How can a beginner start rowing?
We offer
Learn to Row classes every June - these classes are designed for for people with little to no experience with rowing to learn how to row with other people and on their own.
People 16 and older can take the class. Any individual under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present during Learn to Row. There is no upper age limit, and we have members from age 16 to age 85. The only stipulation is that you must be able to handle moderate aerobic exercise and have basic swimming skills.
Learning to row focuses on mastering techniques so that you can feel comfortable in a boat. As the class progresses, you will be able to learn at your own pace and only take on a level of difficulty you feel comfortable with.
How can an experienced rower join LRC?
Experienced rowers can
contact us to set up an intro meeting with a current club member to show you around our boathouse and talk about your prior experience. There is no test; we just want to make sure you are safe. More information can be found on our
Membership page.
Do you have equipment available for members to use? What types of boats are available?
Yes! LRC owns a variety of racing and recreational singles, doubles, quads, and oars. All LRC equipment is available for members to sign out and use at the boathouse.
LRC allows equipment to be transported to regattas for members to race, with prior board approval.
We row on a beautiful stretch of water on the Grand River in Lansing, MI. The boathouse is located in Grand River Park at 2921 W Main St, Lansing, MI.
Click for map
Upon entering the park, turn left and follow the road to the parking lot. Continue straight on the road through the parking lot- it will turn into a gravel road that leads to the boathouse. LRC is in the Bob Ryden Boathouse which is the second of the three boathouses along that road.
What are the membership costs?
The annual membership fee is $285. You can pay via secure credit card transaction on our website, or print an invoice and mail a check.
Does LRC offer a youth program?
LRC does not offer a youth program at this time. Potential rowers can take our Learn to Row class starting at age 16, though a parent must be present for anyone under age 18 to take the class.
What classes and coaching are available?
Learn to Row classes are perfect for beginners- no prior experience required! See
Learn to Row our page for more information and class sign-ups.
How do I find other people to row with?
We offer Spring Open Row for our club members to get back into the rowing season. We also offer Summer and Autumn Open Sessions following our Learn to Row program. These are free member drop-in sessions with no pre-registration required. An experienced LRC volunteer will be available to assist with boat selection, carrying and docking assistance. This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to team up with other club members in rowing doubles or quads - or just catch-up with your fellow rowers on or off the water!
All members are welcome to attend Open Row and are encouraged to volunteer for at least one session. More information available on our Open Rowing page.
Can I store my kayak in the LRC boathouse?
The LRC boathouse has very limited space so we do not allow storage of any boats other than rowing shells. Active members can rent rack space for up to 3 rowing shells.
Does LRC offer a student discount?
No, Lansing Rowing Club does not offer a student discount at this time.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You must have basic swimming skills adequate for self-rescue.
How long does the rowing season last?
This is highly dependent on the weather, but we typically are able to begin rowing in May and row through September or October.
Absolutely not! Some LRC members choose to participate in regattas, but this is not a requirement. Many members of the club only row recreationally, with no competitive aspects.
What should I wear to row?
Rowers should always wear bright, highly visible colors when on the river, such as neon orange, yellow, or pink.
Rowers should avoid loose clothing on their tops or bottoms, since this may get caught up in the oars or the sliding seat. It is especially important to avoid sweatshirts with a kangaroo pocket on the front, since your thumbs are likely to catch this during rowing.
A hat and sunglasses are frequently helpful for dealing with glare off the water during sunny days.
Finally, it is helpful to have a pair of slip-on shoes that you are comfortable leaving on the dock while you row.
What happens if there is bad weather?
When there is a club event, such as Learn to Row or Open Row, the club will monitor the weather and make a call on whether the event will happen or not and communicate this to attendees. We take factors such as air temperature, water temperature, air quality, wind, storms, water level, rower experience, and boat size into consideration.
Rowers always row at their own risk. When in doubt, do not row.
How do I get a key to the boathouse?
Only a member in good standing may obtain a key to the boathouse. The criteria for having a key concern safety of the rower and proper use of equipment. To be approved for a key, rowers must demonstrate that they can handle boats and oars without damaging them, can be safe on the water, and will comply with club policies.