The Marin Rowing Association has a variety of programs for adults that provide an opportunity to learn to row regardless of your level experience. Whether you are new to the sport of rowing or want to jump back in a boat, specific programs are offered for beginners, competitive, non-competitive, and experienced rowers under the guidance of our expert coaches. We also offer opportunities for rowers of all levels to compete in regattas throughout the season.
SCULLING - Sculling is a style of rowing in which each athlete uses two oars, one in each hand. Learning to scull in a single allows a member, once they pass qualification, to row alone. Sculling requires additional qualifications as the boat does not have a coxswain to steer.
Single Scull (1x) - one rower with two oars Double Scull (2x) - two rowers, each with two oars Quadruple Scull (4x) - four rowers, each with two oars
SWEEP ROWING - Sweep rowing is a style of rowing in which each rower uses one oar which is held in both hands. The oar is either port side, or starboard side. Sweep rowing at Marin is scheduled with a team and coach that meet regularly, see below for more information.
Eight (8+) - eight rowers with a coxswain (steers, communicates instructions) Four (4+) - four rowers with a coxswain Pair (2-) - two rowers, no coxswain
A great way to see if rowing is a good fit for you is to take a private sculling lesson. Sculling lessons are offered throughout the year and are scheduled directly by our sculling coaches. Lessons are $80 and are approximately one hour. You do not need to be a member to take lessons, but we do not rent boats so membership is needed if you decide to continue to scull. In addition, continuing to scull will require passing a qualification process. Enjoy getting started and we’ll guide you along the way.
For more information about scheduling a sculling lesson, please fill out the form below.
If you have questions, please email Morgan@marinrowing.org
This co-ed sweep rowing program is designed for adults who are new to the sport of rowing and focuses on learning basic technical skills, building rowing specific fitness, understanding the rules of the waterway and equipment handling, water safety, increasing flexibility and strength, and injury prevention. Learning basic skills to be a coxswain will be included at this level. Novice-level racing is not the focus, but participation in local regattas is fun, and optional. Participation at this level is 1-2 years. This program is also for aspiring coxswains looking to learn a new craft for free!
Three days a week TF (5:30-7:15am) and Sun (6:30-8:30am), with a 4th day Monday (5:30am-7:15am) encouraged to gain more time learning and training.
Contact Coach Felix for information about the 2026 summer cohort
This co-ed, coached sweep rowing program is designed to continue the refinement of proper rowing technique and boat moving skills, equipment handling, water safety, flexibility, basic strength training, and injury prevention. Members enter this program directly from Level I and can stay in this program as long as they want. There is no try-out required to enter this level. Racing at local events is fun, and optional.
Requirements: at least 1 year of rowing experience.
Three days a week WF (5:30am-7:15am) and Sat (6:30am-8:30am)
Development Level III offers two separate teams for gender and requires a try-out for participation. Requirements to move into this level include fitness level, technical skill level, and an increased commitment in attendance. Continued technical improvement, development of sport-specific training, learning to seat race (boat selection), erg testing, increasing racing skills and higher rates are the focus. Athletes in this program are encouraged to continue to work towards their own improvement and advancement. Athletes can remain in this program as long as they maintain fitness and technical ability. Continued participation at this level is not guaranteed and coaches may ask a participant to move back to Level II for more development. Racing in local and regional regattas is the focus and participation is encouraged.
Requirements: at least 2 years of rowing experience and acceptance by program coach.
Three days a week WF (5:30am-7:15am) and Sat (6:30am-8:30am)
Development Level IIII is the highest level of development. This level offers two separate teams for gender and requires a try-out for participation. The team focuses on competitive training and racing at the regional, national and international level. Technical ability, fitness level, and flexibility must be high. A try-out is required to ensure that the athlete is ready to participate at this level. The coach's selections will include a combination of technical ability, fitness (erg score), potential (size to strength ratio), coachability (do you listen, can you make changes) and leadership ability (sportsmanship, attitude, team participant). Ergometer tests, additional workouts, land training, weekend time, and additional travel fees are included at this level. Continued participation at this level is not guaranteed and coaches may ask a member to move back to Level III for more development, or transition to the Level IIII Alum Team. Racing at local, regional, national, and international regattas is the goal.
Requirements: at least 2 years of rowing experience and acceptance by program coach.
Men’s Program: TWTH (5:00am-7:00am) and Sat (6:00am-8:00am)
Women’s Program: MWTh (5:15am-7:15am) and Sat (6:15-8:15am)
This program is offered in the later morning hours and matches our Development Level II outline, though is a non-competitive team. Program emphasis is maximal water time. In that time, we strive to balance technique, fitness, and a general appreciation of the sport and teammates while rowing in eights, quads, and doubles.
Requirements: at least 1 year of rowing experience.
Three days a week MWF (8:30am-10:15am)
