Classes

Private Sculling Lessons

Thompson's Boat Center

$75

One on one instruction with a member of the Thompson Boat Center coaching staff.  This program is for anyone looking for individualized analysis and coaching.  Each session will last roughly 90 mins. including setup and breakdown of equipment.

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Strength and training for Rowers

Thompson's Boat Center

$35 per class

Tuesday and Saturday morning strength training session with a special focus for rowers.

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Advanced Sculling

Thompson's Boat Center

$200

Moves beyond the basic skills covered in our first two classes to help students as they progress into our racing shells. Topics covered in this class involve how to handle the increased instability of a racing shell, how to build pressure and move the boat faster, and advanced navigation of the river. Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level III Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level III shells, including the Peinert 26 and Wintech racing shells.

*This course is designed for those who have passed our “Level II Sculler’s Test”

Session Options:

Monday/Wednesday 6:00pm-7:30pm

Tuesday/Thursday  6:30am-8:00am

*4 week course

Register at Thompson Boat Center

Intermediate Sculling

Thompson's Boat Center

$200

Take the next step in developing your rowing skills in our Intermediate Sculling Class.  This class reinforces the basic skills first introduced in our “Learn to Scull” class, while still providing participants with the opportunity to grow and improve their technique.  Additional topics covered in the class include introductions to ratio, improving your set in a less stable boat, and further practice in navigating the river. Upon successful completion of the course, a a student who has passed the “Level II Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level II shells, including the Maas 24 and Wintech 24 shells.

*Only for those who have passed our “Level I Sculler’s Test”

Session Options:

Monday/Wednesday 6:30am-8:00am

Tuesday/Thursday 6:00pm-7:30pm

*4 week course

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Learn to Scull Weekdays

Thompson's Boat Center

$180

In this one week introduction to sculling class, students of all ages will learn about the basics of rowing in a one-person boat, including proper terminology, equipment handling, an overview of river navigation, and of course, the rowing stroke.  Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level I Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level I shells, including the Peinert Zephyrs, Maas Aeros, and Hudson Training Shells.

*This program is designed for those with little to no rowing experience or those looking to get back into a boat after an extended absence (Ages 12- Adult)

Session Options:

Monday-Friday 6:15am-7:45am

Monday-Friday 11:30am-1:00pm (offered 4/30-9/7)

Monday-Friday 5:45pm-7:15pm

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Learn to Scull Weekends

Thompson's Boat Center

$180

In this compressed version of our introduction to sculling class, students of all ages will learn about the basics of rowing in a one-person boat, including proper terminology, equipment handling, an overview of river navigation, and of course, the rowing stroke.  Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level I Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level I shells, including the Peinert Zephyrs, Maas Aeros, Wintech 21, and Hudson Training Shells.

*This program is designed for those with little to no rowing experience or those looking to get back into a boat after an extended absence. (Ages 12-Adult)

Session Options:

Saturday-Sunday 7:15am-10:15am

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Intro to Sweep Junior

Thompson's Boat Center

$180

Intro to Junior Sweep Summer, our younger students will learn and build upon the basics of rowing in a multi-person team boat and establish a foundation for further participation in the sport. Participants will learn proper terminology, equipment handling, and the basics of the rowing stroke, in a stable, team like environment.

Monday-Friday 10:00pm-12:00pm (summer)

1-week course

Register at Thompson’s Boat Center

Intro to Sweep (Adults)

Thompson's Boat Center

$200

In this introduction to sweep rowing, our adult students will learn the basics of rowing in a multi-person team boat and establish a foundation for further participation in the sport.  Participants will learn proper terminology, equipment handling, and the basics of the rowing stroke, in a stable, team like environment.  Athletes who are interested in furthering their skills are encouraged to up for additional successive sessions. This program is recommended for adults with little to no rowing experiences who are interested in learning the sport of rowing in a multi-person boat or those who are looking to get back into sweep rowing after an extended absence.  Also great for people who have already taken the class once and want to continue building their skills.

Session Options

Monday/Wednesday 6:00pm-7:30pm

Tuesday/Thursday  6:30am-8:00am

*4 week course

Register at Thompson Boat Center

Flying Scot One-Day Refresher Course

$200

This one- day refresher is for our sailors who have taken a full sailing class either with us or somewhere else. This one-day refresher course will review and reteach any of the necessary sailing skills to get you comfortable to rent a boat on your own. This will be on our 19ft Flying Scot up to 4 people per boat plus the instructor.

Class meets 9:30-3:30 Saturday
1 six-hour session

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SUP Workshop

Key Bridge Boathouse

$55

Grab your Go-Pro and get ready to take your paddleboarding game to the next level! In this 3-hour class, you will learn sweet new turns, fancy footwork, advanced strokes, and improved forward stroke. We use our shorter, higher-end boards, reserved for classes only. This workshop is designed for beginner paddleboarders.

Price includes your board, paddle, and life jacket rental. A 50% discount is offered to Season Pass holders.

Register at Key Bridge Boathouse

Yoga for Rowers & Water Sports

Thompson's Boat Center

$15 Per Class

Flow and row at Thompson Boat Center! Get off the water and on to your mat for an all-levels Vinyasa flow yoga class geared specifically for rowers. In this 60 minutes class, athletes will move through a sequence of breath-based movements, specifically targeting the muscles and movements that rowers need to succeed on the water. Build strength, flexibility, and, focus! As an all levels class, this is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Rowers of all ages, abilities, and levels are encouraged to attend. Find the edge you need to succeed in your next race.

Register at Thompson Boat Center

Youth Pre-Camp – Flying Scot Only

Washington Sailing Marina

$460

Open to first-timers as well as returning sailors
To accommodate students not following the public school schedule, pre-camp is offered before most other camps begin. So, gather your friends and come on down.

Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

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Youth Basic Sailing Camp – Sunfish

Washington Sailing Marina

$450

Covers sailing basics for first-timers and those with limited experience
This 5-day course covers the basics of sailing, the parts of the boat, steering, use of a sail, capsizing and safety issues. Perfect for a first-time sailor or for children with limited sailing experience. 2 students per boat.

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Youth Intermediate Sailing Camp – Flying Scot

Washington Sailing Marina

$460

5-day course on a Flying Scot
Over this fun 5-day course, you’ll learn boat handling, points of sail, sail trim (main & jib), terminology, and basic navigation aboard a Flying Scot. 4-5 students per boat.

Prerequisite: Basic Sunfish Camp, either Crew or Skipper rating

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Youth Windsurfing Sailing Camp

Washington Sailing Marina

$470

Learn to maneuver a Windsurfer on your own!
This fun 5-day course will give students the necessary skills they need to maneuver a windsurfer independently around a small course in a contained area. The first session will be on a simulator to “get the feel.”

Prerequisite – Basic Sailing Card
Must be 12 years or older, over 90lbs.

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Youth Adventures On Board A Big Boat

Washington Sailing Marina

$463

Learn keelboard cruising aboard a 25-ft. Catalina!
This fun-filled 5-day course aboard a 25ft Catalina covers basic keelboat sailing, including preparing to sail, crew operations, sail theory, leaving and returning to dock or mooring, boat control in confined waters, overboard recovery, and safety. Includes test and card.

Prerequisite: Basic and Intermediate Camps – Skipper, First Mate or Crew rating
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:00pm

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Youth Skipper’s Club – Sunfish

Washington Sailing Marina

$470

For sailors with a Sunfish Skippers license
This camp will be on board our Sunfish Aquafins and is for sailors who have a Sunfish Skippers license, preferably during the summer of 2018 (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis). Since you already know how to handle this boat on your own, there will be very little land time. You’ll be off to the river for adventures, races, games and more outside our cozy lagoon at the Washington Sailing Marina. Two campers per boat with solo sailing sessions for each camper during this week.

Prerequisite Skippers license in Sunfish (at least 2 years sailing experience).

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Youth Advanced Sailing Camp – Hobie

Washington Sailing Marina

$470

Learn to sail a high-performance Hobie Cat
Hop onboard a high-performance Hobie Cat for this awesomely fun 5-day camp. The course covers boat handling with multi-hulls, hull flying, points of sail, sail trim (main & jib), racing techniques, tuning the rig, and extra features such as adjustable jib car travelers.

Prerequisite – Intermediate Skipper card required.
Must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 90 lbs.

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Adult Basic Day Camp

Washington Sailing Marina

$430

3 six-hour lessons for beginners and more
Yes, a camp for adults! This 3-day course (6 hours per day) for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills offers the same lessons as our 2-day Adult Basic Lessons, but with one extra day for practice!

Class meets 9:30am – 3:30pm (Wed-Fri)

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Adult Basic Keelboat Weekend

Washington Sailing Marina

$450

2-day course for experienced day sailors
This class is for the experienced day-sailor who is ready to tackle something a little bit bigger, like a 25′ Catalina! This exciting 2-day course (6 hours each day) covers basic keelboat sailing, including preparation to sail, crew operations, sail theory, leaving and returning to dock or mooring, boat control in confined waters, overboard recovery, and safety.

US Sailing certificate is available for an additional $60, which covers your Keelboat book, test, answer key, logbook, hologram sticker, and US Sailing membership.

Class meets 9:30am-3:30pm Saturday and Sunday

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Adult Basic Sunfish Weekend

Washington Sailing Marina

$380

2 six-hour lessons for beginners
This 2-day course (six hours per day) is for beginners who like to start at the very beginning. You’ll learn aboard the classic 14′ Sunfish, a fun solo sailor boat, or for two if you wish. Be prepared to get wet and have a great time!

Class meets 9:30am – 3:30pm Saturday and Sunday

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Adult Basic Weekend Class

Washington Sailing Marina

$430

Two-day course on-board a 19 ft Flying Scot. Good for beginners or as a refresher course. Teaches steering, use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing and basic nomenclature. RAIN or SHINE. Two-6 hour session (12 hours total)

Classes meet 9:30am – 3:30pm Saturday & Sunday

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Adult Basic Weeknight Class

Washington Sailing Marina

$405

4 three-hour evening lessons for beginners or brushing up

Over 4 evenings for a total of 12 hours, you’ll learn the use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing, and basic nomenclature while sailing a 19′ Flying Scot. It’s great for beginners or as a refresher course.

Classes meet 5:30-8:30pm or 5:00-7:30pm, depending on the session date.

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Youth Beginner Racing Camp

Washington Sailing Marina

$470

For advanced sailors learning to race
During this 5-day course on board a Flying Junior or 420, the focus will be on developing boat handling and racing skills through an array of specific drills designed to demonstrate the various elements of racing.

Prerequisite – Intermediate Skipper’s Card required
Must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 90 lbs.

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Supervised Sailing (Adult & Youth)

Washington Sailing Marina

$55 (2-hour sessions)

For Both Youths and Adults
You’ve learned how to sail, now come show off your new skills under the supervision of a sailing instructor. The will make sure that you’ve rigged your boat properly, remind you of the areas you are able to sail, and answer any questions. Once you’re out sailing, the instructor will be at the dock and/or cruising around in the safety boat to offer you tips. This is not a lesson, but our instructors will certainly make sure things are going well for you.

You may bring one guest with you on the boat at no additional charge. Two to four people are allowed per boat for sailing the Flying Scots, and one to two people per boat for sailing a Sunfish. Sailing solo on Flying Scots will be up to the instructor’s discretion. If you are here for the session on your own and the instructor feels it necessary, he/she will match you up with another sailor or group of sailors.

Space is limited so sign up early. If the session is full, it is a good idea to put yourself on a waiting list so we can contact you about availability changes.

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Community River Cleanup

Ballpark Boathouse

FREE

Paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmentalists unite! As lovers of the waters, our hearts cry a little bit with each piece of trash we see floating by the boathouse. In an effort to make a positive impact on our community and make new friends, we are partnering with the American Canoe Association to run a regular community cleanup on the Anacostia River! Grab some friends and join us at Ballpark Boathouse and see what community and fun is all about!

Register Now

Beginner Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga

$35 per person

For experienced paddleboarders new to yoga

The tranquility of floating on water and the meditative nature of yoga are in natural harmony during SUP Yoga. Enjoy low-impact muscle toning and the great outdoors while moving and breathing mindfully through yoga poses on the board. Designed for experienced SUP’ers who are newer to yoga, these classes have a strong emphasis on alignment and how to safely move between poses. Expect seated postures, twists, lunges, and gentle backbends. Our 90-minute classes give students the tools needed to eventually progress into intermediate level classes, including an overview of basic SUP techniques. No yoga experience required.

SUP Yoga is designed for experienced SUP’ers. If you need experience, take our SUP Orientation class!

Price includes your board, paddle, and life jacket rental. A 50% discount is offered to Season Pass holders

Register at Key Bridge

Register at The Wharf

Stand-up Paddleboard Fitness

Key Bridge Boathouse, Wharf Boathouse

$35 per person

SUP Fitness: the workout created by Poseidon himself! Each 75-minute class takes place entirely on our higher-end soft paddleboards. From the warm-up to the explosive bodyweight exercises to paddle sprints, everything is on the water. It’s one killer workout and an awesome time. Come join us!

This class is designed for experienced SUP’ers. If you need experience, take our SUP Orientation class!

Price includes your board, paddle, and life jacket rental. A 50% discount is offered to Season Pass holders.

Register at Key Bridge

Register at The Wharf

Kayak Orientation

Key Bridge Boathouse

$35 per person

Looking to get out and paddle, but don’t know your aft from your anchor? This 1-hour class is geared toward first-time kayakers looking to get acquainted with the water. Our seasoned instructors will go over boating safety, equipment, basic strokes, and maneuvers to get you pointed in the right direction. You’ll have plenty of instruction to learn the basic skills you’ll need to navigate the Potomac and Anacostia.

Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental. A 50% discount is offered to Season Pass holders.

Register at Key Bridge

Register at Ballpark Boathouse

Register at National Harbor

Register at The Wharf

Register at Fletchers

Kayak Workshop

Key Bridge Boathouse

$55 per person

Have you caught the kayaking bug and ready to bring your skills to the next level? This 3-hour workshop is geared toward the beginner paddler who has been in a kayak once or twice but is eager to learn more. We’ll teach you efficient stroke techniques to help you paddle greater distances, improve your ability to maneuver around obstacles, and review water safety techniques to keep your paddling companions and yourself safe on the river, like what to do if your boat tips over. Small classes of 6 will enjoy lots of attention from our seasoned instructors.

Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental. A 50% discount is offered to Season Pass holders.

Register at Key Bridge

Paddleboard Orientation

Key Bridge Boathouse

$35 per person

Our instructors have spent years in Australia, Hawaii, and California learning the fine art of SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) just to teach you! This 60-minute class goes over basic water safety, how to launch and dock, how to stand on the board, proper stroke form, and all the necessary techniques in between. By the end, you’ll be surfing up and down the Potomac!

Price includes our higher-end paddleboards and carbon paddles rental so you look like a pro from the start. There is a 50% discount offered to Season Pass holders

Register at Key Bridge

Register at National Harbor

Register at the Wharf

Register at Fletchers

Universal Access

Thompson's Boat Center, Wharf Boathouse

No disability should prevent someone from enjoying the water. Join us this summer for 1.5-hour sessions of access kayaking on the water. Our trained and friendly staff will provide assistance where needed both on & off the shore, and we have all sorts of amazing equipment to make kayaking more accessible for all. Sessions include all equipment, life jacket, and boat, and with instruction both on and off the water.

For questions, contact us and please be sure to view our eligibility requirements to ensure participants will qualify.

Register at Thompson Boat Center

Register at The Wharf