Learn to Row
OARC prides itself on its supportive and encouraging environment. We are a close-knit club which thrives on camaraderie and there is always someone willing to lend a hand if needed. Rowing is the most wonderful sport and we look forward to being able to share it with you!
We offer Learn to Row courses each year during the months of May, June, and July. On the course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of rowing technique and get plenty of experience on the water. Plus, you’ll meet a mix of novice rowers and get a feel for our club community.
Download full details about our Learn to Row here.
What will I learn?
The course will cover basic rowing technique, including:
- The fundamentals of taking a stroke
- How to balance the boat
- Manoeuvres such as stopping and spinning
You will also learn about:
- Boathouse safety
- How to move boats onto the water
- Rowing terminology and how to respond to calls from the cox
- How to cox – should you wish to try
Course Details
Each Learn to Row course is four weeks long and has 16 spaces. Sessions are two hours long and take place on weekend afternoons and weekday evenings. Places on the course are £150 each and all participants must be able to attend 10 sessions.
Our Learn to Row courses are open to anyone over the age of 18 who fits the following criteria:
- Can swim 50m in light clothing
- Can understand and quickly respond to instructions given in English
- Has a basic level of physical fitness, strength and flexibility
Each crew must move boats the short distance from the boathouse to the water. You should, therefore, be comfortable lifting at least 15 kg to complete this exercise.
Will I be able to join the club after the Learn to Row course?
We hope you will want to keep rowing after the course! After the course finishes, we aim to offer Development Squad rowing over the summer months. Graduates of the Learn to Row courses will be invited to join the Development Squad, assuming an appropriate level of competency has been reached, which will enable them to keep rowing with the other novices until September. This squad will continue to row on weekend afternoons and have ongoing coaching. Sweep rowing will be the focus although the basics of sculling (an oar in each hand) will be taught.
We can accommodate a wide range of abilities and do not expect you to be at peak fitness – however, if you have really struggled on the Learn to Row course it might not be suitable for you to join the Development Squad. We’ll work with you individually if this situation arises.
Ready to try? Register your interest in our 2024 courses here. If you have any further questions, please contact Becky Whidden, our Learn to Row co-ordinator.