On Saturday, November 8, 2025, coach Stefan Benton is teaching the next Rough Water Clinic. The purpose of the RWC is to learn the skills and mindset needed to handle rough water conditions. But also for you to experience the conditions for yourself in a controlled environment, with a coach and safety boat nearby.
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 surprisingly 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.
Successful completion is Coach Benton signing off that he feels you will be safe if you were to ever encounter rough water conditions.
The active on-water part of the class takes place at the North Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge on a flood tide. This location is chosen because rough water is reliable (but not guaranteed) and there is a calm area just inside Lime Point. It is important to note that “going under the Golden Gate Bridge” 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. But Coach Benton does his best to get everyone to experience rough water.
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.
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. 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.