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Harvard University Recreation

Mandatory Charles River Rowing Rules Map: Must Read Before Reserving

Recreational Sculling Program

We are proud to continue a long-standing Harvard tradition through our recreational sculling program, which offers a rare and unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in the oldest sport at Harvard on the historic Charles River. Whether you're looking for a fun recreational activity or a challenging athletic pursuit, our program welcomes all skill levels. Our facilities are set up to support a wide range of abilities and goals, and we're dedicated to making sure everyone has a rewarding rowing experience. Reservations are subject to cancelation due to expected weather conditions and water quality, any changes will be communicated in advance of your reservation.

Recreational Rowing Dates:

  • Fall - 9/8 to 10/30*, Weld Boathouse
    • On Sale: 9/1 to 10/27
    • *dates subject to change
      • Closed 10/14 to 10/17

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday

  • 10 - 11 AM
  • 11 - 12 PM
  • *12 - 1 PM Closed for Lunch*
  • 1 - 2 PM
  • 2 - 3 PM
  • Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

How to Register: 

  1. Purchase a Rowing Membership 
  2. Take a Boating Swim Test at MAC or Blodgett Pool

*Notify a lifeguard on duty that you would like to take a swim test

3. Watch the USRowing Safety Video

*Participants will be required to take a short quiz based on the information in the video

  1. Make a Rowing Reservation:

*Rowing reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Registration closes 1 hour before the class. 

*Reservations can be canceled online 1 hour or more before the class starts. See bottom of page for details on how to cancel a reservation

*All experience levels participate at the same time.

**Sessions are not held separately, or privately, at this time.

CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING THREE OPTIONS (PLEASE READ DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY)

  1. Beginner OR First Time on the Charles River
    1. Select Beginner if it is your first time rowing OR your first time rowing on the Charles River/participating with Harvard Recreational Rowing
    2. Participants with no rowing experience should select Beginner the first 3 to 5 times they attend
    3. A recreational rowing instructor can suggest which level you should register for
  2. Advanced Beginner
    1. Advanced beginners have prior rowing experience and experience on the Charles, and/or have advanced to a higher boat class and/or have attended more than 10 sessions
    2. A recreational rowing instructor can suggest which level you should register for
  3. Experienced 
    1. Proficient rower who has advanced to rowing in a racing shell and/or has passed the captain’s test
    2. A recreational rowing instructor can provide participants at the experienced skill level with the written portion of the captain’s test and the practical exam checklist 
    3. If you have completed a captain’s test at another boathouse on the Charles River please forward the test confirmation to boyne@fas.harvard.edu

 

 

How To Cancel Your Rowing Reservation

If you have further questions regarding Recreational Sculling, please contact Dan Boyne: boyne@fas.harvard.edu

How To Cancel Your Rowing Reservation