Embarcadero Rowing Club: Learn to row

Begin your journey with us

We want to spread the joys of rowing in a safe, learner-friendly environment to residents of the Bay Area. On the second Sunday of each month we push off at 11 a.m. from South Beach Harbor behind Oracle Park. We meet at the Seal statue. Each Recruiting Learn to Row event has a dedicated coach, coxswain, and experienced rowers to teach would-be whaleboaters in a safe and uplifting environment on the open water. These events are designed for local residents who are interested in picking up a new sport.

All rowing events are weather permitting; we do not go out if it is raining or unsafe.

Currently, these events are on a hiatus for the month of May as we are in the midst of racing season and will have our boats berthed over at to Hyde Street in preparation for the annual Alcatraz and Bridge to bridge races.

Before you row

We want you to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable row. It can get chilly on the bay, and the boat is unique (it's not a shell; the seats don't slide!) To that end, we recommend you bring the following:

Layered, comfortable exercise clothing and shoes. You will be sliding on your seat, so it’s best if you have shorts or sweats with no seams or pockets on the back–if you wear jeans, your butt will go on strike.
A pair of biking or weight lifting gloves. Some row without gloves, so this is optional. Don't wear thick work gloves, mittens, or boxing gloves. You need to be able to feel the oar!
A bottle of water. Make sure to hydrate.
You can have your valuables with you in the boat as long as they are in a compact bag that can stand to get a little wet. We rarely get soaked on a rec row, but we make no promises nonetheless.
A signed waiver. This is required to row – please fill out the electronic waiver prior to rowing.
Your wallet. The crew will often get brunch or a beer after a row. Socialize with us!

Whether our crew has been in the boat for years or days, we row as one.