To get started, read the general guidelines below and then contact any of our team leaders , who can help you determine the best fit within our teams.  Rowers new to BIAC are welcome to try programs for a few rows before committing to membership.  Club membership and a contribution to coaching fees are required for all programs. 

Juniors (to age 18 or still in High School):

See the Juniors page  for more information on high-school age sweep opportunities.

Masters (ages 18 and up):

Masters Novice:

The Novice crew is a co-ed team with an instructional focus for those new to rowing (one year or less experience).  Individuals who participate in a  Learn to Row class transition into this group.   All practices are coached with an emphasis on basic skills development and lifetime fitness. There are no attendance requirements, although participation three days/week all year and additional workouts outside of practice are encouraged.  Rowers learn to both sweep row and scull.  Coxing duties are rotated among most members of the crew.

The Masters Novice crew meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.  Many members of the crew meet after Saturday practice for brunch. Most novices compete in local regattas in both the head (fall) and sprint (summer) races.  

Typically, rowers stay in the novice crew for a year or two before advancing to other programs, although rowers are welcome to stay long term, especially if the requirements of the other programs do not meet their needs or interests.

Masters Intermediate:

This coached co-ed crew consists of rowers with a year or more of experience, including both graduates from the novice program and more advanced rowers who either don't want to race or cannot meet the required
required of the advanced crews. Practices are coached and emphasize technique, fitness, and teamwork. Practices are held three days per week year round. Rowers are expected to attend all three practices as well as work out on their own two days/week. Rowers should expect to row both sweep and sculls. Coxing duties are rotated among most members of the crew.

Practice times are Monday and Thursday mornings 5:00-7:00 am, and Saturday morning 6:45-8:45 am. The team trains for head and sprint races, and encourages, but does not require, participation in the races. Men and women typically race separately, but may practice in the same boat.

A trial period and acceptance by the coach is required for intermediate program participation.

Masters Evening:

This coached co-ed crew is for intermediate and advanced rowers who prefer to row in the evenings and on weekends.  Rowers are encouraged to participate three days per week all year around.  Additional workouts outside of practice are also encouraged.  Practices emphasize proper technique, fitness training and teamwork.  During winter months (December, January and February),  evening practices are held indoors and focus on fitness development and technical training, while Sunday practices continue to be held on the water.  The team actively recruits and trains coxswains, but coxing duties are sometimes rotated among members of the crew.  

This crew practices Monday and Thursday evenings 6:15-8:15 pm as well as Sunday mornings at 8:15-10:15 am. The team trains for head and sprint races and encourages participation in races.  Men and women typically race separately, but may practice in the same boat when not preparing for a specific race.

Rowers who have rowed for less than one year are encouraged to join the Evening crew after the completion of each Fall head racing season (late November).  A trial period and acceptance by the coach is required.

Masters Advanced:

Advanced women:
The women's crew is for experienced rowers who are committed to racing and improving their athletic level.  Practices are coached and emphasize technique, fitness and teamwork.  Rowers are expected to attend all three practices each week, as well as complete additional workouts, assigned by the coach, on their own another three days/week.  Rowers are expected to both sweep row and scull.  The team actively recruits and trains coxswains, but coxing duties are sometimes rotated among all members of the crew. 

This crew practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 5:00 am - 7:00 am.  Additional practices may be required before regattas. 

The team is competitive and trains for head and sprint races but maintains a strong emphasis on technique, teamwork and positive attitude as a way to keep things fun and get the most out of the boat.   

A trial period and acceptance by the coach is required. Guidelines for readiness include a minimum of two years rowing experience and/or one year of racing, as well as a commitment to racing, a positive competitive attitude and cooperative team spirit. 

Advanced men:
The men's crew is for experienced rowers who are committed to racing and improving their athletic level.  Practices are coached and emphasize technique, fitness and teamwork.  Rowers are expected to attend all three practices each week, as well as complete additional workouts, assigned by the coach, on their own another three days/week.  The team actively recruits and trains coxswains, but coxing duties are sometimes rotated among all members of the crew.

This crew practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 5:00 am - 7:00 am.  Additional practices may be required before regattas. The team is competitive and trains for head and sprint races but maintains a strong emphasis on technique, teamwork, and a positive attitude as a way to keep things fun and get the most out of the boat. 

A trial period and acceptance by the program lead is required. Guidelines for readiness include a commitment to racing, a positive competitive attitude, and cooperative team spirit.