What ages are eligible for Beginners Rowing?

This program is for participants aged 12–18.

How long is the course and how often do sessions meet?

The course runs for four consecutive Tuesdays (one session per week). Book the first Tuesday to enroll for all sessions.

Is equipment provided?

Yes— all boats and boating equipment are provided as part of the program.

Are there physical requirements?

Participants must be able to lift 25+ pounds and perform moderate cardiovascular activity; be prepared for physically active sessions.

How large are the groups?

Groups are capped at up to 12 campers, which allows for focused instruction and individualized feedback.

Hilton Head Rowing for Teens: Four-Week Beginners Sculling Course

Q: Where do sessions meet?

Beginners Rowing meets at the Rowing and Sailing Centert at 137 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA.

On Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, beginners can learn sculling in a four-week youth program at the Rowing and Sailing Centert at 137 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA. Designed for ages 12–18, Beginners Rowing runs one session per week on four consecutive Tuesdays and caps enrollment at 12 campers, offering intensive, hands-on instruction in 1–4 person shells. The program teaches basic sculling technique, boat handling, and the progression to rowing a single shell independently, while building strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Gliding across tidal creeks and the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, participants experience the island’s low-relief barrier coastline: wide salt marshes, winding tidal channels, and maritime forest edged with live oaks and palmettos. These coastal habitats provide calm water ideal for early sculling, plus frequent sightings of fiddler crabs, shorebirds, and the occasional dolphin. The center uses shells that emphasize stability and stroke mechanics, and all boats and boating equipment are provided, so families need only register and arrive ready to learn. Instruction balances on-water drills with shore-based coaching; coaches break down the catch, drive, finish, and recovery into repeatable segments suitable for teen athletes. Students should arrive prepared to lift 25+ pounds and engage in moderate cardiovascular exertion—the class is physically active and paced to develop endurance and confidence. Sessions typically include warm-ups, technique circuits in doubles or quads, and time alone in a single for students who are ready. Beginners Rowing is a standout offering because it brings a traditional rowing curriculum into a coastal context where estuarine ecology and calm backwaters make for forgiving learning conditions. Its small group size allows personalized feedback, and the month-long cadence gives measurable progress from awkward first strokes to controlled solo rows. The program also opens pathways to school crews, community regattas, or simply a lifelong paddling discipline on Hilton Head’s waterways. Practical details: register for the first Tuesday of a month to ensure enrollment for all four sessions. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for on-water movement. Note: participants must be at least 12 years old and able to meet the physical requirements listed. The Rowing and Sailing Centert’s program is a practical, skill-forward introduction to sculling that leverages Hilton Head’s sheltered coastal environment to make rowing accessible, safe, and genuinely fun for teens. Sessions begin and end at the Rowing and Sailing Centert launch, where instructors cover safety checks, lifejacket fit, and simple launch procedures. All boats and equipment are supplied, so families should pack water, sun protection, and a light snack. With progressive drills, partner feedback, and supervised solo time, participants typically leave the month with practical sculling skills and the confidence to row Hilton Head’s sheltered waterways on their own.

About Hilton Head Island Recreation Association

Hilton Head Island Recreation Association (Island Rec Center) provides a diverse range of recreational programs and guided outdoor experiences on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The association operates water-based tours, gear rentals, indoor climbing, youth camps, and specialty events designed for families, beginners, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Programs include Surfing Lessons with certified instructors and post-session gatherings at Sea Pines Beach Club; stand-up paddle board tours and rentals; 1.5-hour kayak tours through the Skull Creek marshes focused on local ecology; and Hobie Cat Learn to Sail sessions for ages 8 and up. The Rowing & Sailing Center hosts Paddle Splash Parties with exclusive Pavilion use for private celebrations. Rentals are available for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to explore the Lowcountry independently.

Indoor recreation features a 24ft wide by 20ft tall climbing wall with five lanes and 360 handholds, plus organized Open Climb and a limited Climb Club (10 participants) for focused coaching. Land-based and youth offerings include an After School Skate Club led by Coach Maxy Hicks, Go Try Archery events guided by USA Archery certified instructors, family fishing outings, hikes, and seasonal programs such as Spooky Snakes & Crafts and Seafood Fest Try Archery.

Safety and instruction are emphasized across programs: many experiences are led by certified instructors and use provided equipment when noted. Participants can expect structured schedules, clear safety briefings, and options for guided or self-guided adventures. The association’s activities cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, offering structured lessons, guided eco-tours, rentals, and private party options that showcase the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle of Hilton Head Island.