Scroll down for information about Learn To Row and Learn To Scull classes.
GR Rowing Discovery Days
2026 Rowing Discovery Days:
- Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Saturday, June 27 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
* In the event of inclement weather on May 16, the tentative makeup date will be Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Rowing Discovery Days offer a great opportunity to experience rowing on The Grand River. These are free and open to the public. No registration is needed – just come on down!
Rowing Discovery Day activities include:
- Touring the boathouse
- Learning the parts of a rowing shell
- Learning basic rowing techniques on an indoor rower (erg)
- Rowing on the Grand River guided by experienced rowers and coaches
- Getting information about Learn to Row sessions and other rowing programs
Classes
2026 Learn to Row (LTR) Sessions
Each Learn to Row session teaches the basics of sweep rowing in eight- and four-person rowing shells, guided by an experienced coxswain and coach. Our programs will advance new rowers through 1) learning common commands and basic technique, 2) rowing in sync, and 3) the option for gaining power and strength. There are also opportunities for novice competition during each 4-week session.
Sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm. Throughout the 4-week session, each LTR boat will be assigned a dedicated LTR coach and coxswain to ensure consistent instruction and support.
Following the class, new rowers are encouraged to join the club as a member and continue rowing alongside our more experienced rowers. All sessions are held at our boathouse in Grand Rapids, with optional opportunities for participants to experience racing at Michigan regattas.
While it is very uncommon for a sweep boat to tip, all rowers should have a high respect for the water. We encourage everyone who rows be able to at least tread water as a basic safety precaution.
June 2026 Session
- Monday, June 8 – Wednesday, July 1
- Graduation and Club Races: Wednesday, July 1
July 2026 Session
- Monday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 29
- Graduation and Club Races: Wednesday, July 29
August 2026 Session
- Monday, August 3 – Wednesday, August 26
- Graduation and Club Races: Wednesday, August 26
Regattas & Next Steps
Regattas throughout the state of Michigan will be announced during each session as an optional opportunity for all 2026 LTR rowers to compete following graduation. Participants will also have the option to continue rowing by joining the Grand Rapids Rowing Club as a valued member.
Cost is $220
*Registration will open soon
Learn to Scull
Learn to Scull: Dates will be announced soon for the 2026 season.
Sculling is a great way to experience river rowing on your terms. Rowers who scull use two shorter and lighter oars, compared to the single oar used in sweep rowing. Sculling in a single shell requires advanced rowing skills. Therefore, our policy is to require all new scullers to have completed one season of sweep rowing experience OR to complete 16 hours of an approved Learn To Row class prior to learning to scull. Your personal experience on the water should be discussed with a coach prior to registration.
Our sculling lessons take place in singles (1x) on The Grand River. Participants assist each other in carrying oars and boats to/from the dock. While learning to scull, it is not unusual for the boat to tip over. Coaches provide detailed, safe instructions for getting back into the boat. Each session consists of 8 hours of on-water instruction, typically 4 two-hour sessions. Once registered, the club will connect you with a coach. For safety and focused instruction, each 8-hour session is limited to 3 participants. The club’s contact coach is Julie at julie@grandrapidsrowing.com. Once registered, Julie will then assist in scheduling your sessions.
As it is not uncommon for new scullers to tip out of their boat, every rower should have a high respect for the water. We encourage everyone who rows to be able to at least tread water and have enough upper body strength to get ack into a rowing shell.
Sweep
Athletes who use only one oar are sweep rowers. Sweep boats have a coxswain (pronounced “cox-in”) to steer and act as the coach-in-the-boat. Rowers are seated either on the Starboard or Port side. Sweep boats typically accommodate either 4 or 8 rowers.
Scull
Sculling involves each rower using two smaller oars, unlike the single large oar used in sweep rowing. Sculling shells and oars are smaller and lighter than the equipment used for sweep rowing. Typically, there is no coxswain (pronounced “cox-in”) in a sculling boat; the bow rower is responsible for steering.
