Learn To Row

SUMMER COURSE DATES RELEASED, SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS****

Download our Learn To Row Handbook here

Introduction

We actively encourage and welcome enquiries from Adults and Juniors who wish to Learn to Row (LTR). This activity is core to the Club's success, not only in maintaining but growing its membership and increasing competitive success but also to widen our exposure to the local community.

Our Learn to Row courses are aimed at men and women in the Teddington area aged 18+ who are interested to find out whether they have what it takes to become a rower. this course a fabulous way to get fit while trying a new sport, but we hope that you’ll get to meet some like-minded people in your area. We hope you’ll want to continue and become part of the Walbrook Teddington Rowing Club Novice squad. We are looking for people who are prepared to commit a fair amount of time to a new sport with the aim of representing the club in competition. You will find some more general information about rowing at the club on the other pages within this site

Next Steps

Whether you are interested in joining, or merely curious about giving rowing a try, you can contact Walbrook Rowing club in person on a Saturday morning at 10.00-10.30am, or via Email at Info@Walbrook.co.uk If you are a complete beginner, we would set you up on one of our Learn to Row Course. If you have rowed before and wish to take it up again, we would ensure that one of the squad captains take you under their wing and integrate you with the other squad members with plans to help you achieve your goals. There to is always someone to help.

A Complete Beginner but want to Learn to Row??

The best route is to sign up for one of our Learn to Row Courses. It offers a structured training programme and at the end of the course, if you wished to continue rowing at Walbrook, we would integrate you into one of the existing squads with other similar standard rowers.

Course Details

The course is held on Sundays. Your first session will be on a Thursday evening, whereon the captain, or another member, will introduce you to the Club and show you around. You will learn the basic skills (using an indoor rowing machine or Ergo) and terminology of rowing, the rowing safety code and how the Boathouse functions. The following sessions will focus be water based (weather permitting) where you will learn the essential skills of learning how to row. You will take to the water in a range of boats as your skills and confidence develop.

What will you need?

All you need is a T-Shirt and shorts or tracksuit if it’s a little chillier, suitable light rain gear if the weather is not great, drink for hydration and spare clothes/towel (in the event you fall in)

Level of fitness?

Any Level!!! This is a course for beginners, whether they are fit or not. Getting fit is something you can build on when you join the club. Some people want to race, and to race it will be necessary to train and get fit. Others may want to row on a recreational level where your fitness level requirements are not as strict.

Who will coach you?

We will!!! The club is totally independent and run by volunteers. At least 1 of the club’s qualified coaches and a number of experience club rowers will assist you each week. Not only are you learning a new skill, but you’ll get to meet the club members who might even be crew mates when you develop your rowing further.

How to apply?

Just fill the Learn to Row form, and email it to us at Info@Walbrook.co.uk. We will get in touch with the details of the next available course.

Course dates: From August 2010

FAQs:

Most people have lots of questions about our rowing courses. We normally answer the questions on our open days, however…

Do I have to be able to swim?

Yes: in order to be able to become a club member you have to sign to say that you can swim 100m in light clothing. Don’t panic however, it is VERY rare for larger boats to ever capsize, and has never happened on our beginner courses in the past.

What do I need to wear?

This will be explained before the course starts properly, but clothing that you can exercise in, and that you don’t mind getting wet is key. For land based activities, normal gym wear is fine.

Do I need to be fit?

It certainly helps, but you will get fit as part of the course. However the main obstacle to being a good novice rower is technique rather than fitness

Where are you?

Walbrook Rowing club are based in Trowlock way just off of Broom Road Teddington. We have an adjacent carpark which usually has free space.

Does it matter if I can’t make every session?

Making every session is not essential, but missing water sessions will slow down your progress. Ultimately, rowing is one of the ultimate team sports and we need to get the right number of people in the boats. Preference on the course will be given to those without availability issues.

I am pretty competitive and am looking for a new sport that will get me fit, and will allow me to compete? Will I fit in?

Yes. Rowing is a very competitive sport, and we look to compete as much as possible. If you are keen and get on well, you can progress through the different squads to the top boats all within a season.