At the end of June, Avon County Rowing Club had the pleasure of hosting four young athletes from SGS College Foundation Department for their inaugural outing on the water. This exciting day was the culmination of weeks of preparation and training, showcasing the transformative power of rowing.
These students had diligently practiced their basic sculling technique on two ergometers loaned by our club. They’d also gotten a taste of synchronizing their strokes, although only in pairs. But nothing quite compares to the real thing, and their enthusiasm was obvious as they approached the water’s edge.
For one student in particular, this day marked a significant milestone. After eight weeks of careful, steady work to accommodate an underlying health condition, he was finally ready to put oar to water. It’s not an exaggeration to say that rowing has been a game-changer for him, boosting both his confidence and fitness. His cardiologist has been notably impressed with his progress – a testament to the holistic benefits of our sport.
Blessed with sunshine, the day couldn’t have been more perfect for their first rowing experience. Under the guidance of Penny and Jon, the students expanded their rowing knowledge in our stable explore boats. Even their tutors (quite an unruly bunch, some might say!) got in on the action, with Alex and Debra taking them out for a spin.
All crews impressed us with their quick adaptability, particularly in mastering the tricky maneuver of turning the boats. The session on the water was a resounding success followed by a delightful lunch on the balcony (with special thanks to Kim for the delicious cakes!).
Perhaps the most heartening outcome of the day was seeing our visitors fall in love with the club. The growth in confidence we’ve witnessed, especially in our student with health considerations, has been incredibly moving. We believe this is just the beginning of something truly special and can see that rowing has once again proven its power to change lives, build confidence, and foster community.
We hope this experience has sparked the love of rowing and look forward to welcoming these promising young athletes back to our club again. Here’s to many more days like this one!