Program Overview

The Ann Arbor Rowing Club offers a variety of programs for the rowing community. Click on any of the following programs for more information.

AARC is committed to offering the experience of rowing to the broadest possible segment of the community, including all ages and abilities. In order to accomplish this, we offer a spectrum of rowing programs with different coaching emphases to accommodate varying abilities and levels of fitness. Participation of a given individual in any specific AARC program is always at the discretion of the coaching staff, which carries out the program guidelines established by the Board. The coaching staff strives to work with all participants to place them in the most appropriate program for their individual needs and abilities.

Open Rowing: The Open Rowing program encompasses the largest group of rowers in the club, and includes rowers with many different skill and fitness levels as well as different goals. All rowers in the Open Rowing program will receive dedicated coaching for improvement in rowing technique as well as personal fitness. Many Open Rowing rowers will choose to train for racing in regattas throughout the season.

Intensive Training Program: The Intensive Training program (ITP) is intended for members who want to dedicate themselves to intense conditioning and training, above and beyond the Open Rowing program's workouts. All rowers wishing to participate in the ITP are expected to meet a minimum skill and fitness level as determined by the coaching staff of AARC, and are expected to commit to a minimum of 3 on-the-water workouts/week.

Basic Skills Development Program: The Basic Skills Development Program (BSD) is designed to continue the technique-focused instruction of the Learn-to Row program. This program is appropriate for rowers who have graduated from the LTR during the current season (or the end of the previous season); BSD is also appropriate for any given rower identified by the coaches or individual themselves who stands to benefit from the focus on development of good rowing technique.

Learn to Row: Learn To Row classes are designed for adults of all ages and abilities with no previous rowing experience. Classes are scheduled throughout the summer and are designed to prepare rowers for AARC's BSD program. The curriculum focuses primarily upon technique rather than athletic ability, so it is well suited for those looking for an engaging sport with which to become more physically active.

Learn to Row QuickCatch: In addition to our full Learn to Row classes, AARC also offers brief LTR QuickCatches, which are workshops designed to be a quick introduction to the sport. Held in collaboration with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed and based on our National Learn to Row Day format, the LTR QuickCatch is a highly condensed introduction to the sport. Each session will be 2-3 hours in length, consisting of erg instruction, barge instruction, and seat time in an eight-person shell with experienced rowers. This class is not a substitute for our full LTR, but is meant to give those considering LTR a chance to test the waters.

Club Sculling: Club Sculling is the newest and fastest-growing part of AARC. AARC aspires to provide our members with high-quality organized programming for scullers at all experience levels. The vital components of the Club Sculling program include initial instruction in sculling technique for beginners with or without rowing experience; regularly scheduled coached practices for scullers of all levels, focused on skill and endurance training, and with the goal of racing at regattas; and most importantly a safe and supportive environment for all scullers associated with AARC.

Learn to Scull: AARC sponsors an introduction to sculling through a series of intensive and condensed Learn-to-Scull (LTS) sessions during the summer months. Each session is made up of two to three participants per instructor. These sessions are composed of four 90-minute sessions on a single weekend.

Private Boat Owners: A limited number of racks are available for rent in the AARC boathouse for individuals to house actively-used privately owned sculling equipment. Rack space is not guaranteed, but AARC will make every attempt to accommodate PBOs (private boat owners). All PBOs are considered members of AARC.

Youth Rowing & Coxswain Training: AARC’s Youth Rowing and Coxswain Training program is appropriate for high school rowers and coxswains with some rowing experience. The program is held during the summer months in order to complement high school rowing programs. Participants train to row in competitive regattas, including the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catherine's, Ontario.

Youth Learn to Row: Youth Learn to Row uses the same curriculum as our adult Learn to Row program, but it is specifically tailored for high school rowers with no rowing experience. The class will cover the basic rowing technique in addition to safety practices, equipment care, and basic coxing. The class will make use of ergometers, our side-by-side training barge, and 8-person rowing shells.

Coxswains: Participants in all of AARC's sweep rowing programs are expected to share coxing duties equally. AARC hosts workshops throughout the season to facilitate skilled coxing throughout the club.

Winter Training: AARC holds regular erg sessions for all members throughout the winter months. The sessions are coached and focus on maintaining and improving physical fitness for the summer rowing season.

Adaptive Rowing: AARC makes adaptive rowing equipment available for use by physically challenged rowers. Email info@a2crew.com for more information.