website.

Email us at williamsburgboatclub@gmail.com or call Coach Bob Morrison at 757-846-6860 to let us know you’re interested or if you have any questions.

The intent of these classes is to introduce the sport of rowing to the general public. Participants will learn the fundamentals of rowing technique during a brief shore-based lesson and then head out on water in a rowing shell to practice these new skills for about 30 minutes. Depending on the turnout, participants should plan on this introduction to take between one and two hours.

We hope people try the sport, and those who like it will opt to take one of our more in depth “Learn to Row” classes held on April 17 and June 19, 2010. Our Learn to Row classes cost $100 and consist of shore-based instruction and a minimum of three water sessions.

What to wear and bring:
Participants should not wear loose or baggy clothes as these may get caught in the boat while rowing; we recommend wearing compression shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt, sweat shirt or light jacket. Do not wear bracelets, watches or rings, as these tend to become uncomfortable while rowing. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (consider wearing a strap or lease for glasses), socks, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (the dock we use floats on water and submerges a bit when launching and recovering boats). Rowing shoes are attached inside the boats, so bring socks to wear in the boat. If you need to carry any medicines, such as an asthma inhaler, bring those along and the coach in the safety launch will hold those for you. While on the water, we will have several breaks to get some fluids, so bring plenty of water or sports drink and some sort of light lunch.

Please RSVP via email at williamsburgboatclub@gmail.com or call Coach Bob Morrison at 757-846-6860. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information on either our Introduction to Rowing or Learn to Row classes.

Email us at williamsburgboatclub@gmail.com or call Coach Bob Morrison at 757-846-6860 to let us know you’re interested or if you have any questions.

March LTR Class Format:
The March learn to row class will consist of indoor rowing lessons taken weekday evenings over a two week period. Each lesson will take approximately one hour. These sessions will be held at the William and Mary Recreation Center on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings March 16-18 and March 23-25. The indoor lessons will use ergometers (rowing machines) to introduce rowing terminology and proper rowing technique. Participants are expected to attend a minimum of three of the six scheduled sessions. Upon completion of three indoor rowing sessions, participants are welcome to attend any remaining LTR indoor rowing sessions or the club’s regularly scheduled indoor rowing practices, if they so desire, at additional no charge.

After completing the indoor rowing lessons, the LTR class participants will then be expected to attend a water lesson at our rowing venue at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, just off Route 5 (here’s a map to the location) beginning at noon on Saturday, April 17. At this first water session, the class will learn proper bladework (i.e., handling and controlling an oar) and then go out on a two-hour lesson. This class starts at 12 noon and will conclude by 4 pm.

Class participants are expected to attend at least one more Saturday water class held the next two consecutive Saturdays, April 24 and May 1. At these sessions, which will start at 11 am and end by 4 pm, the class will have a two-hour water practice which will be videotaped. We will return to the dock, have a snack or light lunch and review each rower’s technique as captured by the videotape. Then we will be head out for another two-hour water lesson. Participants are encouraged to attend all three Saturdays of water LTR classes, but at a minimum should attend the class on April 17 and at least one more Saturday session, April 24 or May 1.

The focus of these classes is to learn the proper rowing technique, so while competitive rowing is among the most physically demanding of sports, we will not be competing in these classes. We’ll practice for proper style and technique, not strength or speed.

April and June LTR Class Format:
The April and June Learn to Row classes will not have any prior indoor rowing classes (as in the March class), but will start with outdoor sessions at our rowing venue at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, just off Route 5 (here’s a map to the location). Class participants must attend the first class, starting at 11 am on Saturday April 17 and June 19 (respectively). We will instruct the participants in proper rowing technique using ergometers (rowing machines) and dockside rowers and then conduct a water lesson in a rowing shell. Class will conclude by 4 pm. Participants are expected to attend at least one more Saturday LTR session which will be held the next two consecutive Saturdays. Those dates are April 24 and May 1, and June 26 and July 3. Those additional Saturday sessions will start at 11 am and end by 4 pm. These sessions will consist of two water practices. We will videotape the first practice and then return to the dock. We will have a light lunch and review each rower’s technique as captured by the videotape. Then we will be head out for another water lesson.

April LTR class participants are encouraged to attend all three Saturdays of water LTR classes, but at a minimum should attend the class on April 17 and at least one more Saturday session, April 24 or May 1.

June LTR class participants are encouraged to attend all three Saturdays of water LTR classes, but at a minimum should attend the class on June 19 and at least one more Saturday session, June 26 or July 3.

Before you row:
Participants will need to complete and sign three forms prior to the water practices. These include a standard USRowing Release and Waiver of Liability, a brief medical history form and a swim test verification form. For the swim test, participants 18 or older can either demonstrate or verify they can swim a minimum distance of 75 feet, tread water or float for 5 minutes, and don a personal flotation device (life vest) while in the water. Youth rowers (17 years or younger) will need to perform this swim test and have a witness such as a parent, guardian or certified life guard co-sign the verification form. All required forms will be emailed to participants prior to the class, and participants are requested to bring the completed forms to the first session (along with a check payable to the “Williamsburg Boat Club” for $100).

What to wear and bring:
Participants should not wear loose or baggy clothes as these may get caught in the boat while rowing; we recommend wearing compression shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt, sweat shirt or light jacket. Do not wear bracelets, watches or rings, as these tend to become uncomfortable while rowing. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (consider wearing a strap or lease for glasses), socks, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (the dock we use floats on water and submerges a bit when launching and recovering boats). Rowing shoes are attached inside the boats, so bring socks to wear in the boat. If you need to carry any medicines, such as an asthma inhaler, bring those along and the coach in the safety launch will hold those for you. While on the water, we will have several breaks to get some fluids, so bring plenty of water or sports drink and some sort of light lunch.

To read some background information on rowing, we recommend you visit and explore the USRowing website.

Class Format:

Each class will take two consecutive days of a weekend and is limited to 12 people. The class will start at 11 AM Saturday at our rowing venue at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, just off Route 5 (here’s a map to the location). The first two hours of the session will introduce rowing terminology and proper rowing technique using ergometers (rowing machines) and dockside rowers. After participants get a chance to become familiar with proper rowing technique, we will practice on the water for about two hours. The first day will conclude around 4 PM. The second day will again start at 11AM and rowers will go out for another water practice which will be videotaped. We will return to the dock and take a break to have lunch and review each rower’s technique captured by the videotape. Then we will be head out for a third water lesson, and should complete the class by 4 PM on Sunday. The focus of these classes is to learn to row, so while competitive rowing is perhaps the most physically demanding sport, we will be taking it easy and working on style, not working out for strength and speed.

Before you row:

Participants will need to complete and sign three forms prior to the water practice. These include a standard USRowing Release and Waiver of Liability, a brief medical history form and a swim test verification form. For the swim test, participants 18 or older can either demonstrate or verify they can swim a minimum distance of 75 feet, tread water or float for 5 minutes, and don a personal flotation device (life vest) while in the water. Youth rowers (17 years or younger) will need to perform this swim test and have a witness such as a parent, guardian or certified life guard co-sign the verification form. All required forms will be emailed to participants prior to the class, and participants are requested to bring the completed forms to the first session (along with a check payable to the “Williamsburg Boat Club” for $100).

What to bring:

Participants should not wear loose or baggy clothes as these may get caught in the boat while rowing; we recommend wearing compression shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt, sweat shirt or light jacket. Do not wear bracelets, watches or rings, as these tend to become uncomfortable while rowing. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (consider wearing a strap or lease for glasses), socks, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (the dock we use floats on water and submerges a bit when launching and recovering boats). Rowing shoes are attached inside the boats, so bring socks to wear in the boat. If you need to carry any medicines, such as an asthma inhaler, bring those along and the coach in the safety launch will hold those for you. While on the water, we will have several breaks to get some fluids, so bring plenty of water or sports drink and some sort of light lunch.

To read some background information on rowing, we recommend you visit and explore this USRowing website.

Essential Summary:

This program is for young men and women aged 14-18 years.
The cost is $125 for one year if you have no rowing experience, $100 if you do.
This is a team sport.

Overview:

Our club’s youth rowing program is for young men and women aged 14-18 years. Learn to row classes are planned throughout the spring and summer of 2009. Specific days and times for these classes can be found at this link.

The focus of the youth rowing program will be on learning proper rowing technique. If we have enough interest, we plan to participate in some informal scrimmages and formal regattas this spring and summer with other youth crews from other rowing clubs, so participants will have the opportunity to race against their peers if they so desire.

Participants with no rowing experience will need to take a learn to row (LTR) class, which costs $100. Once the LTR class is completed, participants may join our club, and $75 of the LTR costs will be credited toward annual club dues (which are $100 per year for a youth rower). In other words, if you have no rowing experience, it will cost $125 for LTR lessons and membership in the Williamsburg Boat Club for one year. There may be nominal additional costs involved if attending organized regattas during the year (a typical race fee per rower is $10).

In addition to youth rowers, we will need youth coxswains. A coxswain (pronounced “cox-un”) is the person who gives the rowers instructions and commands and steers the rowing shells (boats). A cox’n typically weighs less than 120 pounds and has the personality trait of liking to be the person in charge. Coxswains also get a 50% discount on club membership dues.

The Sport of Rowing:

Rowing is perhaps the ultimate team sport. Successful rowers have outstanding endurance and physical conditioning and are able to synchronize their individual body movements with the other rowers in the boat such that every rower’s oar enters and leaves the water at the exact same split second. The movements of a world-class crew sprinting at full speed looks like they are hardly making any effort as they smoothly glide across the water in perfect unison.

A good place to learn a bit more about rowing is at the USRowing‘s “New to Rowing” sections. I encourage you to explore this website to learn more about the sport.

The term “crew” is often used when talking about rowing. This is commonly misused, so I’ll try to clarify the truths of the names of the sport. “Crew”, as a noun, can refer to either the people in a specific high school or collegiate rowing boat or the entire sport of rowing in high school or college. The term “crew team” is redundant and is not properly used. After college, the term “crew” is no longer used to describe the sport or people in a boat, and “rowing team” or “rowing club” is proper. In the sport of rowing, “crew” is never, ever properly used as a verb, i.e., one does not “go crewing”, rather one would “go rowing”. When in doubt, the noun “rowing team” or verb “rowing” will always be correct when describing the sport.

Rowing is truly a sport which can be done throughout one’s lifetime. Our club has members in their 70s and they still row. Rowing was a rich man’s sport a generation ago, and new equipment is pretty pricey, but men’s and women’s crew is found at many colleges these days. With the increase in rowing at colleges and clubs across the country, used rowing equipment is available at reasonable prices, which encourages even more rowing clubs to form. However, rowing will not become a varsity sport in the local high schools in the foreseeable future. So if there is to be an organized junior rowing program in our local area, it seems this will best be done as a club sport that is not affiliated with the high schools.

We don’t know if we have a “critical mass” of interested youth to sustain this program, as we currently have only five youth members of our club. If you are interested in more information about our program or would like to join our crew, please send an email to either:
wbcyouthrowing@gmail.com, or
bobmorrison77@gmail.com

Regards,
Bob Morrison
Head Coach, Williamsburg Boat Club
757-846-6860 (C), 565-7946 (H)

About me:

I rowed for the US Coast Guard Academy from 1973 until I graduated in 1977, and was the captain of the lightweight crew my senior year. I’ve been on crews that won our events at the Head of the Charles Regatta, New England Championships and Dad Vail Regatta (all of which are major collegiate rowing events). I joined the Williamsburg Boat Club in 2004 and am currently certified as a Level II rowing coach by USRowing.