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We're thrilled to bring rowing to Mercer Island this summer, in partnership with Mercer Island Parks and Recreation! We'll be operating out of a temporary storage tent near the swim beach at Luther Burbank — a modest start, but an important one.
Our pilot program for adults and kids runs through August, and it's the first step toward finding a permanent home on the island. This vision isn't new: the 2006 Luther Burbank Master Plan called for a Shell House and dock to support human-powered watercraft, and the 2022 PROS Plan reinforced it — 44% of residents expressed interest in rowing, and the City has made expanding water-oriented recreation a priority. We're here to turn that vision into reality.
Because this is a pilot, your voice matters. Share your thoughts with us at info@mercerislandrowingclub.org — the future of rowing on Mercer Island starts with this community.
Alex Barnaby-Brown will be joining us as our head coach for the summer rowing program. With almost 7 years of experience coaching everyone from novices to masters, Alex has the skills we need for our new program! You can meet Alex this summer by signing up for our summer programs!
Learn to Row Program
Learn to Row Program
MI Rowing iCrew ID: 392344
Discover the timeless sport of rowing on the beautiful waters of Lake Washington! The Mercer Island Rowing Club is excited to provide its inaugural Learn to Row program. Perfect for beginners of all fitness levels, this introductory course will teach you the fundamentals of rowing technique, water safety, and teamwork. Under the guidance of coaches, you'll learn to handle rowing equipment and the basics of rowing while enjoying the stunning natural setting.
What You'll Learn:
Proper rowing technique and form
Boat handling and water safety
Equipment basics and terminology
Teamwork and communication on the water
Whether you're looking for a new fitness challenge or a peaceful way to connect with nature and our community, rowing offers something for everyone.
*You must be able to pass a standard float test prior to the first session. This entails being in deep water, while wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt, you must float, tread water, or swim in place for ten minutes without receiving assistance of any kind from an object or another person.
Location: Swim Beach at Luther Burbank Park
Pricing: $350 per 2-week session, 5 days per week
Our session fees are non-refundable. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance – we want to make rowing accessible to everyone in our community.
Days: Mon – Fri
Time: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM
(Adult group = 5am – 7am; Youth group = 8am – 10am)
Youth: Entering 8th – 11th grade (2026 – 2027 school year)
Adult: Entering 12th grade and 18 years +
Dates:
Session 1: 6/22-7/3
Session 2: 7/6-7/17
Session 3: NA (Experienced adults only 7/20-7/24)
Session 4: 8/3-8/14
Session 5 (adults only program): 8/17-8/28
Experienced Masters Program
Experienced Masters Program
MI Rowing iCrew ID: 392344
This week-long program is the first chance to bring our local experienced masters rowing community together on the water 7/20-7/24 from 5-7am OR 8-10am at Luther Burbank Park. Whether you're dusting off your blade or rowing regularly, this is a relaxed, fun week of coached sessions, good company, and great views of Lake Washington. Come all 5 days or pop in for a couple; we can’t wait to have you join us!
Open to experienced masters rowers (age 18+) or those who have completed a LTR session.
*You must be able to pass a standard float test prior to the first session. This entails being in deep water, while wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt, you must float, tread water, or swim in place for ten minutes without receiving assistance of any kind from an object or another person.
Location: Swim Beach at Luther Burbank Park
Pricing: $100 for one week session
Our session fees are non-refundable. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance – we want to make rowing accessible to everyone in our community.
Days: 7/20-7/24, everyday
Time: 5:00 AM-7:00 AM OR 8:00-10:00 AM
Staffing
Staffing
We plan on our programming being a mix of volunteers and staff to offer the best experience possible for our community. If you are interested in being involved please fill out this interest form.
Camper Action Items
Camper Action Items
Prior to the first session, rowers are required to complete the following:
Float Test – This safety requirement must be completed and documentation uploaded prior to your first session in iCrew
US Rowing - necessary steps to ensure proper liability coverage
Sign up for learn to row US Rowing membership and pay the $10 program fee
Sign the general US Rowing waiver
Sign the US Rowing SafeSport waiver
MIRC Liability Waiver & Photo Release - sign and upload to iCrew profile
Rower Profile - Complete all required fields in iCrew profile
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