Dolphin Club rowing training is designed to help club members learn how to row on San Francisco Bay for fun, fitness, and adventure.
We’re a member-run club and training is offered by members, to members, as schedules allow.
You don’t have to know anything about rowing to begin, but you should be aware that rowing, especially on the Bay, can be a strenuous and challenging activity at times. You’ll need to be able to swim and be willing to enjoy getting pushed around by wind, waves, and currents.
Rowing orientation classes introduce members to the basics of how to row, how to take care of our boats, how to operate our dock, and the tides, currents, and safety aspects of San Francisco Bay.
Training is typically offered monthly and is only available to Dolphin Club members.
Rowing orientation is just the first step on your rowing journey. After the class, there are lots of opportunities for you to grow and improve.
Becoming comfortable behind the oars takes time. After orientation, we ask that you practice by yourself by rowing inside the cove.
A great way to build experience on the Bay is to support our club swims as a pilot. Rower pilots serve as an essential component of our swim safety protocol, and piloting a swim is one of the best ways to become a part of the club community.
Join outings on our multi-seat boats to improve your rowing technique and meet other rowers.
Certification is a milestone for Dolphin Club rowers. Once certified, you’ll be able to take our boats out onto the Bay on your own schedule.
Rowers frequently get together for outings to nearby destinations including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Ferry Building, McCovey Cove, Treasure Island, and Angel Island.
The club has several open-water shells and coastal shells. These are great for fitness and competition. The club hosts regattas throughout the year and club members participate in regattas hosted by neighboring open-water rowing clubs, such as the South End and Open Water Rowing Center.
Members organize longer expedition rows to further destinations including China Camp, Petaluma, the Delta, and Sacramento.