See below for any upcoming Learn-To-Row information
GAR Masters Membership Information
Rowing is a lifelong sport. The GAR Masters program provides both recreational and competitive rowing opportunity for adults in the Gainesville area. We are a growing group with a broad mix of ages and abilities. We enjoy organized rows six to seven days each week, year around. Members have the benefit of a talented and dedicated staff of coaches.
For those who have not yet experienced the fun, challenge and benefits of rowing, GAR Masters will help you begin by offering three Learn To Row classes each year, featuring lots of time on the water. The Learn To Row classes are held in the Fall, Winter and late Spring.
For experienced rowers, even those who have been away from the sport for a time, the coaches will work with you to help you quickly re-establish your stroke during our scheduled rows.
Regular Membership (Ages 22 and up)
Dues and Costs
Dues are $110 per calendar quarter (pro-rated to monthly for new members joining mid-quarter).
For additional immediate family members, Family Plan dues are $60 per quarter.
Club dues include:
Use of club boats, equipment and facilities
Boat storage
Race entry fees
Most race boat transportation
Coaching Fees
In order to keep our dues as low as possible and accommodate our members who are not able to row frequently our coaching fees are handled separately.
There is a per session fee of $10 or you can pre-pay $70 for an unlimited number of sessions during a calendar month.
Associate Membership (For rowers 18-21 years of age and no longer eligible for high school teams)
Dues and Costs
$200 per calendar year ($100 if joining during fall season)
For GAR Alumni – $50 per calendar year
Associate Member dues include:
Use of club boats, equipment and facilities during regular scheduled sessions
PLEASE NOTE: While Associate Members are welcome to be part of the GAR Masters race team, race entry fees ARE NOT covered by the Associate Membership.
Coaching Fees
There is a per session fee of $10 or you can pre-pay $70 for an unlimited number of sessions during a calendar month.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Kelly Bergdoll, the Masters’ Liaison, masters@gainesvillearearowing.com.
Learn-To-Row
At long last the next GAR Learn to Row class is coming up! The class will be held Friday May 18th from 6-8 pm and Saturday May 19th between 9 am and 5 pm. This class is a little different than past learn to rows, mainly because we are now rowing in Melrose on Lake Santa Fe due to the low water conditions on Newnan’s Lake in Gainesville, which is where our boathouse facility is located. The town of Melrose has been very welcoming to us and hopefully several of our new rowers will be residents of Melrose!
The Friday session will be at our Gainesville boathouse and will feature a land-based instructional workout on the “ergometer” or rowing machine to learn basic techniques and will also feature an introduction to the boats and the terms used in the sport of rowing. The class will continue the following day in Melrose, where we will launch in beautiful Melrose Bay and learn to scull. You will be paired with experienced rowers and will row in four person boats (“quads”) and be accompanied by a professional US Rowing certified coach.
The Saturday session will take about three hours and due to our space limitations will be held in increments throughout the day, such as 9-12 and 1-4. When registration is complete you will be notified of your slot and given directions to each venue. In order to ensure a quality experience it’s very important to match rowers with their boat and assign people in advance.
The deadline for registration is May 15th and payment must be made at the time of registration (no refunds will be made after this date unless weather is an issue. Money can be credited toward a future learn to row or the summer novice program). You are not considered registered until you have paid. The cost for the class is $50 and can be used as a credit towards participation in our summer novice rowing program or club dues should you decide to join our master’s team. Registration will close after 24 slots have been paid, although you can sign up on a new waiting list for a future learn to row.
We hope you’ll be able to come out and learn to row!