Lessons
RIVERSPORT lessons are designed to give you the skills you need to enjoy rowing or kayaking on the Oklahoma River or at Lake Overholser! We offer a variety of rowing & kayaking lessons that allow you to learn the basics, then fine tune your technique. Information on both rowing and kayak lessons is included below. Looking for a fun opportunity for kids ages 8+? We also offer summer camps for youth. Questions or need personal assistance? Send us an email or call (405) 552-4040.
RIVERSPORT Rowing Lessons
Boathouse 101
This free, one-hour session includes an overview of rowing, kayaking and dragon boating for those ages 8+. Call (405) 552-4040 or email us to schedule your session.
Discover Rowing
Discover Rowing is a 90-minute introduction to this exciting sport! You’ll learn basic information about rowing shells, oars and rowing technique. Start out learning the basics of the stroke on the indoor rowing machine, then experience the thrill of moving water in the dynamic propulsion rowing tank- an indoor rowing space with both moving water and moving rowing stations – so you can build your skills with confidence on land. Next you’ll get on the water in a very safe, very flat-bottomed rowing barge. It’s a great way to explore rowing – even better when you schedule it with a bunch of friends.
Follow the link for dates and registration information. Appropriate for ages 13+. Cost: $35. Maximum 20 people per class.
Classes take place April through October
Junior Learn-to-Row
Interested in learning to row? We’ll teach you how! At the beginning of the Chesapeake Junior Crew fall and spring rowing seasons (September and January), the first two weeks are dedicated to teaching new rowers. Plus we offer sessions throughout the summer. Youth ages 13-19 will learn the basics of rowing and meet other youth rowers from across the metro. Email us to learn more.
Adult Learn to Row
RIVERSPORT Learn to Row classes introduce you to rowing in a fun and easy-going atmosphere. You have a choice of weekday or weekend classes as noted below. Follow the links below for current class dates. Appropriate for ages 18+.
Learn to Row: Sweep will introduce you to sweep rowing (one oar). During this class, you’ll learn the basics of the rowing stroke on an indoor rowing machine and in the dynamic propulsion rowing tank – an indoor rowing space with both moving water and moving rowing stations – so you can build your skills with confidence on land. Once you become familiar with the equipment, basic skills and safety rules, you’ll get on the water in a wide, stable rowing barge and then an eight-person sweep rowing boat.
Learn to Row: Sculling teaches you the basics of the rowing stroke on an indoor rowing machine and in the dynamic propulsion rowing tank – an indoor rowing space with both moving water and moving rowing stations – so you can build your skills with confidence on land. Then you’ll get on the water to learn to scull (rowing with two oars). You’ll start out the class in large, four or eight-person sculling boats before getting out in a wide, sturdy single scull. Now you’re ready for Learn to Row: Advanced.
Learn to Row: Advanced gets you prepared to row with the RIVERSPORT Masters (adults) novice rowing team or to take out a single on your own during open rowing, which is time set aside to take out a boat and get additional, un-coached practice. This class includes instruction on the indoor rowing machines and indoor rowing tank, and focuses on getting you comfortable launching, rowing, steering and docking a small boat.
Learn to Row: Sweep – Cost $85
Early Morning [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs > 6-7:30a
Evening [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed > 5:45-7:45p
Weekend [Registration - Coming Soon] Saturdays/Sundays > 1-3:30p or 4-6:30p
Learn to Row: Sculling – Cost $85
Early Morning [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs > 6-7:30a
Evening [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed > 5:45-7:45p
Weekend [Registration - Coming Soon] Saturdays/Sundays > 1-3:30p or 4-6:30p
Learn to Row: Advanced – Cost $150
Early Morning [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs > 6-7:30a
Evening [Registration - Coming Soon] Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs > 5:45-7:45p
Weekend [Registration - Coming Soon] Saturdays/Sundays > 1-3:30p or 4-6:30p
Private Lessons & Coaching
Whether you want a few private lessons to hone your skills, or you just prefer working one-on-one, private lessons and coaching are also available. The boathouse has several coaches who are approved to provide individual or small group coaching. Private coaching can be scheduled by contacting us at (405) 552-4040 or sending an email.
RIVERSPORT Kayaking Lessons
Kayak lessons are taught at Lake Overholser at the Route 66 Boathouse, 3115 E. Overholser Dr., and downtown on the Oklahoma River at the Chesapeake Boathouse, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd.
Discover Kayaking
This 1.5 hour class covers the basic strokes, maneuvering techniques and general safety rules for this easy-to-learn water sport. Discover Kayaking is a perfect introduction to either sprint or recreational paddling, or to get you comfortable in a boat! This class is offered from 9-10:30a Saturdays from May. Some sessions are held at the Route 66 Boathouse and some are at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Click on the links for times, dates and locations. Call (405) 552-4040 or email us to schedule a group session during another time for your group of 6-10 people.
Ages 8+ Cost is $35 per person
Lessons take place from May through October from 9-10:30a [class dates & locations COMING SOON!]
Youth Discover Sprint Canoe/Kayak
Looking for an exciting one of a kind experience that offers kids individual achievement as well as the benefits of being on a team? Participants have fun and stay cool while learning water safety and basic paddling skills in an assortment of racing kayaks, canoes and dragon boats!
As paddling skills increase, all program participants become eligible to represent Oklahoma City at local and national competitions by joining the RIVERSPORT Junior Sprint Canoe/Kayak Team! Classes meet twice per week and begin monthly throughout the summer and fall at the Devon Boathouse located downtown on the Oklahoma River or in Bethany at our Route 66 Boathouse on the North Canadian River. Classes are open to girls and boys ages 8-16, previous paddling experience is not required; we provide all the equipment!
Youth Discover Sprint Canoe/Kayak Classes
No Experience Required • $80 • Ages 8-16
Devon Boathouse • Oklahoma River, Downtown
SE 6th St and Lincoln Blvd
[Dates & Registration COMING SOON!]
For more information, please call (405) 552-4040.



