FAQs
What kit should I wear?
Any sports kit is suitable; we recommend close-fitting clothes such as leggings and a thin t-shirt or long sleeve top. Try to avoid any baggy tops with pockets in the front (eg. Hoodies) as the oar handles can get caught up in them. It is also recommended you bring a change of clothes, just in case.
Do we need any of our own equipment?
No. We provide all equipment required. Please just bring a pair of wellies or flip flops for water-based sessions. These will protect your feet when wading into the river along the banks.
Do rowers wear lifejackets?
Generally not. Only the coaches and coxes (who steer the boat) are required to wear lifejackets. However, if you are not a confident swimmer, we can provide you with a buoyancy aid.
Will my session run in any weather conditions?
Sessions are very rarely cancelled due to weather. Session will sometimes take place in the gym/rowing tank rather than on the water if the river is deemed to be unsafe. If it is raining the session will take place on the river provided rowers are wearing suitable kit and have dry clothes to go home in after the session.
If a course is showing as full on the website, will any spaces come available?
Once a course is fully booked spaces do not usually come available. You would need to wait and join the next course, which start every 6/7 weeks for adults or every school term for juniors.
Do you need to be a good swimmer to learn to row?
No, we do our best to stay out of the water. We have a requirement that you must be able to swim 50m, otherwise you will need to wear a buoyancy aid.
My child has turned 11 but is still in year 6. Can they start rowing?
Unfortunately not. We will only take juniors from the September that they start in year 7 (Secondary School).
