Learn To Row Enrollment

Enrollment is open for our Learn to Row Classes on July 31-August 1 and August 2-3.  Space in those classes is limited to 36 participants.  Our classes in May filled up nearly one month in advance, so if you are interested, please send in you application as soon as possible.  We keep the classes small to allow for good focus on each individual rower and to keep the program manageable for our coaches and volunteers.  After these classes the next opportunity to join will be in May 2011.

To submit your application, please follow the instruction below on how to sign up.

If you are interested but want more information or aren't quite ready to sign up, please fill out the form on the Contact Us page and we will notify you later in the season when the class starts filling up.

Anyone with rowing experience is welcome to join at any time.  Give us a call at (330) 333-2ROW.

 

Free Coxswain Membership - Inquire at Any Time

The coxswain is an essential part of the boat,  just as essential as the rowers themselves.  The Coxswain's primary job is to keep the boat moving on course.  In addition to steering the boat, the coxswain calls out instructions, helps motivate the rowers, coordinates the power and rhythm of the rower's strokes and is the "eyes and ears" of the boat.

The role of coxswain is shared among rowing members of PLRA, however we are always interested in adding coxswain-only members who regularly coxswain.  Coxswains are as much a part of the team as the rowers and are so valued to the club that their membership is free.

No rowing experience is necessary to become a coxswain and we will give you all the training that you need.  If you are interested, use the form on the Contact Us page to let us know and we'll make arrangements.

About PLRA and LTR

The Portage Lakes Rowing Association (PLRA) is a rowing club in Akron, Ohio dedicated to the advancement of the sport of rowing in the Akron/Canton, Ohio area.  Our base of operations (dock and boathouse) is Craftsmen Park located at 4450 Rex Lake Dr, Akron, OH 44319.

We row on Turkeyfoot, Rex and Mud Lakes located in the beautiful Portage Lakes Park. We row Sunday mornings (all rowers) and in the evening on Tuesday (novice rowers) and Thursday (experienced rowers). 

Our Learn to Row program offers people 18 and over a chance to learn to sweep row like you see in the Olympics.  Please follow the directions below to sign up, or if you have questions, go to the contact us page on our website and fill out a request stating your interest.

The LTR class is two consecutive days for three hours each day and is designed for those without any prior experience (novices).  It is mandatory for all novices to attend LTR before participating in a Novice Sweep Program.  The first day includes a safety class, instruction of technique on a rowing machine and familiarization with the equipment.  The second day includes more instruction and an opportunity to get in a boat and row.  This $50 fee is non-refundable and does not apply to Novice Sweep Program dues.

After the LTR class, participants may join the Novice Sweep Program with regularly scheduled practices on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM and Sunday morning at 8:30 AM.  Novices can attend one or both practices each week.  This is a 12-week program with the LTR class being the first week.  There will be an emphasis on fundamentals so apparent progress will be slow early on, but learning to row properly will pay off in the long term.

How to Sign Up

  1. Choose a specific date and time of a LTR class you'd like to attend.  Each two-day Learn to Row (LTR) class is limited to 18 participants, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  We must have an application, release form and check before we can secure your spot in a class.  If we receive your application for a class that is filled we will offer you a spot in the class on the other date if available, or we will return your check.  We will post on this page if a class is close to being filled.

  2. Click here to download the Learn to Row Application and Waiver

  3. Mail the application and the Release of Liability / Affirmation of Swimming Ability form to PLRA at 1351 S Cleveland Massillon Rd Unit 1, Copley, OH 44321 along with a check for $50 payable to PLRA.

  4. All members must attend a safety class before rowing.  All rowers must have the ability to swim 100 yards and thereafter to tread water for 4 minutes; otherwise they must wear a PFD at all times while on the water.

2010 LTR Schedule

Novices attend for three hours on two consecutive days.
Weekend Class Schedule: Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM both days
Weeknight Class Schedule: Monday and Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM both days
The $50 fee is non-refundable and does not apply to Novice Sweep Program dues.
Spring Learn to Row May 8-9 (Sat-Sun)
May 10-11 (Mon-Tue)
Fall Learn to Row July 31- August 1 (Sat-Sun)
August 2-3 (Mon-Tue)