How to Join

We are completely convinced that once out on the water with us, you will turn into a believer in rowing. There's nothing quite like being out on the water and feeling the complete synchronization of everyone rowing in unison - a truly amazing feeling.

If you've never really experienced rowing, but are curious, check out our practice schedule, come visit us at the boathouse and see us live and in person on the water. For safety reasons, if you have no previous rowing experience we can't let you in a boat from day one but you can at least see the sport in action. When you're convinced (not if, but WHEN) that you want to come out and row with us, simply take a rowing lesson anywhere you like (we suggest the Lake Merritt Rowing Club ) then follow the easy 5-step bouncing ball below to get on board with us!

  • Fill out and submit our online registration form with all your vitals
  • Sign our Release of Liability Form
  • Provide written proof of ability to swim. You have 2 options here to fulfil this:
    • Provide a photocopy of a lifeguard or SCUBA certification
    • Complete a swim test and submit this form.
  • Mail in or bring in to your first row a check to cover your SFBB dues ($50 Jan-Dec; $30 Jul-Dec).
     
    Please make checks payable to “SFBB”:
     
    San Francisco Bay Blades
    Attention Treasurer
    PO Box 14185
    San Francisco , CA 94114
  • Fill out the Lake Merritt Membership Form. Membership in the Lake Merritt Rowing Club (LMRC) is required to join SFBB. Current annual dues for LMRC are $300 or less per year (prorations deduct from anual dues depending on when you join. Click here for a chart to show how much dues are when you join.

Again, for safety reasons, if you do not already know how to row you MUST take a learn-to-row class at the LMRC or elsewhere before we can take you out on the water. The LMRC has *excellent* courses utilizing the same equipment on the same body of water we use; so you'll feel right at home after taking one of their courses in preparation for coming on board with us! Check out their courses and schedules on their website, Lake Merritt Rowing Club.

To keep you updated about our activities join our Yahoo Group. If you already know how to row and are interested in rowing as a guest (with an eye towards joining us, contact our recruitment coordinator. All guests and prospective members must provide proof of ability to swim and sign the release of liability form (see above 5 steps to join) before rowing with the Blades.

For all other inquiries, please contact our recruitment coordinator.