Rowing Courses & Experiences

No! Our experiences are aimed at giving you a taste of what it's like to row in a race boat, so they are suitable for complete beginners upwards.

In a way, yes! You will be rowing in the same sort of boats (called sculling shells) for 2, 4, 6 or 8 rowers, as our experiences are all about the sport of rowing, rather than rowing a little fishing boat on a pond!

Yes. Your rowing instructors will show you all the basic techniques on land. You'll be shown the rowing boat, how to get into it, the seating position, the catch, drive, finish technique to rowing smoothly (usually practising the rowing stroke on a machine called an ergometer) and working as a team.

You do need to be a comptent swimmer to row. You will need to comfortable in water and swim around 25 metres.

Form-fitting running/sportswear is best, such as shorts, leggings and technical tops. Avoid loose-fitting clothes such as baggy joggers and hoodies with large pockets as they can get caught in the end of the oars or even the sliding seats you sit in on the boat.

Flat-soled trainers are best. They give you enough grip, fitting securely into the footplates of the boat (called the stretchers) when you are rowing.

We offer adult and junior rowing sessions, so participants are grouped according to age. Junior experiences are for 13 to 18 year olds.

Rowing is an all-weather sport, so unless the coach feels the water is too choppy for rowing, a few rain showers certainly won't cancel the session. If it is, you will be able to re-book for another date with the operator.

All rowing experiences are led by qualified instructors, often certified by British Rowing. These coaches are patient and cery skilled at provide expert guidance on technique, safety and water navigation to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience.

Spectators are usually welcome to watch at the start of the experience from the riverbank and towpaths. There is often a clubhouse too where friends and family can wait for your return to the launch point.