Our courses are for adults over the age of 18 and in reasonable health; there is no upper age limit.
Interested in learning how to row?
You can register your details all year round and we will contact you by email as soon as the next course is announced (usually around six weeks before it starts).
During the course you will learn how to handle rowing equipment (boats, blades, and rowing machines) and the basics of rowing technique (first on rowing machines, then out on the water).
When the course is done you can then go on to continue developing with our novice squad if you join the club.
FAQs
Do I have to be able to swim?
Yes. In order to go on the course, you have to sign to say that you can swim 100m in light clothing. After the course, a swim-test in a local swimming pool will be organised, so that you can prove it! Don’t panic, however, as it is very rare for larger boats (4 or 8 people per boat, which you will be using for the course) to ever capsize.
What happens if the weather or water conditions are bad?
Rowing is an outdoor sport and we need to take a safety-first approach so it does happen that the weather is not suitable for beginners – too windy or the water is flowing too fast. In these circumstances, we will do some alternative land-based activities that will be helpful. Sometimes we can organise catch-up sessions if the opportunities for on-water experience are significantly curtailed by the conditions.
What do I need to wear?
For indoor rowing, normal gym clothing is fine. For outdoor sessions, ideal clothing is multiple layers of thin, stretchy material. However, as long as clothing is not excessively baggy, this is the main requirement. Anything that absorbs water, such as wool or jeans, should be avoided, and bear in mind that it may well be cold while you are outside in the boat!
How is the course organised?
The first 1-2 sessions will be on indoor rowing machines, where we will teach you the correct technique for both indoor machines and the basics of on-the-water technique. The 2nd/3rd sessions will be out on the water, using specially bought boats for beginners. These are much wider, and much more stable, than normal racing boats. You can use these to start to get the hang of applying the technique you have learnt.
From the 4th session onwards, we will get you out in, typically, ‘quads’ (ie 4 people per boat, 2 oars per person). In these, you will learn to apply that technique correctly, whilst doing it at the same time and speed as the other members of your crew. By the end of the course, we would hope to have all four members of the crew rowing at the same time, with the correct basic technique – something that is harder than it sounds.
Do I need to attend all the sessions?
If you are going to have to miss a lot of sessions then it is hard for us to organise and hard for you to learn so we do ask that you bear this in mind before starting.
What kit should I wear?
Try and wear something relatively tight-fitting. The excessively baggy kit can tend to get caught in the moving parts of the boat. Make sure you have a waterproof as we do train if it is raining.
Will I get wet?
Probably, but not very. You are unlikely to fall in but you will get splashed a bit. It also rains in England.
Will I be any good?
You will never know unless you try! Rowing is both an individual and team sport which does not require a high degree of hand-eye coordination. Experience suggests that with practice, persistence, hard work most can master the basics of the rowing stroke.
I am no longer in my 20’s. Is the club suitable for me?
Absolutely. The club has a wide range of ages, for both the female and male senior squads. Additionally, the club has members that train anywhere from once a month, to many, many, many times per week.
Do I need to be fit?
It certainly helps, but you will get fit as part of your on-going training at the club. However, good technique is far more important than physical fitness, especially at a novice level, and as such correct rowing technique is what is focused on during the course.
Who will be helping me learn to row?
Our coaches and volunteers from the senior sections of the club will support you. Whilst qualified coaches will be involved with the course, most of the people who will be helping you are just people who have given up their time to help you.
What happens after the course?
After completion of the Introduction to rowing course we will arrange a follow on the programme and invite those who are keen to continue and who we feel will benefit from the course. This is likely to include Sunday afternoon sessions.
How do I apply?
You can register your interest on our contact page or by email learn@stneotsrc.co.uk
This would also be the first point of contact if you have any queries or need any additional information. Places on the courses will be confirmed by email, together with any further information and instructions regarding payment.
Other information about the club?
St Neots rowing club is a club mark club which means that we have been able to demonstrate good practice for the sport and the welfare of juniors. Parents and carers are welcome and encouraged to come to the club to see what goes on during the sessions. The club relies on the active participation of parents to support junior rowing and many a parent follows their junior into the sport (you can still compete in rowing races when you are 80+)