Learn To Row

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 State Park. We row Sunday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

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 and Sunday morning.  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 Learn-to-Row 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)