Rowing is such a PNW thing to do. And since I've lived here for about 5 years now (and don't seem…read moreto be leaving anytime soon) I felt it was time for me to try this sport out for myself. I'd been eyeing LUC for a couple of years, and had almost signed up for a group rowing class. Unfortunately, the pandemic squashed those plans. Their group lessons were all on hold, but when I saw this spring that they were offering private lessons, I decided to sign up me and my son. I was in contact with Patti, who shared that they were still working on the logistics of offering lessons, and trying to juggle reopening their rowing programs with staffing challenges, but I gave her some options that worked for us and she began lining things up.
In the meantime, LUC began offering some summer camps on a limited enrollment basis. My son had never rowed before, but he was excited to get to do normal summer camps again, so I wound up enrolling him in a week-long camp. Unfortunately - shortly after registering him, he broke his clavicle, which took him out of all sports for several weeks. LUC was so accommodating - they gave me a credit for the camp that I could apply towards something else.
My parents were coming into town, and since my son couldn't do the private lesson with me anymore, I thought rowing would be a nice father/daughter activity. He's in his 80s, but he's very active and in good shape. I relayed this to LUC, and they were very encouraging, so I signed us up.
Our instructor was Gil, and he was awesome! Neither of us knew what to expect, and our previous rowing experiences consisted of kayaks and rowboats. The rowing shells are completely different - the rowing techniques are different than a kayak or canoe, and the shells are really reactive, so my dad and I struggled with balance and timing. Gil was so patient with us. He gave clear guidance and provided the right amount of feedback at the right time. At one point, I wasn't sure that my dad would be able to continue (he's in good shape, but at 82 he has some back problems) - Gil was always encouraging, but didn't try to push beyond my dad's limitations. My dad is also hearing impaired, but he couldn't use his hearing aids during the lessons (in case we tipped over in the water) but Gil was able to communicate clearly, checking in regularly, and making sure my dad was following along.
During our final lesson, my dad and I finally found our stride (sort of!) and we were able sync up our rowing and feel more comfortable out on the water. Again, Gil was so enthusiastic - I think he was more excited to see us out there than we were! In the end, my dad said he was glad we stuck it out, and asserted that were it not for Gil's teaching style, his ability to adapt the lessons to our needs, and his optimism, he probably would have given up. If you've never rowed before, and you're nervous, but you're thinking about taking some private lessons anyways, I highly recommend Gil. I guarantee that no matter what your fitness or comfort level is, he will make sure your lessons are successful!
As for summer camps - my son (who is 12) was cleared for sports later in the summer. I was able to find a spot for him a "big boat" summer camp, and he had a blast. LUC isn't exactly close to our house and attending required that he wake up early for an entire week, but he was excited to go every day, and also shared that his instructors were all patient, enthusiastic, and fun to work with.
I'm already looking forward to future group lessons with LUC!