THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA Rowing Association and the Clallam County Family YMCA will offer on-water rowing lessons from Ediz Hook boathouse from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. beginning this Saturday.
The lessons, all held on Saturdays, are open to men and women ages 16 and older and will run in three five-week sessions.
Session one is from June 6 to July 7 (no class on July 4), session two runs from July 18 to Aug. 15 and session three runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 19.
The program will cost $60 for YMCA members and $120 for non-members.
It is an introductory class using eight-seat shells (the club has two) with sweep rowing.
Anybody wishing to participate with the rowing club must first take this program.
Pre-registration and a swim test are required. The registration deadline is Friday.
Need for coxswains
OPRA is also in need of some coxswains.
These are the leaders sitting at the stern of the boat that, “get the shell from point A to point B in a straight line,” OPRA organizer John Halberg said.
Coxswains are generally short and light as to not weigh down the shell. They communicate with the rowers using a megaphone or electronic device (aka a “Cox box”).
“A coxswain’s job is one of the most important in any successful rowing program,” he said.
“The personal leadership qualities of the coxswains are essential during races and practice sessions.”
The club is planning to offer tuition-free leadership training sessions for coxswains. Those selected will be given free memberships in OPRA.
Ergatta on tap
The YMCA and OPRA will also host the second annual Olympic Peninsula Indoor Rowing Championships, also known as the Ergatta, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.
There will be ergometer demonstrations, races, prizes and information about the YMCA-OPRA’s on-the-water program.
The rowing championships are free to the public. Check-in times for the ergometer races are posted at www.ccfymca.org/sports.html.
For more information on the programs, contact YMCA sports director Tim Tucker at 360-452-9244.
Rat Island rowing
Potential rowers in Jefferson County are welcome to join the Rat Island and Sculling Club in Port Townsend.
The established club will hold its own 10-session novice courses during the months of July and August. The courses are open to ages 16 and up.
Rowers will work on the technique of sweep rowing in eight-person sliding-seat racing shells, along with physical conditioning, safety on the water, and boat care and maintenance.
The cost is $150, and includes an automatic one-month introductory club membership. A $25 deposit is needed.
For more information, contact Erica Delma at ericadelma@gmail.com or 360-385-3171.
