NOVICE PROGRAM

The 2025 Novice program is now open for registration. Read through the following information, then click on the button at the bottom to access the registration page.

After you complete Learn to Row (LTR), you will be ready to decide if rowing is for you and if you're ready to commit to a more intensive (and fun!) training plan to become proficient on the water. You will be invited to join the ARC Novice Program, a fully coached, partial-year membership. Practices are held three (3) times a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, and Saturday mornings, 9 - 11 am.

ARC novices have the opportunity to:

Further refine their rowing technique
Improve conditioning and strength
Build mental toughness
Become more familiar with boating regulations, safety, and coxing
Participate in regattas with their teammates in the novice category

The Novice on-the-water practices run from the beginning of July through the end of the rowing season (typically late October/early November), culminating in a fun and spirited club-wide "Race" and a potluck celebration!

In addition to rowing with the Novice Team, your Novice membership includes access to the ARC Boathouse and the workout equipment, such as ERGs, weights, bikes, and other cardio and strength training equipment. While the rowing season typically lasts until early November, the Novice membership runs through March 1 and includes the opportunity for winter training.

Participants who commit to and complete the program become well-versed in all facets of sweep rowing, including safety, technique, training, and competition. The Novice Program is a fantastic way to get into this great sport.

Requirements

In addition to completing one (1) LTR session, all Novice Program participants will be required to sign an acknowledgement confirming their ability to swim as well as a U.S. Rowing liability waiver.

Please note that rowing is a physically demanding sport that uses your entire body. Rowers are required to carry boats and oars at each practice, which requires enough strength to lift at least 35 pounds overhead. If you are unable to squat, put weight on your knees, or have concerns about your participation in boat carries, please contact us directly. Before starting any exercise program, please consult your physician or qualified health professional.

Admission

Admission to the ARC Novice Program is conducted on a first-come-first-served basis. The number of participants is limited to 24 due to equipment, coaching, and club volunteer availability. Registration will not open until after the completion of the final Learn-to-Row session to provide an equal opportunity for all participants to register.

To successfully complete the ARC Novice Program, you must regularly practice regularly in Novice practices. While there is no minimum number of practices to attend, rowing is a "muscle memory" sport: More is better! The coached ARC Novice Program is structured to provide flexibility for individuals to miss practices due to vacation, family and work commitments, etc., regular practice and repetition is the biggest key to success in the program. Participants should make an effort to attend as many practices as possible.

Those who successfully complete the program are welcome to join ARC as regular members and may row with an established ARC group.

While our track record of advancing participants through the Novice Program is exceptional, there have been individuals in the past who have not successfully completed the program. In such instances, the participant may be encouraged to repeat the Novice Program.

What to Expect (and what will be expected of you)

Safety. Participants are to follow ARC's established safety procedures and coach's instructions.
Hard work. Be mentally and physically prepared to work at each practice
Honor your commitments. When you sign up to row, be there.
Be prepared. That may mean rowing in the rain (but not lightning or dangerous conditions).
Be on time. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of each practice and be ready to go.
Keep an open mind. Be ready to learn! Be coachable!
Stay conditioned. Get yourself and keep yourself in good physical shape.
You will be actively coached. Expect to improve with each session.
Keep your progress in perspective. Some practices will go really well, others will not
Fun and fulfillment will happen naturally. You'll make plenty of new friends, too! Rowing is a "social" sport!

Weather

We will attempt to go out on the water for every practice. However, there are weather circumstances etc. which are out of our control, so there could be cancellations or indoor training may be conducted if conditions preclude going out on the water.

It is solely the Coach’s discretion if a practice needs to be cancelled or moved indoors due to weather. There will be times when the Program Coordinator and Coaches will err on the side of caution.

Signs of practice being cancelled or moved indoors are:

Lightening, heavy rain
High wind (more than 12mph)
Rough water
Extreme heat

Learn More

Questions about the Novice Program? If so, please contact our Program coordinator: ARCPrograms8421@gmail.com

Registration Open