About us

Location

Walbrook RC is situated on the Middlesex bank of the Thames just above Teddington Lock near Trowlock island. It is the first non-tidal club on the Thames and, on most days of the year, conditions are excellent for rowing and sculling. We use the four mile stretch of water up to Molesey Lock which takes in Kingston and Hampton Court and has to be one of the prettiest and safest stretches of the Thames.

Brief history

The rowing club was originally established in 1961 for BP employees, hence our club colours of green, yellow and black. In 1993, along with The Skiff Club and Kingston Royals, the Dragon Boating club, Walbrook joined with the Royal Canoe Club to become the rowing section of 'Walbrook and Royal Canoe Club (RCC)'. It is now an open club and welcomes anyone interested in rowing. To become a member of Walbrook RC you also become a member of the RCC and as such have access to all the facilities on the site.

Facilities

The club has an excellent fleet of boats of a range of sizes for the members, to use, being continuously upgraded. At the moment (28/12/06) we have;

All with blades to match!

We have the use of several beginners play boats. We have two club coaching launches and access to several more. There is currently limited racking space available for the private singles of full club members.

We share a well equipped gym with the canoe club. We have six rowing machines and circuit weights and an excellent clubhouse with a comfortable bar area, giant TV and kitchen. Food is served by the rowing club on Tuesday night and Saturday mornings, but as the facilities are used three nights a week by the different sections of the RCC, food is often available on other nights too.

Activity

Walbrook members can be seen out on the water and training throughout the week, but weekend mornings, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are the busiest official times. Training varies throughout the year but senior rowers tend to use the gym and ergos on Wednesdays and Thursdays with circuits organised on Mondays. At the weekends seniors are out on the water early on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There are many junior sessions, with schoolchildren from several schools, divided by agegroups and ability and these take place all through the week. All agegroups are represented at the club from J12 to Master.

Coaching

We have a number of club members who hold ARA coaching qualifications including the Instructors Award, Bronze and Silver awards who help with coaching. We also have a good number of very experienced, accomplished and helpful rowers to call on for help and advice. We encourage members to gain and improve rowing qualifications. We also enjoy the assistance of an ARA community coach, who works with our junior sections.

In the summer, courses are organised for beginners lasting about four weeks. There are also courses run for novice and intermediate scullers.

Coxes are always highly valued, membership for coxes is free and special coaching is organised for those interested in pursuing this important and skilled role.

We are always happy to welcome new members whether complete novices or experienced international rowers. To enquire about joining check out the membership page.