Building on the success of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 regattas, the 2026 regatta is looking to be another fun one! Please see the official regatta page for all information.
The Rough Water Clinic (RWC) is taught by Coach Stefan Benton several times per year. It is held on a weekend day where the timing and intensity of the flood tide align. Saturday, November 8, 2025, is the next such date.
The purpose of the RWC is to educate rowers about the variable winds and tides of the San Francisco Bay, and to teach the mindset and technique necessary to safely and confidently navigate the dynamic Bay conditions. Stefan likes to say, “The goal of the RWC is to redefine your definition of rough water.”
San Francisco Bay is a tidal estuary. A massive amount of water enters and leaves the bay twice every 24 hours. Even on the glassiest of flat-water days, where tidal currents are changing direction the water can be unexpectedly rough. It is difficult to see coming and easy to be surprised by it. Therefore, OWRC requires successful completion of the Rough Water Clinic for any rowers wishing to row outside of Richardson Bay.
The 3-4 hour class starts with a lecture and presentation at the boat house covering tides, winds, skills and techniques, after which the class rows 3.5 miles to the North Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB), stopping along the way to observe and learn about the conditions in real time. The heart of the class takes place once we reach Lime Point, just inside the North Tower. The water is usually calm here and it gives us a base from which to enter and exit the rough water conditions created by the flood current passing by the North Tower.
Rowing under the Golden Gate Bridge past the North Tower happens often as part of the class exercise, but that is not the goal of the class. The goal of the class is to row in rough water and build confidence that you can do it safely. Not every student and not every class makes it past the Golden Gate Bridge during the exercise - it depends largely on the conditions that day. There is usually enough time to experience the rough water multiple times, and past students have shared that their confidence grew each time they ventured into the rough water. In fact, many students take the RWC multiple times to build their confidence and practice their skills over multiple outings, growing a little more each time.
Flipping does happen infrequently - it’s part of open water rowing - so it is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
We then row the 3.5 miles back to the boat house, riding the flood tide which makes the return journey a bit easier and faster. After washing and racking the shell, we finish the day with a short debrief.
This class is intended for rowers who have been rowing for a while, are very comfortable in their boat in “normal conditions,” and who feel ready for the next stage of progression in their rowing. As a baseline, you should be able to row 3 miles in 40 minutes comfortably.
This class is not for rowers who are relatively new and are still building confidence in their rowing skills on open water. If you are not sure if you’re ready for this class, please ask the staff or one of our coaches.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 9:00 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details (415-332-1091) or register online with the button below.
The event will start at the Sausalito Yacht Club, circumnavigate Angel Island, and pass through Racoon Straight to finish near the Sausalito Yacht Club, where a party will follow. This row is open to open water rowing shells, coastal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
We welcome all interested future rowers, and those who already know how to row, to come visit OWRC in Sausalito, CA on Saturday morning, August 23rd, from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. We will greet you with complimentary coffee and pastries and then show you around the boathouse, teach you the basic rowing stroke on our elite-level rowing ergometers, and then get you out on the water in a boat! If you are an experienced rower, maybe having been on a competitive sweep rowing team (very common at OWRC), we will give you the skinny on sculling in open water and get you started.
We will share with you the joy of open water rowing and the very closely related, emerging sport of coastal rowing.
Get there early to maximize your time on the water. If you love it, we’ll get you signed-up for our learn-to-row program.
No sign-up or reservation needed. Just show up! Free parking. We will ask you to sign a liability waiver (minors will need a parent or guardian signature) and attest that you can swim, but that is all. See you on Saturday, the 23rd of August!
Building on the success of the 2024 regatta, the 2025 regatta is looking to be another fun one! Please see the official regatta page for all information.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 8:30 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 9:00 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 8:30 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
Learn and develop the skills necessary for rowing in challenging conditions. Join us on Saturday, October 19th for what is sure to be a super adventurous row!
What to expect:
A stronger current than usual! We’ll get a Max Flood of 3.26 KTS at 11:58 am. This means you’ll have to row faster than that to get out past the north tower of the Golden Gate. You may want to row a MAAS 24 or Flyweight to make that happen.
Our coach says: “It’s gonna be pretty washing machine-esque!” He also says it could very well be flat. One never knows what to expect from Mother Nature.
Because we’re starting later in the day it will be windier!
The day will begin at 10am with a talk from our coach about the day ahead. Bring your questions so we can have a dialogue about rowing in rough water conditions.
Prerequisites:
You have to be intermediate to advanced, taken a rough water clinic in the past or be approved by our staff.
There’s a decent chance of going swimming. You’re gonna get wet it’s a water sport. Let’s go have fun and play in the rough water!
The event will start at the Sausalito Yacht Club, circumnavigate Angel Island, and pass through Racoon Straight to finish near the Sausalito Yacht Club, where a party will follow. This row is open to open water rowing shells, coastal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
Exciting changes are happening in the 2024 edition of the Open Ocean Regatta, including an additional, LONGER course, and course optimization for the Coastal Rowing community! Please see the official regatta page for all information.
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 9:00 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
NOTE: THIS CLASS BEGINS AT 9:00AM. Our website provider has a bug and is automatically changing the start time incorrectly.
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 9:00 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes boat rental if needed.
NOTE: This is the first day of Daylight Savings. Please plan for the time change to be on time!
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 9:00 AM. The cost is $150.00 and includes a boat rental if needed.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
The event will start at the Sausalito Yacht Club, circumnavigate Angel Island, and pass through Racoon Straight to finish near the Sausalito Yacht Club, where a party will follow. This row is open to open water rowing shells, coastal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
7:30 AM 10:30 AM
Open Water Rowing Center (map)
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 7:30 AM. The cost is $125.00 and includes boat and coach.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
Saturday, September 16, 2023
7:30 AM 10:30 AM
Open Water Rowing Center (map)
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 7:30 AM. The cost is $125.00 and includes boat and coach.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091.
Welcome to the Open Water Rowing Center’s Open Ocean Regatta.
The Open Ocean Regatta features two courses of changeable difficulty and with independent course of different length. Each course provides astonishing scenery with challenging rowing conditions of the San Francisco Bay through the Golden Gate and Richardson Bay. Separate event classes for open water rowing shells, FISA-compliant coastal racing boats, and traditional open-cockpit boats, provide competitive and recreational rowers the opportunity to self assess themselves in a supportive, fun-filled regatta.
The Open Ocean Regatta is also welcoming Stand-Up Paddleboards, Ocean Coastal C1, Ocean Coastal C2, Surf-Skis, to join our race on one of the world’s best surroundings for water sports.
RACE COORDINATOR: Kevin Burrell, regatta@owrc.com
BOAT STORAGE & BOAT RENTAL
Boats may be stored at the OWRC boathouse located in the Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito, CA on Saturday, April 15, 2023. If you plan to store a boat, please call the boathouse office (415-332-1091) to confirm time of delivery and make sure to bring your own slings for your boat!
“OWRC offers long term storage for all rowing and paddle sport craft.”
Boat rentals are available on a prepaid, first-come, first-served basis with OWRC. OWRC Annual Club members have booking priority. OWRC will provide rental-rowing shells to rowers who have been cleared to safely row the type of boat that they are renting. Contact owrc@owrc.com to reserve a boat.
REGATTA CLINICS & EVENTS
Regatta Clinic: Every Thursday, 8:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Regatta Practice Row Diablo Course: Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Regatta Practice Row Strawberry Course: Sunday April 2, 2023 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
VOLUNTEERS are needed to assist with registration, parking, chase boats, launch and recovery of rowing shells, and more! Volunteers will receive a 2023 Open Ocean Regatta T-shirt! Contact regatta@owrc.com to sign up as volunteer!
REGATTA FEES
· Single $65.00
· Double $130.00
· Quad $260.00
The Open Water Rowing Center is hosting a practice rowing session over the Open Water Regatta Strawberry Course. Open Water Rowing Center will provide two coaches for the rowing session. It will begin at the Start Line, then around Cone Rock then to Strawberry Point and return to a point near Cone Rock and back to the finish line. It is $25.00 plus boat rental.
The Open Water Rowing Center is providing an opportunity for rowers to learn the Open Water Regatta Diablo Course. Coach Stefan will lead a group of rowers from the starting line through the Golden Gate to Point Bonita back through the Golden Gate to Tiburon and then to the finish line. The cost of this rowing instruction is $75.00.
Sunday, March 19, 2023
7:30 AM 10:30 AM
Open Water Rowing Center (map)
On Sunday February 19, 2023, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 7:30 AM. The cost is 125.00 and includes boat and coach.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091
Saturday March 11, 2023
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Open Water Rowing Center (map)
Open Water Rowing Center is introducing a preventative maintenance program for MAAS Rowing Shells. The environment of the San Francisco Bay and the operating performance of the MAAS Rowing Shell is becoming an issue for long term durability. The Open Water Rowing Center will provide instruction on the technical specifications of the MAAS Rowing Shell, along with replacement fasteners that will provide an added protection to the salt water marine environment. The Liz Stone Boathouse will accommodate up to six individuals. Coach Bella will lead this introduction into updating your MAAS Rowing Shell and tune it up to satisfy the current operating conditions in the San Francisco Bay. OWRC introductory price for this preventative maintenance program is $50.00. Please contact the Boathouse to make a reservation. OWRC will provide a monthly schedule for this course.
OWRC Bylaws requires that an Annual Meeting be conducted to report the financial status and operating performance of the Open Water Rowing Center. In addition, there will be a nomination of interested OWRC Members to become members of the Board of Directors.
On Sunday February 19, 2023, Stefan Benton will lead a group of Rowers in learning the Rough Water Rowing conditions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is important that each rower complete a flip test prior to participating in this class.
The lesson begins at the Liz Stone Boathouse at 7:30 AM. The cost is 125.00 and includes boat and coach.
Please contact the OWRC Boathouse for scheduling details, 415-332-1091
Open Water Rowing Center is introducing a preventative maintenance program for MAAS Rowing Shells. The environment of the San Francisco Bay and the operating performance of the MAAS Rowing Shell is becoming an issue for long term durability. The Open Water Rowing Center will provide instruction on the technical specifications of the MAAS Rowing Shell, along with replacement fasteners that will provide an added protection to the salt water marine environment. The Liz Stone Boathouse will accommodate up to six individuals. Coach Bella will lead this introduction into updating your MAAS Rowing Shell and tune it up to satisfy the current operating conditions in the San Francisco Bay. OWRC introductory price for this preventative maintenance program is $50.00. Please contact the Boathouse to make a reservation. OWRC will provide a monthly schedule for this course.
The Open Water Rowing Center Board of Directors will present to all Open Water Rowing Center members a report of the current financial condition of OWRC. In addition, there will be a discussion regarding the long term sustainability of OWRC including the application for IRS Code 501 C3. Members are invited to attend the meeting. Afterward a BBQ will be available for all attendees.
The City of Sausalito is hosting a parade of lights along the Sausalito Waterfront beginning at 5:15 PM. Members of OWRC are invited to participate in this event. OWRC members that participated in past events enjoyed this celebration before the holiday season.
Open Water Rowing Center85 Liberty Ship Way #102Sausalito, Ca, 94965USA (map)
A four hour clinic is held several times a year on a weekend morning. This clinic is required of rowers who wish to venture beyond Richardson Bay. It is recommended for any rower ready for the next step up in skill level. Competence and confidence in rough conditions will benefit anyone rowing on the bay, and many find it an important and enjoyable part of the sport.
Cost: $125 per session (shell rental included)
Saturday, Oct 8th 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Posted in Clinics
Monday through Friday
7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday
7:30 AM to 1:00 PM