Learn to Row Procedures

1. LTR is an 8 hr. rowing course designed to give you basic knowledge in handling a shell in and out of the water. There will still be much to learn if you continue to row.  On completion of LTR, you will be eligible to become a member of Riddle Point Rowing Assn. and to row with the club at scheduled times.

2. Each of the 4 classes begins at 6:00 PM and lasts approximately 2 hours. The first night there will be some land instruction, then you will be on the water for the remaining time. The next 3 nights will be entirely on the water. We ask that you arrive no later than 5:45 PM to allow for parking, launching the boats, etc.

3. You will be in a Quad with 3 other rowers, one of whom will be an experienced rower who will help stabilize and steer the shell.

4. What to wear: You should wear comfortable, close fitting clothing, flexible enough to move in easily, but not so loose that it can get caught in the slides or oar handles. For most of the quads, shoes are not worn, but you should wear or bring socks to wear in the mounted shoes or clogs.

5. It will probably be warm and sunny, if not extremely hot.  It is important that you bring a water bottle to take in the quad with you. Even if it is not hot you can become dehydrated while rowing.  Also consider a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. to protect yourself from the sun.

6. It is a good idea to keep your fingernails short.  In the rowing stroke, your left hand pulls just above your right hand as the oar handles come together.  If your nails are long, you can gouge the knuckles on your right hand with your left.

7. The classes will be held unless there is a severe storm warning, electrical storms, or heavy rain. We will row if there is a light rain. You will be notified if the class will be cancelled. Please let me know via return email the best way to contact you, email or text. If you prefer to receive a text, make sure we have your cell number. If there is a cancellation, we will try to reschedule, but it may not be possible to find a time when all can attend. We will do the best we can.

8. If there is an emergency and you have to miss a class, please let me know as soon as possible. Since 4 people are needed to row the boat properly, I will have to find someone to fill in your seat. You can text Dave Kehoe, your instructor, at  812-929-9083.

9. If you should decide to join RPRA following the class (and we hope you will), the prorated fee for the remainder of the year is $100.00. This will allow you to row in a quad during our scheduled rows for the rest of the season which usually ends about October 31.

10. Directions from Bloomington: Drive east on highway 45 (10th Street) about 7 miles to Tunnel Road and turn left. Travel 2.7 miles on Tunnel Road then turn right onto a small gravel road (Camp Rock) just before getting to the Riddle Point Park.