Learn to Row

What is a learn to row course?

Four water sessions rowing with a friend under the direct supervision of a club coach using a variety of boats.  How fast you complete the proficiency log and exercises will be related to how soon we can get you into club sessions.

Why do I need to bring a friend?

Adult rowing 16+ is typically with 1 blade (oar) to either the left or right hand side of the boat. We’d like you to try both sides over the period of the course just for the experience. Having a friend with you also helps with retention and motivation.

I’ve never rowed before. I’m a bit worried about tipping a boat over and I can’t swim well.

Not a problem!

• The first boat you will be rowing in will be a 2 person boat. Both you and your friend will row on opposite sides to each other and have floats attached to the riggers to prevent a capsize. (2 sessions)
• The second boat will be “single” sculls. 1 person boats. You and your friend will have a boat each, both with floats. (2 sessions)

Lifejackets that auto inflate will also be worn and the coach will be in a motorised safety launch driving alongside.

I have a son/daughter that wants to row.  How old do they have to be?

We are only in the position to take juniors 13yrs+ who have parents also rowing at the club.

You can both attend the Learn to Row and row together. We will have to adapt the course slightly as juniors <16 need to row with 2 blades due to the way they grow.

Is there a charge for the rowing?

Unfortunately similar to a driving lesson we will need to charge for the coach’s time, use of the club boats, launch fuel and insurance during these sessions. This will be £30 per person per session. Each rowing session will be 1hr30 in duration.

There is no time limit for completing the learn to row sessions so you can take as long as you want. Maybe one a month if this suits your and your friend.

Most learn to row courses cost £150 upfront with British Rowing which is non refundable.   At £30 per session you can stop anytime if you decide the sport is not for you. We hope you’ll continue your progression log and join us in membership upon course completion though.

Can I have the same rowing coach each time?

We have a couple of coaches helping with getting new rowers into the club. You will have a progression log to complete so are welcome to use any coach who is available to run a session for you. It would help to get to know more of the coaches by choosing a different one each time but if you feel comfortable with one you’re welcome to stay with them. Your choice.

OK, sign us both up. Where and when do we start?

Use the Learn to Row sign-up form at the bottom of this page and fill in some contact details. Our membership secretary will then make contact with information on how sessions can be booked via a phone app called SPOND. It is used by sports clubs all across the country. Just download it from the APP store on your phone. It’s free.

We’re a tidal club so session times will differ all the time. We won’t be rowing in the dark so it’ll be mostly daytime weekdays and weekends outside of the normal club sessions. Sessions will also be listed up to one week ahead based on weather forecasts. We can row in light rain but not strong winds.

Payment for the session, £60 will be taken at the time of booking. If we have to cancel you’ll get a full refund. If you cancel we’ll refund half the session fee.  We cannot take two separate payments for the booking so please sort your friends £30 between yourselves after booking

What happens after the learn to row course has been completed?

You can join us in the club sessions as a rowing member.  We have:

• 6x Club Singles (1 rowers)
• 4x Club Doubles (2 rowers)
• 5x Club Fours (4 rowers + 1 cox/steer)
• 1x Club Eight (8 rowers + 1 cox/steer)10x Concept 2 Indoor rowing Machines for Land Training

Membership is:

• Junior (Under 18) @ £17.25/month
• Senior (Over 18) @ £17.25/month
• Student (>16 in Full Time Education) @ £13/month
• Family (All members of Household) @ £25.50/month

Our membership is priced at the minimum level possible to encourage community participation whilst allowing us to keep the club open through utility bills, British Rowing Affiliation and Insurance. Our boats are prohibitively expensive and require grants to obtain. All our club sessions are run by volunteers.

We have a “crew room” to help form crews based on peoples ambitions for racing/training etc, plus a dedicated social committee with a goal of putting on an event once a month.