Sculling is the type of rowing where each participant rows with two oars, one held in each hand, rather than sweep rowing where each rower holds onto only one oar with both hands. Sculling utilizes a sliding seat, which increases the length and power of the rowing stroke.

All Learn to Scull classes are held at the Lake Phalen Sculling Center. The center is located at the St. Paul Park and Recreation’s Beach house at the south end of the lake. All boat training will occur on Lake Phalen.

Yes, enrollment is limited by the number of seats available (7) in each session and the number of sessions (2) for the Learn To Scull program. Full sessions will be removed from the class registration page.

Yes, you will get an automated email confirmation of your class enrollment when you complete your credit card transaction. In addition, about two weeks before the start of your session, you will receive a course packet by postal mail which it will contain directions to the Lake Phalen Sculling Center and a student manual for you to read before your first class.

We will refund 75% of your payment ($146) if you need to cancel your enrollment prior to your session. No refund will be given after you begin your session.

In the event that you are not able to attend the class session for which you enrolled, please contact the Learn to Scull coordinator Miriam Baer at miriambaer@comcast.net as soon as possible. If rescheduling your classes to another session is not possible, we will refund your class fee (see #5 above)

Wear tight fitting t-shirts and shorts. Bring a windbreaker if it looks like it will rain. Your feet will get wet as you will be carrying the shell into the water, so sandals are recommended. The shells fit best without shoes or sandals, so bring a pair of socks that you can get wet. A water bottle is recommended to keep hydrated.

Personal floatation devices (PFD) and emergency whistles will be available for your safety. While Lake Phalen is a small, non-motorized lake, you will be rowing in a personal rowing shell. In case you capsize, the PFD will give you some extra security and the whistle will alert the instructor of your situation.

Your first class session will be held at the MBC boathouse on Raspberry Island in St. Paul. During the first session you will be introduced to the sport or rowing by touring the boathouse, watching a safety video and getting introduced to the rowing stroke on a rowing machine, also called an erg.

The remainder of your class sessions will be held on the water at the Lake Phalen Sculling Center. You will receive on-the-water instruction for all class sessions.

You will receive instruction on a Concept 2 rowing machine. Then you will row on-water in a personal recreational rowing shell. These shells are ideal for learning how to scull because they are very wide, stable and buoyant.

After you have completed a rowing program, you can join MBC at a reduced membership rate of $200. You will not be required to submit a $50 volunteer deposit for your first year. Once your membership has been processed, you can row in the Novice Rowing Program at the boathouse on Raspberry Island and receive additional coaching on sweep rowing, sculling, boat handling, and boathouse etiquettes. Furthermore, you can take the other rowing program (Learn To Row) free of charge based on class space availability.