Beginner, recreational, development and competitive
The Club has a long history with helping juniors participate in rowing and sculling with many successfully competing at local, national and even international level. The club aims to cater for a broad spectrum of abilities with juniors from 13-18.
Learn to row courses
Initial introduction to rowing is done using a Concept2 Rowing Machine on land – ‘dry start’. This enables us to teach basic technique in a controlled environment where instruction can easily be given. The course normally involves about 6 one-hour sessions.
Those who successfully complete the Dry Start course progress to the Wet Start course where they are introduced to the boats and get out on the water for the first time. The course can be run over a holiday period or over a more extended period of time.
Details on the current position regarding learn to row courses and waiting list are available via the Junior Co-ordinator
Please note that juniors do need to be 13 years old before starting (year 8). They will need to be competent swimmers and will be asked to complete a swim test of 100m in light clothing.
Progression
Following the initial learn to row course, the coaches review the progress each child has made, taking into consideration commitment, ability, behaviour and attitude. Those who the coaches believe have the ability to progress may be invited to become members of the Club.
Thereafter individuals will be assessed and offered whatever group and training regime best fits with their commitment, aspirations and their progress. This may range from the L1/2 groups who train twice a week to those more experienced and older juniors who may be able to do up to 6 days a week. Technical skills are paramount to the development of good effective rowing and may take some years to develop fully. Fitness, flexibility and core strength are important and an integral part of training for rowing and sculling – so juniors will be willing to undertake land training as well as being on the water.
Be aware too that most of the GB rowing team is made up of rowers who are both tall as well as good athletes. 15 – 18 year olds who meet the height criteria for GB rowing can sign up to be tested for the Start programme (link)
Child welfare and policy
The club is committed to promoting the health and well being of juniors. To this end there is a junior policy (link) a child welfare officer (link) and has achieved clubmark status. There are codes of conduct for juniors, parents and coaches.
Resources – coaches, boats, equipment
Juniors have their training supervised by qualified coaches. At present the coaching team is comprised of volunteers who are unpaid and give up their time to help with junior coaching.
Boats and equipment are provided by the club out of fund raising activities. The club is managed by a team of volunteers. Parents of juniors should expect to contribute to the running of the club so that their child can benefit from what the club is able to provide. Parents getting involved has often led to the parent taking up the sport – a number of our senior rowers followed their children into the sport : age is not a barrier, you can still compete at 80+
If you would like to know more, download our Junior Policy document or contact the Junior Co-ordinator on juniors@stneotsrc.co.uk.