Learn to Row

Adult Beginner's 2-month rowing course

Beginner session

CCRC runs regular adult beginner rowing courses

The course is aimed at people who have never rowed before (if you already know how to row, please see our squads page). We aim to teach basic technique to a standard whereby beginners can move into the relevant men's and women's intermediate squads or into regular crews. The session is coached by members of the men's and women's squad. The course lasts 8 weeks, and consists of :

  • Rowing - Either Saturday or Sunday (current course is at 12:30)
  • Circuit training - Mondays 7pm
  • Occasional Ergo (Rowing Machine) training

We provide a coach and cox to instruct you, and all required equipment.

Training on rowing machines
Current and planned courses
29 August to 18 October (Running) (Full)
Approximately December & January

Requirements

To participate, you must:

  • Be over 18 years old (we have a separate juniors program)
  • Be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing (rowing kit)
  • Be able to tread water for at least two minutes
  • Be able to swim under water for at least 5 metres
  • Have sufficient general health so that a moderate amount of exercise won't cause a problem
  • Take out temporary membership with the club for the duration of the course: (see Membership information)
  • Be available on your chosen day for the duration of the course (short absences are fine)
  • Have no imminent plans to leave the region within the next year

The requirement of having no plans to leave is because the club invests a lot of unpaid effort in coaching, and needs to ensure it goes toward building membership of our club, not other clubs

Rowing compatibility

To be compatible with rowing, you need:

  • Availability - commitments that allow you to be somewhat flexible with outing times and days, including evenings and weekends
  • Reliability (especially punctuality)
  • Commitment
  • Coachability (being willing to put into practice what a coach says)

Sculling

The club is focused on sweep rowing (one oar each) and this is all we teach. If you are primarily interested in sculling, you may be better served at another club

Social

Rowing clubs are a great way to make new friends and CCRC has the most active social scene on the river. We have the best and most frequent parties on the river, and are one of the only two boathouses with a bar.

Waiting list

Since courses only start every few months, please add your email address here, and we will email you prior to the start of the next course:

Whilst waiting the course to start, you're welcome to participate in the circuit training sessions on Monday nights where you can also see what the club is like and meet some of the members. They are start at 7pm, at the City boathouse, just let the organisers (ususally Jo or Emma) know you're a new potential beginner. (Try to get there a bit early as the sessions are very popular). These sessions are free.

Further Information

Beginners Course information sheet (90k)

Rowing Technique and Terms (1.0M)

ARA (Amateur Rowing Association) website (opens in new browser window).

Email the beginners coordinator: novices [at] cityrc.co.uk