You don't need to have any prior experience to start rowing. The Edmonton Rowing Club offers learn-to-row classes every summer that are designed to instruct all the basic skills needed for anyone with zero experience to become a competent oarsman. This program is opened to people of all ages and athletic ability - this is a great introductory program if you are looking for a new sport to get into shape with. The classes contain both indoor and outdoor instructions with the first few classes held indoor. You wil be acquinted with the basics of rowing movement, safety, terminology and commands. The rest of the course will be on the water, in a rowing shell, instructed by a coxswain in the boat and a coach in a motor boat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have never rowed before, is LTR right for me?
Yes, the LTR is designed for absolute beginners. No prior experience is needed.
I have never rowed before, but have done canoe/kayak before, should I take the LTR?
Yes, paddling is very different from rowing as the sequences of motion are completely different. Having prior experience of being in a water vessel may be a plus, but rowing shells are generally much narrow than a canoe or kayak, and would require additional skills to balance.
I have rowed many many years ago, should I take the LTR?
I've always believed that "you never forget how to ride a bike". If you've rowed competently before, it should take very little to bring those skills back again. It really depends on how comfortable you are with the shell. Some people go into recreation rowing right away and are able to pick up after a few sessions. Some prefer to take a few classes of LTR to slowly get back. The fees itself would be the same in the end since your LTR course fee go towards your full year ERC membership fee so it's really up to you which route you want to take.
Do I need to buy my own equipments? What do I need to participate?
ERC provides all the equipments needed (boats, oars, life jacket), so you don't need to buy anything for the classes. The only thing you need is comfy, snug clothing that you usually wear for workouts.
