From the dock to the catch in one spring.
CYC Rowing offers one Learn to Row class each year — an introduction to rowing a 4- or 8-person shell with one oar (sweep) or two (sculling). The next class is Spring 2027.
Our Spring 2026 class has finished. The next class is planned for Spring 2027 — dates and registration are announced in late winter. Join the interest list and we'll email you first.
$275
15 seats
Spring 2027
Your classroom on Lake Wylie
Class starts at the boathouse and launch dock at Catawba Yacht Club. You'll learn to carry the shells, handle oars and push off from the dock on your first morning.
What the four sessions look like
The class has followed the same shape for years — one evening on land, then three weekend mornings on the water. Exact dates are published once the board sets them.
- 1Session 1 · Thursday evening, on land
Registration, payment, CYC intro, rowing demo, equipment & terminology.
- 2Session 2 · Weekend morning, on the water
First time in a shell, split into two groups.
- 3Session 3 · Weekend morning, on the water
Building the stroke as a crew.
- 4Session 4 · Weekend morning, on the water
Putting it together for a full row.
What to expect
Our goal is to enable you to row in a 4- or 8-person rowing shell using one or two oars. Most of you will sweep or scull, not both. On an exception basis, should you need to do one or the other, please include that request (and the reason) when you contact us.
Prerequisites
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must be able to swim.
- You must be able to do the rowing motion without pain or injury.
Where
Catawba Yacht Club, 19809 Youngblood Rd W, Charlotte, NC 28278. Directions
How registration will work
Registration and payment are handled directly by the Rowing Fleet Captain, Phil Gilmore. When Spring 2027 dates are set, everyone on the interest list hears first — then it's first come, first served for the 15 seats. Email our rowing inbox to get on the list or ask a question in the meantime.
Class dates, seat count and price are reviewed each year by the incoming board. They've changed little over the years and the class is always held in the spring.