Next Learn To Row Course - April 2012

Posted by: Geoff Brewer on Thursday, 09 February

Why not join our LEARN TO ROW COURSE? Following the success of our last course we are planning to run another one starting in April.

Please contact us via the link on this website for further information. The course consists of 6 sessions over a 3 week period and will cover basic rowing technique, use of the rowing machine (ergometer), rowing terminology and basic coxing. Each session will be approximately 90 minutes long. This is an accelerated course designed to get you to a standard where you can start rowing in our mens and womens squads, should you wish to.

Why Should I Do It?

Because you want to learn to row.

Who Is It For?

Adults aged over 18 (we have separate arrangements for juniors).

Course Requirements

A desire to learn to row
Please try and ensure that you can make all 6 sessions. Rowing is a team sport and whilst missing one session may not cause too many problems, if you miss more you will quickly get left behind.
You should be healthy enough that moderate exercise will not cause you any problems
You must be able to swim 50m clothed and 5m underwater

What Do I Wear?

We recommend wearing clothing that is comfortable, layered and not especially loose. When rowing you can get caught up in loose clothes, particularly t-shirts, so most of us wear tight fitting sports kit. If you have running or cycling kit then that would be ideal. We would also recommend bringing suncream/ a hat to prevent sunburn, and old trainers rather than your nice new ones too. Wellies should never be worn in a boat, so if you bring these, leave them on the bank!

Whilst learning we would also recommend always bringing a complete change of clothes, a towel and shower gel (or equivalent) in case it rains or you get splashed.

How Is The Course Run?

The course takes place at the boathouse and is planned such that you gradually gain in knowledge, experience and confidence. Each session will have at least one coach (usually more) and other club members helping out, particularly at the start. At the start of the course we will introduce you to our club, facilities and the use of the rowing machine. Subsequent sessions will cover different aspects of rowing technique. By the end of the course you will have been out in a rowing eight, like the ones they use in the boat race.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost will be £60 for the 3 week course.

What Happens At The End Of The Course?

We hope that you will have been bitten by the rowing bug and will want to join the club. If you do, then having taken part in the course, you will receive a 10% discount on that year's club membership fees (membership currently £260 for a year). We have active mens, womens and veterans sections that you would be very welcome to start rowing with, after you have completed the course. At one end of the spectrum we have members who pop down for a paddle every so often and at the other end we have members training many times a week and representing the club at races such as Henley Womens' Regatta. We also have an active social scene at the Club including black tie dinners, curry nights, christmas dinners and much much more.