Carnegie
Lake Rowing Association
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Learn-to-Row
THE Learn-To-Row CALENDAR 2007 (updated 2/15/07) We invite anyone interested in the L-T-R program to attend our regatta this summer at the Kingston end of Lake Carnegie. See details on our website home page. July 16 - The Learn-to-Row Program Letter and Swim Test Form are available. In addition the Learn-to-Row Program Application is available. It is interactive so you can fill in the information on your computer screen and then print it out and mail it in along with the completed and signed waiver and your check. Retain the swim test form which you will complete and have witnessed when you have been notified of your acceptance into the program sometime after August 27. We have slots for approximately 50 individuals in the program and will conduct a lottery if the initial applications exceed this number. August 20 - L-T-R initial application period closes. Deadline has been extended until all slots are filled. On or about August 27 - Individuals notified of acceptance or not into this year’s class September 8 & 9 - Mandatory L-T-R Weekend (all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon) for all accepted individuals September 11 until November 22, Thanksgiving Day - L-T-R Program continues with weekday rowing from 5:30-7:00AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Sunday afternoons from 3:00-5:00 PM (1-3:00PM after DST). Cost: $300 Each year the Carnegie Lake Rowing Association (CLRA) conducts a Learn-to-Row program to teach the sport of rowing to individuals with no prior sweep rowing experience. Our aim is new club members of any age who are dedicated, physically fit individuals intent on becoming competitive rowers who realize the significant time commitment this activity requires. If this is a goal for you, then we cordially invite you to apply to the next Learn-to-Row Program. In order to help orient folks to the club and the L-T-R Program, there is a mandatory weekend-long program for all individuals in the program starting on a mid-September Saturday (from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and the following Sunday (from Noon to 5:00 PM). This weekend will include both land and water introductions to the sport of rowing. You will hear an overview of CLRA club policy and mission, in addition to meeting coaches and club members who will act as your rowing mentors throughout the weekend and beyond. The number of participants in our L-T-R program is limited due to equipment and personnel. If the number of applicants exceeds our limitation (currently 48 individuals), we will hold a lottery after the close of the application period and select the maximum number to be in the program that year. You will be notified if you have or have not been selected and your application fee will be refunded in full if you had not been selected. You must also successfully complete our “swim test” which consists of being observed by a certified lifeguard that you can stay afloat in water over your head for a period of ten minutes. This requirement can be completed at any public (YMCA, YWCA, recreation department, etc.) or private (country club or swim club) pool. You will receive a certificate in the application packet that must be completed and signed by a certified lifeguard.
Requirements for joining the Learn-to-Row Program (no exceptions) 1. Be one of the completed applications drawn in the lottery (if necessary) 2. USRowing waiver completed and signed by you or Parent/Guardian if under 18 (included in application packet) 3. Payment of the all inclusive Learn-to-Row program fee ($300) 4. Available for the mandatory L-T-R weekend in September 5. Swim test successfully completed 6. Minimum age - high school (going into ninth grade)
Requirements for successfully completing the Learn-to-Row Program 1. Completed a minimum of 10 (more is better) on-the-water rowing sessions before Thanksgiving. (There are approximately 20 plus opportunities to row on-the-water each fall. Make sure that your personal schedule and any traveling requirements will allow you to meet these goals. Many Sundays are not available due to regatta conflicts so every participant must row at least one additional time during the week.) 2. Participated weekly. Our coaches have structured the Learn-to-Row program so that new skills are introduced each week so you need to participate at least once every week. 3. Evaluated by our coach(es) as having learned the basics of rowing to continue next year. Those who are successful may join as regular members next year and participate in our rowing programs. Those unsuccessful may be asked to repeat the Learn-to-Row Program or think seriously about trying another sport. Before applying, you should reflect upon the exceptional commitment required to succeed at learning to row and continuing as an active rowing club member. First of all, there are the physical demands. We are a racing club and such rowing requires regular and intense conditioning. If you are not now in reasonably good condition, the odds on seeing this through are not in your favor. Secondly, there are heavy time demands. Our rowing sessions for regular members are 5:30 AM – 7:15 AM five times a week year-round (and additionally at 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the summer plus Sunday afternoons. To participate successfully, you need to be active on a regular basis. Remember that completing the L-T-R program is just the beginning, not the end of rowing with CLRA. Being an active, rowing member of CLRA takes up a lot of time. If you live a considerable distance from the Princeton University Boathouse factor in the time it will take to arrive on time for rowing sessions particularly in the very early morning. If your occupation, lifestyle or studies will not allow the time to participate in at least two sessions per week for the rest of your rowing career with CLRA, you may want to reconsider this particular athletic activity.
What to expect as a member of the Learn-to-Row Program 1. Hard work 2. Honoring your commitments, when you sign up to row, be there 3. Unpleasant weather at times 4. Being on time, arriving 15 minutes ahead of time...that’s 5:15 AM! 5. Learning 6. Fun 7. Conditioning, getting or keeping yourself in good physical shape 8. Learning a new skill 9. Being actively coached and expected to improve
WHAT FORMER Learn-To-Row PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID ABOUT OUR PROGRAM The thing that continues to astound me––is there any other program where a 60 year old who has never rowed before can be given top notch coaching, on the best equipment available, in one of the best environments in the US, for a nominal cost? Not that I know of. It is physically demanding––You need to be committed: time, energy, focus. It isn't just a "social" club––it is serious work. If you exercise on a regular basis then you can easily substitute the rowing. Don't be intimidated by the early morning practice. Once you get to the boathouse you'll be motivated by the sight of the other 40 or so crazy people who are there too! Prepare the rest of your family for that schedule. Don't get discouraged–– the coaches correct you because they want you to improve, not because they don't like you. It's physically demanding. Be sure before you start that you're going to be able to manage your job with the program. It seemed like most of the drop-outs in our class were because they couldn't get to work on time leaving Princeton at 7:00, or, that their job required more travel then they realized. It's a big commitment, and it is as rewarding as it is challenging. Makes getting up at 4:45 a.m. amazingly easy and a lot of fun. It's hard work that rewards you with a feeling of accomplishment. It's a social activity that provides an opportunity for building new relationships. It's spiritual - I really like the lake in the early morning. I was pleasantly surprised how organized the program was. I never expected that a group of people would have so much passion about an extra-curricular activity. I never expected to get the level of coaching that we got over the past 3 months. It was great. I was a little surprised at how physically demanding the program is. I think it should be to achieve the desired results. The coaches pushed us in an encouraging and patient manner bringing out our best. Although you could be physically fit and have participated in sports, rowing could become frustrating at times. The coaches at CLRA are going to try to turn you into an athlete, if you have something more passive in mind maybe buy a canoe. |
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This web page was last updated on March 22, 2007. |
