Registration for 2025 rowing lessons is now open!
Rowing on the Great Salt Lake is a wonderful way to exercise and experience the lake. Rowing is a great activity because it is easy on the joints and can be done by people of all abilities and physical goals. Rowing can be relaxing like a walk in the park or intense and competitive depending on each rower’s desires.
Great Salt Lake Rowing will begin Learn To Row lessons in mid- April and continue throughout the spring and summer. Classes will be small and for rowers of all ages, physical abilities, and experience.
Give the gift of rowing this season! We have gift certificates available for Learn To Row and Private Lessons available at the “Make Payment” tab.
Great Salt Lake Rowing is pleased to offer beginner-level rowing lessons for adults ages 18+. Please see below for more information and class schedules. If you have further questions, please contact Meghan Saunders at meghan.saunders@gmail.com.
Coaches for the 2025 season are Irene Lysenko, Meghan Saunders, Nicole Kawakami, Malaika Homo, and Sarah Waters.
Please note, after you finish your series of lessons you will have 1 month of free membership during which we encourage you to attend Club Rows to get more experience and decide if you want to join the club or sign up for additional lessons. We offer a one-time reduced rate on Club Membership dues for Learn to Row class participants who join the club at the conclusion of their free month. The 2025 Lesson-To-Member dues schedule is as follows:
- Learn To Row Sessions 1-8 participants:
- $270 (membership valid through December 2025)
- Learn To Row Sessions 9-11 participants:
- Option 1: $150 Seasonal Membership (valid September through December 2025) OR
- Option 2: $350 Seasonal + 2026 Membership (valid September 2025 through December 2026)
Opportunities for competitions and group rowing activities are available with Great Salt Lake Rowing Memberships. If you are new to rowing, you must take lessons before you will be allowed to join the club.
FOR BEGINNERS: LEARN TO ROW ($160)
The majority of rowing that is done with Great Salt Lake Rowing is in single and double sculling boats. This series is designed for beginning rowers and includes 5 lessons (over a 2 week time period) and the use of GSLR equipment. You will learn:
- Water Safety
- Erging
- Basic Stroke
- Boat Maintenance
- Single (Maas)
YOUR FIRST ROW – Bring a full water bottle, hat and sunscreen. Wear snug fitting athletic clothing appropriate to the weather. You need maximal freedom of movement without the risk of loose clothing snagging in the tracks or catching your thumbs (open pockets on front are a no-no). Cycling clothing works well. Please also bring a signed waiver.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT – Each lesson series will begin with a review of boating safety and the geography and water conditions of the Great Salt Lake. Rowers will then learn the basics of the rowing stroke in a wide, stable ocean shell. After a series of five lessons, most rowers will be qualified to become members of Great Salt Lake Rowing, where they may participate in club rows, row individually (weather permitting), or develop their rowing abilities further in coached sessions for future racing.
CLICK ON CALENDAR TO REGISTER

PRIVATE LESSONS ($50-75)
Private lessons to help improve your technique are also available beginning in April and throughout the summer. These lessons are 90 minutes long and are $50 for members and $75 for non-members. To arrange a private lesson, contact Irene Lysenko by email at irene.m.lysenko@gmail.com.
EXPERIENCED ROWERS
ALL ROWERS must pass a “check-out” from a qualified coach and be registered members of Great Salt Lake Rowing to use equipment outside their lesson times. Experienced rowers new to Great Salt Lake Rowing should contact Irene Lysenko by email at irene.m.lysenko@gmail.com to schedule a checkout.
CLUB POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.pdf
GUEST ROWERS ($35)
The beautiful environment and unusual water conditions on the Great Salt Lake make it an interesting place to row for those who pass through this part of the country. We are always excited to interact with rowers from other parts of the world. Experienced rowers from other USRowing member clubs or international clubs who travel to Salt Lake City may row as a guest of the club. The guest fee $35 per row, and the guest may row only during a coached “Club Row” with the approval of the coach, or when accompanied by a GSLR board member. Contact Irene Lysenko at 203.644.2981 to arrange a guest row.
