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Rowing
How do I get started?
There are two types of rowing – rowing for pleasure (in a rowboat or dinghy), and rowing as a sport. Rowing for pleasure is still a fairly new concept in the UK and there are only a few clubs that cater for the leisure rower, such as the Weyfarers Rowing Club in Weybridge.
Clubs catering for rowing as a sport can be found all along the Thames and the best way to get into the sport is to join one – there are clubs to suit everyone. Visit the British Rowing to find your nearest club.
How much does it cost?
Club membership costs from about £35 per year and some require membership fees of more than £200. With most clubs though, this includes loan of boat, oars and other necessary equipment. Your club will decide which type of boat best suits you and will point you in the direction of rowing (using one oar), or sculling (two oars).
You can buy your own boat, and these can cost from about £1,400 for a 16ft version, available as a single or two-seater. Apart from the boat, you will need oars, which can cost from around £200, and a safety vest at about £87. Transporting your boat is straightforward – a normal roof rack will be fine, although if the boat overhangs more than a metre beyond the car, you will need to fix the farthest point with a red marker.
Can I get lessons?
Most clubs will welcome you as a member and provide free minimal coaching to get you on to the water. Beginner coaching is mandatory at many clubs, but some will charge a small amount. Additional coaching, or training for sports events, will cost more, but here the charges vary depending upon whether it is one-to-one coaching, in a group, and the level of tuition. Unlike sailing and canoeing, there are no official minimum requirements needed before you are allowed on the water.
Check the club’s available equipment, the venue and other facilities before deciding which club is best for you. Some offer introductory membership for four to six weeks, costing around £20, so you can try it out before committing yourself to full membership. Other clubs offer evening sessions for beginners during the week.
For those already able to row, some clubs offer advanced coaching sessions including video coaching. Also on offer at a number of clubs is fitness training where a professional gym instructor runs courses and sessions for members.
Can I do this as a family?
Some will happily welcome families and children, while others are more concerned with the racing and the sporting aspects. This is another reason why you should select your club carefully before committing yourself.
Check out the social facilities at clubs, whether there is a bar and clubhouse where it is possible to relax after an hour or two on the water. This is often quite important to families, although not so much to the dedicated competitor.
Can I row if I have a disability?
There are clubs across the country that cater for people with disabilities, so it is worth checking first with the British Rowing to find your nearest club. As with all those new to the sport, disabled people should inform their coach of any medical conditions, medication they are taking and abilities and concerns about taking part in the sport. Once the coach knows the capabilities and what they need to be aware of, they can ensure they deliver the session safely and at a level appropriate to the individual.
I already have a boat - can I just go out on my own?
If you own a rowing boat, we strongly suggest you do not take to the water unless you are experienced and confident. Avoid all danger points, such as weirs, and other boats. It can be difficult watching where you are going when you are facing the opposite way!
If you own a rowing boat, you can take it anywhere on the River Thames once you have registered it with the Environment Agency. You can buy a licence from lock keepers along the River Thames or by calling our Craft Registration team on 0118 953 5650. For further information visit the Registering your boat page.