Rowing
Rowing is a sport for adults and for young people, with many options – from single sculls to eights – and a welcome at rowing clubs across the country. Coaching is available at every level and of course beginners are welcomed. We have seen the success of our Olympic oarsmen and women but like everyone else they started at the grass roots, at club level, and that is where you will begin. Competitive rowing is not an expensive sport as you will see and both adults and young people may choose to start “wet” or dry”.
The “Wet Start” Scheme for Young People
Under the “Wet Start” scheme girls and boys are welcomed to Junior rowing, as soon as they are strong enough to handle a pair of oars, which is usually at eleven or twelve. Competition is available at local and club level all the way through to the Olympic Games.
The “Dry Start” Scheme
As an alternative to making a “wet start” many adults and youngsters start by using rowing machines in health centres and gymnasiums, and in many schools. There is a national schools competition called GoRace Indoors in which young people can take part and, of course, using a rowing machine is also wonderful preparation for “wet” rowing.
- What equipment do I need?
- How do I find a club?
- What does it cost?
- What about Tuition and Safety?
- Rowing as Recreation
- Contact the Amateur Rowing Association
Rowing skiffs are usually owned and maintained by the rowing club and oars are provided too. You will not need to buy a boat either now, or later on as you become more skilled. So your initial outlay will be only for shorts and T shirts and warm tops to wear when you come off the water.
If you want to own your skiff then Walker Bay have a low cost option that you can take out in your local lake with your family and a picnic!
Go to the Amateur Rowing Association website where rowing clubs are listed by region, together with the names of Divisional Representatives for your area whom you can telephone for advice. You will soon find a local club, and you contact the secretary or simply turn up at a weekend and ask for help. You can always be certain of a friendly welcome.
Follow the links for detailed information on special interest clubs for adults and children.
Membership will cost anywhere between £35 and £180 a year.
Rowing at ARA clubs is taught by ARA recognised coaches and is always carefully supervised. Certificates are awarded as youngsters make progress and become more skilful. Individual clubs submit a Safety Audit to the Amateur Rowing Association.
If you are not competitive and enjoy instead rowing for relaxation or exercise then you will find that there are boats available through BMF members which are easily carried on a car top and readily stored at home. Some of these are supplied as kits.
To find out more about the sport contact the Amateur Rowing Association through their website www.ara.rowing.org.
