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.

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!

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.

No. All helpers on the course are volunteers from the senior sections of the club.  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.

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.

If it rains, we will usually still go out on the water, though likely for a shorter sessions as none of the work you will be doing will be physically demanding enough to keep you warm.

Strong winds, or fast currents, are a more serious matter and are the most common cause for cancellation of sessions.  If too many of the sessions get cancelled, we will do our best to re-arrange some.

It is not essential to be at every session, but every session you miss will put your progress further behind your fellow learn-to-rowers.  As long as you attend a majority of sessions, you will develop good enough technique and understanding of rowing, to make an informed decision on if you wish to join the club after the course.

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.

Yes.