Who rows at WBC? What is the skill level of the general membership?

WBC is home to over 100 individual members (“Standard Members”, with all membership rights and responsibilities). Our members represent a diverse mix of ages and skill levels. While many members rowed scholastically in high school or college and are returning to the sport as “masters,” others have only recently learned to row through one of our Learn-to-Row or Learn-to-Scull adult masters classes.

In addition to our individual members, several high school and collegiate rowing programs row from our boathouse, including: Bryn Mawr University, Germantown Academy, Lower Merion High School, Philadelphia University, Radnor High School (Girls), and Villanova University (Girls). Mount Saint Joseph Academy rows from an adjacent boathouse on the Hines Rowing Center property. Students who participate in such scholastic rowing programs are not Standard Members of the Club; accordingly, their use of the WBC facilities is limited solely to rowing activities as members of their respective scholastic rowing programs.

What equipment is offered through WBC?

WBC owns a mix of sweep and sculling shells of all sizes (8+’s, 2x’s, 1x’s, 4x’s, Novice Gigs, etc.). These boats are used at WBC “Club Row” practices and are available for use (as appropriate, given the member(s)’ skill level) when Club Rows are not in session. In addition, many individual members pay an additional annual fee to store their private boat(s) at WBC. In addition to club boats, WBC members – through a joint agreement with tenant scholastic coaches – have access to ergometers stored on the property.

When are Club Row practices and how are they organized?

WBC Club Row practices are offered every Tuesday and Thursday evening (Launch Time is 6:00 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (Launch Time is 7:00 am). These times apply from the late winter/early spring (early March) – end of the fall racing season (early November). Throughout the winter, WBC will continue to row on the water on weekend mornings, weather permitting. During the week, members typically gather for erg and other land workouts.

The Club Coxswain requests that members “RSVP” at the start of each week with expected days that they will row during the upcoming week. This information is generally used to ensure availability of coxswains, etc. Effort is made to accommodate all participating members at each practice, and equipment is almost always available to do so. If need be, preference is given to those members who appropriately “RSVPed” with their intention to row for that practice.

I have been rowing for years and would like to just check WBC out. How do I do so?

WBC welcomes experienced members to join the club. For individuals that have rowed previously, WBC invites prospective members to join us a guest at a Club Row. “Guests” must register, sign a USRowing waiver, and be accompanied/hosted by a current WBC member. If you do not know any current members, please contact Membership Chair Helene O’Neill at Hmogolf1@aol.com. During the guest Club Row, a WBC officer or coach will check rowing proficiency of the prospective member to recommend immediate membership acceptance and/or participation in one of WBC’s Learn-to-Row programs.

I have never rowed before, but I am interested in trying. How do I do so?

WBC welcomes new, novice rowers as well. Several times each year, WBC offers Learn-to-Erg, Learn-to-Row, and Learn-to-Scull programs. These programs are generally 3 weeks (9 sessions) and provide members with an introduction to the sport. Contact Membership Chair Helene O’Neill at Hmogolf1@aol.com or check the WBC Upcoming Events section for details about upcoming programs. All novice rowers must participate in one of WBC’s “Learn-To” programs.

I am interested in racing competitively. Can I do that at WBC? I do not want to race at all. Is that an option?

WBC prides itself on providing a forum to meet the needs of all of its members. Many of our members do not race but participate regularly in Club Row practices for general exercise, etc. Many others compete regularly in regattas in one of the WBC “team boats” or as independent rowers in smaller boats such as singles and doubles. WBC’s Club Captain and Coxswain together coordinate the racing calendar and help members to make arrangements for boat trailering, race registration, etc.

How do I get a membership application, or communicate with someone at WBC if I have questions?