2026 Dates

Taster Sessions – Sunday 19th April and Sunday 26th April from 10:30am – 1:30pm

The Taster Session will include a tour and overview of the site, an introduction to the principles of rowing and terminology on the indoor rowing machine (ergo) and two short water sessions in individual and crew boats.

The cost to attend a Taster Session is £20

Following successful completion of a Taster session, there is the opportunity to learn more during a full weekend course.

Learn to Row Weekend – Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May from 10am – 3:30pm each day

The weekend will include three sessions each day in a mix of small and crew boats, working at the pace of the attendees.

The cost to attend the Learn to Row weekend is £99 which includes a T-shirt and a LTR booklet to take away.

 

Please email our Learn-to-Row coordinator for more information and/or to be added to the waiting list.

It is also worth considering our Indoor Rowing Classes at any time (think spin class but much more fun – we think!). These coached classes run all year round, at least twice a week and are a great way to start to get involved in rowing. As well as being fun, attending these classes will be a useful grounding when you come to go on the water. Details of how to enrol are on our ‘Go-Row Indoor’ page.

Background

Rowing is suitable for people of any age or fitness and it really is never too late to learn! If you have never rowed before, or maybe rowed ages ago and want to return to it or have enjoyed paddling around a boating lake in summer and fancy having a go, this is the place to start! Please contact the Adult Learn to Row Coordinator, Learn-to-Row if you would like to be added to the waiting list for the next learn to row course, or would like more information about individual lessons.

If you have no rowing experience, you could attend a Taster Day. This session lasts for 3 to 4 hours and includes an introduction to the Club and our equipment, coaching on land on an ergo (indoor rowing machine) to learn the basics about rowing and terminology, and a session in a boat on the river. All of this will help you understand what is involved in rowing, the physical demands of the sport and the importance of safety on the water. This session costs £20.

If you enjoy the Taster Day, you can apply to join one of our Learn to Row Courses in order to learn and understand the basic technique. The course costs £99 which includes a Learn to Row information book and a Club t-shirt on completion of the course.

At the end of the course, if you have progressed and would like to continue rowing, you can join the club as an adult member in the Development Squad. You will then continue to have planned outings with your learn to row group gaining more experience and developing further until the end of the summer at which stage you will move into the club squad that best suits your aspirations and expertise – men’s, women’s or social rowing. We will plan to attend a race day too towards the end of this phase.

The course is a really great way to learn in a group of like-minded people and make new friends whilst improving your fitness in a beautiful location – what is not to enjoy!

 

Meet a couple of our new members who learnt to row with us recently.

Rupert

 

My LTR experience has arguably been less challenging than others, as I undertook the course over the summer months. I had been intending to scratch the itch of learning to row for a number of years, and had even tried to engage, unsuccessfully, with other local clubs. But off the recommendation of a colleague, after several discussions about erg times, I contacted ACRC, received a speedy response and have enjoyed every aspect of the experience so far!

The LTR is a great foundation, with enough flexibility built in that if you miss a session or two you’re not left behind. The level of support and guidance from all members of the club is amazing, with members generously offering up their time to help you progress.

Heather (I’m on the left!)

I’ve always loved being out on the water and liked the idea of learning something completely new, so thought I would give rowing a try. I went to the taster day at Avon and knew straight away I wanted to join the learn to row course, despite the weather not being on our side that day!

The course was structured really well, we learned in a mix of both bigger and smaller boats and were able to try both sweep rowing and sculling. Our boats were mixed with new and experienced crew so there were lots of opportunities to learn from other club members. The course went at a good pace and there was lots of support throughout. Everyone at the club is friendly, welcoming and willing to help and answer any questions, allowing you to become more self sufficient on the water as the weeks pass.

I continue to row weekly with others from the learn to row and have even had the opportunity to race a few times with my first win in a women’s 8 at Monmouth! I find rowing really enjoyable and I’m delighted I joined the club. It is both challenging and relaxing as it involves an enormous amount of concentration and effort, but best of all you’re outside enjoying nature too.

There are lots of opportunities to row at Avon and something to suit everyone, if you are looking to race or socially row. I would encourage anyone thinking about learning to row at Avon to give it a try!