Member Resources

Everything a new (or returning) LRC rower needs, all in one place, instead of scattered across old emails.

This page is a work in progress and will keep growing. Have something that belongs here? Let the club know.

Rowing 101

New to the sport? Here are the basics to get your bearings before your first outing.

Port / StarboardLeft / right side of the boat, facing the bow (front)

CatchThe moment the blade enters the water to begin a stroke

DrivePushing with the legs and pulling the oar through the water

Finish / ReleaseThe end of the stroke, where the blade comes out of the water

RecoverySliding back up to the catch to start the next stroke

Feather / SquareTurning the blade flat (feather) for recovery, or vertical (square) to catch

Sculling / SweepingRowing with two oars (sculling) or one oar (sweeping)

CoxswainThe person who steers, calls the race plan, and keeps the boat in sync

Stroke seatThe rower closest to the stern, whose rhythm the rest of the boat follows

Catching a crabWhen an oar gets caught in the water instead of releasing cleanly

Coxswain Calls

A quick reference for common calls (“Ready all, row,” “Power 10,” “Weigh enough”) is coming soon.

Drills

A rundown of common practice drills, like pause drills and pick drills, is coming soon.

Rowing Basics Videos

A short video library covering the stroke and boat handling is coming soon.

Boathouse Tour

A video walkthrough of the Community Boathouse, filmed after the recent renovation, is coming soon.

All Things Erg

The ergometer (“erg”) is a rowing machine used for training, testing, and winter practice when the club isn’t on the water.

ErgData App

Concept2’s free app tracks your erg workouts and syncs your splits. Available for iOS and Android; see concept2.com for details.

Erging Basics

Same stroke as the boat: legs, then back, then arms on the drive; arms, then back, then legs on the recovery.

Sample Workouts

Steady state pieces, the 2k test, and interval work are all common erg workouts. A full workout guide is coming soon.

Safety

Safety comes first, on and off the water.

Boathouse Rules

Always follow your coach’s instructions, never row alone, and know the boathouse traffic pattern. A full rules and etiquette guide from the safety committee is coming soon.

Launch Safety Quick Reference

A quick-reference card for launch and safety-boat procedures is coming soon.

Ohio River Conditions

Check current water levels and flow before you row at the NOAA National Water Prediction Service.

Membership

A few things every member needs to take care of when getting started or renewing.

Join US Rowing. An active USRowing membership is required to row with the club. Visit usrowing.org to sign up.
Sign the club waiver. Required for all members before getting on the water.
Complete SafeSport training. Required annually for USRowing membership. A step-by-step guide is currently being updated and will be posted here.
Set up iCrew. Our scheduling and boat-reservation system. Ask your coach or the club for an invite and setup help.
Join GroupMe. Day-to-day communication for your program happens here. Ask your coach for the group link.
Masters rowers: join the Masters Google Group. Email the club to be added.

For program pricing and membership dues, see the Learn to Row, Masters, or Juniors pages.

Questions?

If you can’t find what you need here, we’re happy to help.

Email the club Read the rowing FAQ