FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LEARN-TO-ROW COURSES


HOW DO I GET TO HANLAN BOAT CLUB?

We are located in the Toronto Portlands near Cherry Beach. You will find directions to our club by car, bike and transit on the contact page of our website.

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE PROGRAM STARTS?

Before you first start rowing at Hanlan, you will need to create an account with Rowing Canada to provide your emergency contact information and register you for insurance purposes. We will contact you before the start of your program to remind you to create your account as we cannot do this on your behalf.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE FIRST DAY?

Please arrive at Hanlan Boat Club a few minutes early. If the front gate is closed, please wait and a coach will let you in. The class will start with introductions and a boathouse tour. Then, coaches will review our safety policies, provide an overview of rowing equipment, and demonstrate the parts of the rowing stroke, either on a rowing machine or at the dock. Finally, you will work together with your fellow rowers to carry your boat to the docks and begin to row as a full crew on the water.

There will be a short bio break and water break scheduled in the middle of each class.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

  • Wear snug or fitted athletic clothing. Baggy shorts and loose t-shirts will get caught in the oars and seat wheels.

  • Dress in layers. It may be cold when you arrive, but you will become very warm once you get moving .

  • Wear socks and old runners (or water shoes / sandals / Crocs) that you don’t mind getting wet. Our boats have shoes in them, but you will need to wear your shoes on the boathouse grounds.

  • Wear hat, sunscreen and sunglasses (snug sport style or with a strap).

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Please bring:

  • a reusable water bottle. We have a water cooler on site for refills.

  • a towel and change of clothes. We are a water sport and will row in light rain, so you may get wet.

IS THERE A PLACE TO STORE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS?

Most rowers leave their bag or backpack on our picnic tables or on the metal shelves in Bay 5. There is no place to lock or secure personal items, so please avoid bringing valuables.

Note: We do not advise bringing your cell phones into the boat as too many phones have been accidentally dropped overboard. If you must bring a phone with you, you may want to consider purchasing a floating waterproof bag to keep it dry.

CAN I WEAR A LIFE JACKET?

  • We encourage all new rowers to wear life jackets. Life jackets are mandatory for Junior rowers (ages 11-18), non-swimmers, or if the coach deems it necessary.

  • Additional life jackets and first aid supplies are carried in the coach boats that accompany the Learn-to-Row crews.

  • Please familiarize yourself with our Safety Policy. Your coach will also review the basic safety rules with you.

  • As an outdoor water sport, weather and water conditions will determine whether it is safe to row.

Cancellations and Make-Up Classes

In the event of adverse weather, we will work on indoor and dockside rowing skills. However, if this is impossible and we decide to cancel, we will schedule a make-up class for you at no additional charge. If you are unable to attend the make-up class, you will receive a full refund if the entire course is cancelled, or a 50% refund if only half the course is cancelled.

If you decide to cancel your registration in a Learn-to-Row program, you must tell us at least one week ahead of time. If you provide this notice, we will charge you a $50 administrative fee and refund the balance of your payment. If you tell us less than one week ahead of time, you will not receive any refund. Exceptions may be made for a valid medical reason accompanied by a doctor’s note.

Further questions

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us communications@hanlanboatclub.ca.