Learn To Row

Why Row? Why Baker? Registration Resources

Several people row in a race on a body of water, wearing colorful athletic clothing and hats, with a scenic background of trees and houses.

Why Row?

Rowing is an experience that connects you to the rhythm of the water and the strength within yourself. Each stroke builds not only muscle, but clarity and focus, grounding you fully in the moment. The steady rhythm of the oars draws you into a meditative flow, where effort and calm exist together. The shared trust and teamwork among your crew create a community and new friendships. It pushes you, it centers you, it puts you in the zone. At Baker, we have members still rowing strong well into their 90s—a testament to the lifelong power of the sport. For many, rowing becomes more than a passion—it becomes part of who you are.

A group of four people rowing a boat on a calm lake with a forest and a snow-capped mountain in the background.

Why Baker?

We understand that rowing can seem intimidating at first, but our friendly and supportive community makes it easy to jump in. Our passionate coaches and experienced rowers are here to help you build confidence on the water, develop new skills and most importantly, have fun. Regardless of age, experience or fitness level, Mt. Baker is the perfect place to start your rowing journey and discover the joy of being part of a crew on the water.

Man in sunglasses and jacket steering a small motorboat on a body of water, with hilly landscape in the background.

Registration

A crew of five people rowing a boat on a body of water with a tree-lined shoreline and houses in the background.

Introduction To Rowing (1 Day Session)

Not sure if rowing is right for you? Or maybe you just want to see what all the hype is about? Join us for this one-day trial!

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the sport, explore the different types of boats we row, learn the stroke, and try rowing in an eight-person shell.

From there, you can decide if rowing is something you’d like to pursue. Learn to Row classes for teens start in February, and adult classes begin in March. Spots fill up quickly for both our youth and adult programs.

Adult & Teen:
July 25th, Sat, 9-11am
Aug 22nd, Sat, 9-11am
Please come dressed in layers and with a rain coat. Baggy shorts or sweat pants are not recommended.

Registration - Sat July 25, 9-11am

Registration - Sat, Aug 22nd 9-11am

A group of eight rowers in a boat on a lake with Mount Rainier in the background and a small motorboat nearby.

Learn To Row Class

M/W & Sat 7am - 5:30-7:30AM, Sept 9th - Oct 28
M/W/F - 7:30-9:30AM, Sept 9th - Oct 30
M/W/F - 9:30-11:30AM, Sept 9th - Oct 30
After registering, please complete the required paperwork and the communication form so you receive all important updates.

Check out the FAQ below for more details on what to expect.
We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

This program is designed for individuals new to rowing. You will focus on fundamental rowing technique while developing endurance, strength, leadership, and confidence. From this class you would move into Level 2 after completion.

M/W & Sat 5:30-7:30am, Sat 7am

M/W/F 7:30-9:30AM

M/W/F 9:30-11:30AM

Link sould be active July 30

Program Details

18 Years and up
Learn to Row - Any individual with no prior rowing/racing experience.
If you have rowed before but it has been a few years Level 2 may be the option for you. Please call the office to see where you should start. 206-386-1913.
7:30-9:30am session meets on M/W/F
5:30-7:30pm session is TU and Thursday evenings and Sat at 7:30am.
There are no regattas for Level 1.
If you have rowed less than 1 year you qualify to race as a Masters Novice Rower.
Regattas are for all rowers unless specifically noted. There will be a fee for each regatta. The estimate fee is currently listed.

Feb 21, LU Team Rowing Relay at Mt. Baker Community Center
Please contact Team Captains to participate. Fundraising event for Camp Lucy
March 14, Baker Day, Mt. Baker. Free
March 21, Greenlake, Seattle WA. Est: $100
April 4, Husky Open (Select Varsity) Est: $90
April 12, Rose City, Vancouver WA (transportation provided) Est: $190
April 24-26, Brentwood Regatta, Maple Bay, Canada Est: $750
(Transportation provided & Passport is required)
May 2 Opening Day (Select Varsity) $100
May 15-17 NW Regionals, Est: $775
(Transportation provided)
Fees included all coaching and activities at Mt. Baker. Regattas are an extra fee and scholarships are available.
Scholarships can help with:
- Activity fees
- Regatta travel
- Required race gear
We know these costs add up for families, and we are committed to ensuring that there are no financial barriers to participation in our programs.
Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a 50-90% assistance level.
For more information and to fill out the application, click on this link:
Scholarship Website and Application
If your family does not meet the criteria of the Seattle Parks and Recreation Scholarship, we also offer expanded assistance levels of 10-40% with our Supplemental Financial Aid. (You will still need to apply for an SPR scholarship first).
Please email phaedra.ogden@seattle.gov if you have any questions.
Required Forms.
See Resources (below) for details on all forms and communication, here is a checklists of all you need.
- Float Test - every 3 years
- Risk and Release - every calendar - yearly
Communication
- ICrew App - all athletes will use Icrew to communicated with coaches & teammates
- Baker Newsletter - communication from office regarding regattas, registration, upcoming events, closures, etc.
This is our main way to communicate to all Baker participants.
USRowing Membership is required to participate in certain regattas.
Rowing is a water sport! We do go out on the lake if it is raining or windy. If the conditions are to rough to row we will stay on land and do an indoor workout. (please note the boathouse is not heated)
Please wear athletic shoes (you will not wear these in the boat but need for warm up or dry land training) Layers - non cotton and a rain shell is often helpful. Baggy sweat pants or shorts are not recommended.
It is highly recommended to bring a change of clothes or something dry/warm to put on in the colder months. You often get wet due to splashing from oars even if it is not raining outside.