Learn To Row Courses

Anyone is welcome to join Leicester Rowing Club including complete beginners, we try to run Senior (18+) Learn To Row Courses throughout the year although as a 100% volunteer club this isn't always possible.  

Please be aware that unless you are interested in joining and becoming a cox we can only take on new members as part of a scheduled beginners course.

If we don't have a course scheduled please Contact Us to register your interest or to arrange a visit to the club to see what we can offer.

Next Course

Interest in our courses has been very high recently and although we would like to accommodate everyone this isn't always possible and there might be a delay in getting onto a course.  Should responses be higher than the number of places then priority will be given to those who have been on the waiting list the longest.  Due to the availability of boats and safety regulations we can only take on a maximum of 12 onto a Learn to Row course.

Our February 2012 course is now full.  To register your interest in the next course please Contact Us.

Coxing 

Anyone interested in learning how to cox boats at Leicester Rowing Club can Contact Us at any time and we can arrange for you to get into boats and enjoy what the world of rowing has to offer without the physical side.  

If you prefer you can join as part of a scheduled Learn to Row course where its not uncommon to have friends join at the same time with some interested in rowing whilst others try coxing.  For more information about coxing take a look at our Cox Membership page.

Course Content

The aim of the 6 week Learn To Row Course is to learn the basics of rowing, sculling and coxing after which you will hopefully want to join the club either as a racing or recreational member.

The course starts with an induction to the boathouse, ergo (rowing machine) technique then after going through safety matters you will start rowing\sculling in crews of up to 8 members.  Over the 6 weeks we aim to have everyone rowing twice, sculling twice, a go at coxing and a fun race during the last session.

Courses will also include off water training sessions including rowing machines (ergos) and where possible talks by club members on rowing technique, nutrition and gym programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do the courses last? - The courses last 6 weeks with 2 sessions a week, Thursdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 11am.  
  • How much does the course cost? - The fee for the course is £60 which will be deducted from the cost of your membership fee should you choose to join as a full member once the course is completed.
  • Do I need to be able to attend every session? - No, although the more you can attend the better to ensure you are progressing at the same pace as everyone else on the course.
  • When do I pay the course fee? - You will need to pay the course fee during the first Thursday session, cash or cheques payable to 'Leicester Rowing Club'.  
  • Do I need to sign anything? - You will need to fill in a membership form before you can start the course, it will save time if you can download and complete one to bring along to the first session.  You wont be able to use any club equipment until you have paid the fee and completed a membership form.
  • How long will the sessions last? -  A water session will typically last about 1 1/2 hours this includes the time to get the boat on and off the water.  An evening land session can vary according to the activities but again is about 1 1/2 hours.
  • What do I need to wear for the first session? - The first session will be an introduction to the club, some safety issues and some technique work on the ergos (rowing machines).  For this session you will be fine with typical gym clothing, we will cover water based clothing during this first session.
  • Will we be out in boats every session? - This depends on weather, the time of year and availability of volunteers.  During the summer months we would always try and get everyone out on the water for each session.  Over the winter months with little or no light in the evenings the Thursday sessions will be land based training on the ergos (rowing machines) and regular rowing related circuit training.
  • Do I need to be able to swim to attend the course? - It is a requirement for the course that you can swim 50 metres in light clothing.  Buoyancy aids are available for anyone who is not a confident swimmer but these can interfere with rowing technique and you are strongly advised to be a confident swimmer before starting the course.  Coxes wear a buoyancy aid at all times regardless of swimming ability
  • Do I need to be super fit to do the course? - Not at all, anyone is welcome to join regardless of fitness levels.  Like many sports if you wish to compete then rowing does take alot of commitment but we welcome  recreational rowers.  
  • Am I going to fall in? - Although we cant 100% guarantee you wont fall in, its very rare when in the types of boats you will be using.  We will cover all aspects of water health and safety on the course and coaches will be available on the bank should an incident happen.
  • What if I've done some rowing before? - If you have some previous experience of rowing then get in touch and we will assess how best to fit you into the club.
  • Where can I find out more information about rowing before the course start date? The best place for information about rowing is the sports national body British Rowing.  Our links page also details some other useful rowing related sites.

Previous Learn To Row Courses