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, Katherine Greenhead 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 will need to attend a Taster Day. The session lasts for 4 to 5 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 the ten week Learn to Row Course. Training sessions are run on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, with occasional Sunday mornings. It is important that those who sign up are available to attend all sessions in at least the first three weeks to learn and understand the basic technique. The course costs £120 which includes a Learn to Row information book and a Club t-shirt on completion of the course.
The course starts with sculling where a rower has two blades/oars in stable single boats before progressing to fine singles and crew boats. Learners will then move on to sweep rowing where rowers have one longer blade/oar each in crew boats.
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 in 2023
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!