Learn to Row - April/May 2026 (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Our program runs over four weeks, it's an introduction to rowing course which will give you access to 7 sessions of on-water training where you will learn:

The mechanics of rowing
Parts of the boat and the oars
Positions in the boat
Boat handling, rigging and launching
Four stages of the rowing stroke (basic rowing technique)
Manoeuvring of the boat
Basic rowing commands & terminology
Safety - for yourself, your crew and the equipment
Equipment care - cleaning, adjustments, how to avoid damage
How to use an indoor rowing machine
How to row as a crew with basic rhythm & timing
Stretching before & after rowing (inc. warm ups)
Rowing on Albert Park Lake & Marine Safety
The history of the Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club
Swim session to confirm you can swim 50 meters (marine safety rule)
To have fun and enjoy the sport of rowing!

Program Structure

The program is developed and delivered by our coaches and coxes with support from our experienced rowers.

Kickoff Weekend - Saturday 25 April & Sunday 26 April (10am - 2pm) First session is off-water where our coaches will teach you the basics of rowing, provide you with an overview of the rowing shell (boat), and will introduce you to the rowing stroke on an indoor rowing machine (everything listed above). The second session starts off-water with a refresher on the basics, before giving you an opportunity to hop into a boat where you get to practice your new skills, supported again by the coach and also a crew of our experienced rowers.
Week One - Saturday 2 May (8:15am) This session will include an off-water refresher of the technique, a chance to ask questions and a warm up before going on-water in a boat with some experienced rowers
Week Two - Monday 4 May (6:15pm) & Saturday 9 May (8:15am) Two sessions, getting more comfortable on the water and with the equipment as we paddle around the lake, building our confidence and understanding of rowing.
Week Three - Monday 11 May (6:15pm) & 16 May (8:15am) Two sessions, the same as week two but we begin to pull your individual skills together as a crew and continue to build your confidence, ability and technique, leading to the a final on-water session.
Week Four - Monday 18 May (6:15pm) This week your swim session is held and we’ll also go out for a celebratory dinner with other club members and talk about your next steps now you’ll have graduated Learn to Row

After the Program

Following your graduation from Learn to Row, we hope that you will be keen to continue your development in rowing and become a member of the Melbourne Argonauts. We have a number of membership options available and if you decide to join you’ll be included in our Development Squad to continue your rowing journey.

Subsidised places The Melbourne Argonauts recognises that rowing and team sports have not always been supportive or inclusive of women, transpeople and gender diverse folk. We're wanting to change this by promoting and supporting those that have otherwise not been championed in the sport.

Please get in touch at ltr@maqrc.org to ask about our subsidised places for women, trans and gender diverse folks.

Subsidies may also be available in other circumstances.

Register to secure your place now, once registered you’ll be sent a confirmation with additional information about the program including what to bring and your participant handbook.

Please note, rowing is an all weather sport and the program will continue regardless of weather (unless very severe and it becomes dangerous) if we’re unable to go on-water for a session the program will transition to off-water training.

The program can be tailored to any special requirements of the rowers, please let us know when you book, or when you arrive, of anything we need to know.

Program participants must be aged 18 years or over.

We aim to provide a program and pathway into rowing for everyone, if there are financial or social barriers we can help with please do reach out to discuss, we can work out something for you.

If you have any questions please contact ltr@melbourneargonauts.com.au

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Learn-To-Row program participants will be required to acknowledge and complete a Participant Disclaimer form during the Kickoff Weekend prior to formal commencement of program activities. Participation in any Melbourne Argonauts activities, including those offered under the Learn-to-Row program is conditional to prior acknowledgement and completion of the Participant Disclaimer form. In registering and paying for the Learn-To-Row program, you acknowledge that completing the Participant Disclaimer form is a term of the contract to supply recreational services between Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club Inc. and you, and failure to complete the form constitutes a breach of that contract.

If you would like more information or have any questions around the Participant Disclaimer form, please contact ltr@melbourneargonauts.com.au or secretary@melbourneargonauts.com.au

Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club upcoming events

Learn to Row - April/May 2026 (25 Apr 2026)

Program Structure

After the Program