The following is a republished press release from Cascadilla Boat Club and NOT written by the Ithaca Voice … click here to submit community announcements directly to The Voice, or contact me at tips@ithacavoice.com.

To celebrate National Learn to Row Day and our 40th anniversary, Cascadilla Boat Club invites you to try the sport of rowing with a free introductory program, Sat., June 3 in Ithaca’s Stewart Park.

From 9 a.m .to 12:30 p.m., the club is offering hour-long sessions getting you on the water to discover what makes the sport so much fun for recreation, exercise and competition. Learn to Row Day is open to everyone aged middle school and older. All equipment and instruction is provided free.

To participate, just show up from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cascadilla Boat House in Stewart Park. After signing in at the registration tent, you’ll be matched with a crew and an instructor for a brief on-land training session covering rowing basics, boat rules and crew safety. Next, you will get a tour of the boathouse, learn rowing stroke fundamentals on an “erg” rowing machine and then get a chance to try out the real thing. You and your crewmates will board an eight-person rowing shell for on-water practice. We encourage friends, small groups and families to row together. It’s more fun.

Wear comfortable, athletic clothing (not too baggy), sneakers and socks. You’ll be rowing in stocking feet. Bring an extra pair of dry socks for later, just in case. Dress for the weather with hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, or light jacket as required. We’ll be rowing rain or shine.

Rowers must be aged middle school and older and must be able to swim. We’ll be rowing slowly and taking it easy so a high level of physical fitness is not required.

Boats and crews will depart roughly every 20 minutes. We’ll try to get everyone on the water but boat seats are limited. First come, first served.

What next? We hope you’ll love this introduction to the sport and join us for a summer learn to row class.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, CBC is a non-profit community rowing club open to everyone aged middle school and older. Based in Stewart Park’s historic Cascadilla Boat House, CBC programs include youth and adult learn to row, scholastic competitive teams and masters memberships. The club’s recreational programs attract more than 500 registrants annually. Learn more at CascadillaBoatClub.org.

Featured image by Jeff Lower.