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 graduate into this group.   All practices are coached with emphasis on basic skills development and lifetime fitness. Rowers learn to both sweep row and scull.  Coxing duties are rotated among most members of the crew.

The Masters Novice crew meets early Tuesday and Thursday mornings (normally 5-7 am) and Saturday mornings (normally 7-9 am).  Many members of the crew meet after Saturday practice for brunch. Novices compete in local regattas in both the head (fall) and sprint (summer) races. Rowers stay in the novice crew for a year before advancing to other programs.

Masters Intermediate:

This 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 requirements of the advanced crews. Practices are coached and emphasize technique, fitness, and teamwork. This crew practices three days per week year round. Rowers are expected to attend all three practices and encouraged to work out on their own two days/week. Rowers can expect to row both sweep and sculls. Coxing duties are rotated among most members of the crew.

Practice times are Tuesday and Thursday mornings 5:00-7:00 am, and Saturday mornings 6:00-8:00 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: (inactive currently - 2011)

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 men and women:
The advanced sweep team 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.