Rowers must be able to swim (100m continuously) and be confident in the water such that they will not panic if they fall in. They must be agile enough to get in and out of a small boat. Learners should expect to attend a swim test and capsize drill in the local swimming pool.

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.

We also ask that juniors are tall enough (more than 155cm) – this is to ensure that they are able to use the boats that we have in a way that allows for good technique. Rowing does favors tall athletes (long levers) and anyone very tall and ambitious to become an Olympic rower should look at the British Rowing Start programme.

Rowing has many aspects – all of which are important in learning to row. Good technique is vital to a long and successful rowing experience and will be the main focus along with safety in the early days. Fitness, flexibility, posture and core strength underpin the ability to move a boat well. The learning will be in line with guidance from British Rowing.

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.

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.

Probably, but not very. You are unlikely to fall in but you will get splashed a bit. It also rains in England.

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.

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.

The programme will be under the direction of British Rowing qualified coaches who will be assisted by competent rowers either seniors or juniors. Coaches at the club are volunteers who give their time and expertise to help people learn.

You can register using the details below and must include the following details

• Name
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• School attended
• Contact phone and email address
• Please also indicate if there are any circumstances (e.g. medical conditions) that we might need to know about.

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 etc. A parent-signed application form will be required.

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+)