The Basic Skills Development Program (BSD) is designed to continue the technique-focused instruction of the Learn-to-Row program.

Rowers in BSD program can attend BSD practices at their convenience throughout the season, though AARC encourages all rowers to commit to row on a regular basis to gain the physical fitness and skill needed to experience the most enjoyment from the sport of rowing. This is particularly important when acquiring the basic skills and technique of rowing.

Participation

It is expected that rowers who have graduated from the LTR during the current season (or the end of the previous season) will enroll in the BSD program. It is also appropriate for any rower identified by the coaches or individual who stand to benefit from the focus on development of good rowing technique.

Rowers enrolled in BSD must be approved by the coaching staff in order to progress to the Open Rowing program. Most novice rowers do not reach this level until their second full season of rowing. Rowers who feel ready to switch to Open Rowing are encouraged to initiate dialogue with their coaches about their progress and should not wait for the coach to come to them. Participation of a given individual in any specific AARC program is at the discretion of the coaching staff, which carries out the program guidelines established by the AARC board. The coaching staff strives to work with all participants to place them in the most appropriate program for their individual needs and abilities.

Practices

The BSD program does not officially begin until June. All members begin the year practicing with the Open Rowing program, as all rowers at this time of year focus on the basic skills of rowing and building fitness gradually.

BSD coached practices are available Monday through Friday during evening practice time. There is no BSD practice in the mornings or on Saturdays.

Practice times may vary with available daylight at the discretion of the Safety Committee; please see the Club Calendar for current practice times.

Please Note: Novice rowers may not row outside of the supervised coached hours unless they are part of a more experienced group and thus subject to the unsupervised rowing rules.

Coaching

The BSD practices are coached by the designated member of the coaching staff who will follow a training plan specifically designed for this level of rowing ability and technique. See the BSD Training page for specific training plans.

Line-ups

Check-in: Rowers must check in for practice no later than 5 minutes before the start of practice to allow the coaches time to form line-ups for a timely start to practice. Rowers who arrive late will be fit into boats as possible, but may not have an opportunity to row.

Formation of line-ups: Line-ups for BSD practices will be made by the assigned coach for that practice. The coach uses a variety of factors to determine the line-ups, including (but not limited to) requirements of the workout, appropriate coach to rower ratios, rowing side preference, and ability.

Regattas

Most experienced rowers agree that competing in regattas is a fun and exciting aspect of the sport of rowing. Many club regattas that AARC attends have recreational and novice categories, which are appropriate for many of the BSD program participants. Participating in regattas is not a requirement to participate in any AARC rowing program.

The regatta committee will announce deadlines for interested rowers to sign-up for the specific regattas. If an appropriate race category is available, members of the BSD program interested in participating are encouraged to sign up. The coaching staff will then create line-ups from interested rowers, based on events available and rower skill level.

Equipment

Boat usage assignments are made by the assigned coach at each practice, and will be worked out with the coaches of the other programs, to best utilize the equipment for the size/ability of the rowers and coxswains at any given practice or race. See the Equipment page for more information on AARC equipment and procedures.

Coxing

All members of AARC sweep rowing programs are required to take part in coxing duties through the season. Members who are novices, or who have never coxed before, are required to participate in the coxing instructional activities as organized by the coxing committee. In addition, coaches will provide on the water coxing instruction during practice for all coxswains, particularly novice. The coxing coordinator keeps track of coxing duties in order to distribute them as evenly as possible.

Fees

Annual Membership Fee = $50 (paid by all club members)

Annual Fee for BSD = $270

BSD fee for June = $65
BSD fee for July = $65
BSD fee for August = $65
BSD fee for September = $55
BSD fee for October = $45
BSD fee for November = $45

Please read and be aware of our Refund Policy prior to making the commitment to our programs.

Registration

Registration for AARC Membership and all AARC programs must be done through the SPORG online membership registration system. The appropriate SPORG forms can be accessed by clicking the red "Register" buttons on each page. 

Registration for AARC membership and registration for individual adult rowing programs must now be done on separate forms. Every rower (except for participants in learning programs) myst complete the Membership Form and pay the Membership fee once a year. Every rower must then complete the forms for the programs that he or she wants to participate in for the appropriate months or season. Please pay as many fees as possible using one SPORG "basket;" this minimizes our administrative costs, and we can pass the savings on to you.

PLEASE NOTE: All rowers are required to pass a swim test, which must be signed by a Red Cross certified lifeguard or swim instructor. This is standard policy for USRowing affiliated clubs. The test must be completed by ALL rowers BEFORE getting into a boat. Details available on the Swim Test Page.

If you have registration questions, please email info@a2crew.com.

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