East Bay Rowing Club · Oakland, CA
Row on the Oakland Estuary. No experience necessary. Any fitness level. Any age.
July 12 – August 9
The program
EBRC's Adult Learn to Row program introduces complete beginners to rowing on the Oakland Estuary. You don't need to be an athlete, you don't need any prior experience, and there's no age limit — we have members who started in their 50s and 60s and never looked back.
Over several weeks you'll learn the fundamentals of rowing, get stronger, and find your place in one of Oakland's most welcoming athletic communities. Choose the schedule that fits your life and commit to showing up.
Rowing is one of the few sports that gets better with age. The sooner you start, the more time you have.
Why rowing
Unlike running or cycling, rowing is truly full-body — and low-impact, which means you can keep doing it for decades. Here's what makes it different:
Rowing is gentle on joints while working 86% of your muscle groups. It's one of the best full-body workouts available — legs, core, back, arms, every stroke.
Rowing is deeply communal. You train with the same people, move in sync, and build the kind of friendships that come from shared effort and early mornings on the water.
Masters rowing is one of the most active competitive categories in the sport — races by age bracket, starting at 27 and going well into your 80s. Learn to row now and you'll have decades of racing ahead.
"The best workout you've never tried — on the best water in the Bay Area."
Sessions
Adult Learn to Row sessions run across multiple weeks. Choose two days per week from the options below and commit to your session. All skill levels start together — no experience needed.
Option 1
Early Morning
7:00 – 9:00 AM
Monday through Friday
Pick any 2 days per week
On the water before work
Start your day on the Estuary. Morning sessions are calm, focused, and done by 9.
Option 2
Sunday
Morning session
Sunday mornings
Weekly session
Weekend warriors welcome
Sunday sessions are a great complement to a weekday option, or a standalone for those with weekday constraints.
Bonus
Social Events
These are great for building community and will be hosted on Sundays so that as many participants as possible can make it to them.
Pricing
July 12 – August 9
One fee covers everything — coaching, equipment, and full access to the water for the duration of the program.
Need assistance?
Cost shouldn't keep you off the water. EBRC offers flexible pricing for those who need it — no questions, no judgment. Apply before registering.
You will be redirected to our email address to get in touch with us so we can qualify if you are eligible for financial aid.
Questions about pricing? Email info@eastbayrowingclub.org
What to expect
Rowing machine technique, boat parts, safety protocols, and the commands you'll use on the water every session.
You'll be in the boat on the Oakland Estuary within the first few sessions. Wobbly is expected. That's the point.
More time in the boat, better blade work, learning to move in sync with your crew. This is where it starts to click.
Graduates are invited to join EBRC's Masters program and keep rowing with the community you've built.
The community
EBRC has been building an inclusive rowing community on the Oakland Estuary since 2011. Our adult members are teachers, nurses, engineers, artists, and everything in between — united by early mornings, hard work, and a sport they didn't expect to love.
Who it's for
This program is designed from the ground up for people who have never rowed. Coaches teach everything — no prior fitness or sports background required.
Rowing is one of the best re-entry points for former athletes. It's technical enough to be engaging and physical enough to actually challenge you — without wrecking your joints.
Masters rowing has competitive categories starting at age 27. Learn to Row is your first step toward racing locally, regionally, and eventually at national regattas.
What comes next
Graduates of the Adult Learn to Row program are invited to join EBRC's Masters program and continue rowing as part of the club. Here's what the pathway looks like:
Learn to Row — master the fundamentals over several weeks
Join EBRC Masters — continue with coached sessions as a club member
Race — compete at local and regional masters regattas
Head of the Charles — yes, it happens. Members have gone.
Where we row
JLAC is located off Embarcadero West — not inside Jack London Square. Look for the boathouse bays along the waterfront.
Questions
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Coaches meet you where you are. The program builds fitness progressively — you'll be working hard within a few sessions, but you don't need to be in shape to start. Rowing gets you in shape.
Is there an age limit?
No upper age limit. Masters rowing is one of the most age-inclusive sports there is, with competitive categories well into your 70s and 80s. We've had members start in their 60s. You're not too late.
How many days per week do I need to commit to?
Two days per week is the minimum to make meaningful progress. You can choose any two days from the available session options that fit your schedule.
What should I wear?
Fitted athletic clothing — spandex or athletic leggings work best. Avoid loose shorts that can catch on the seat track. Closed-toe shoes required, and they may get wet. Layers recommended for early morning sessions — the Estuary can be cool even in summer.
How safe is it?
Very. Coaches supervise every session from the dock and from launch boats on the water. Life jackets are available. All participants must have swim certification on file or will wear a PFD on the water.
What happens after I complete the program?
Graduates are invited to join EBRC's Masters program as full club members and continue with coached rowing. Many Learn to Row participants stay for years — and some go on to compete at regional and national regattas.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Cost shouldn't be the reason you don't row. Apply through our Flexible Aid Program before registering.
Still have questions?
Email us at info@eastbayrowingclub.org — we'll get back to you quickly.
Registration is open for Adult Learn to Row sessions. Spots are limited — don't wait.
Register Now →Financial assistance available. Apply here before registering.
