JUNIOR LEARN TO ROW
If you are a parent keen to learn also, see our Adult Learn To Row courses.
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We are currently only able to offer Learn to Row courses for boys and girls for the course between the ages of 12 and 13 (Schools years 7 and 8) with a minimum height of 1.5m. We apply these rules strictly as our courses are often over-subscribed.
No experience of rowing is required. The courses are kept, purposefully, small so we can give close attention to all participants.
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THE WHEN
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Applications for our Junior Beginners course (D63/D64, morning or afternoon, 9th to 12th April 2024) are open – please follow this link to complete your application.
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Our courses tend to coincide with Surrey school term dates. We do not run courses on weekends as this is our primary training time.
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We must prioritise this course (and club membership) to those aged J12/13, who live very locally to the Club and attend a non-rowing school. As space allows we can consider J14s next, then J15+, and then be able to confirm either way anyone applying from a rowing school and/or non-local.
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Once the course is full you will be able to add your child's name to the waiting list – you will be notified of future course dates or if a space becomes available.
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OUR CODE OF CONDUCT 'A-B-C's
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Attendance - must be regular. Coming every so often when you have nothing better to do, or when you can get a lift, is no good as you will fall behind in training, and likely hold back the rest of your group. We define regular as attending at least three weekends in four; similarly Thursday evenings. We have a recreational group for those J16+ who enjoy their rowing but don't want to compete or follow the full training programme.
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Behaviour - we do not tolerate bad language, bullying, insolence, mucking about, etc. - any of this and you're out. Simples.
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Commitment - you (and your parents) must want to be involved and train to the very best of your ability.
Out of all this we hope to produce a squad of excellent athletes who represent the Club and themselves at local and national events. Oh, and we'll have some fun too.
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IMPORTANT TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING
Applicants must:
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Be a minimum age of 12 at the start of course and a minimum of 1.5m in height. Some courses may be age restricted; this will be clearly noted upon the release of the next course.
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Be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing (rowing kit); tread water for at least two minutes and swim under water for at least 5 metres.
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Enjoy water and outdoor sports - an important part of the course is the capsize drill where participants will be required to capsize and learn to recover safely from the situation.
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Be fit and healthy. We try to match participants' ability with appropriate rowing exercises, duration and conditions, however some of our new rowers do find some of the exercises tiring and discover muscles they did not know they had. The course is basically 4/5 mornings of physical activity.
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Successful application is not necessarily on a first-come-first-served basis as we prioritise those from local non-rowing schools.
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The Club reserves the right to cancel due to weather or other reasons. In the event cancellation by the Club due to weather or some other reason before the start of the course, monies will be refunded. No monies will be refunded if participants do not turn up or decide during the course not to continue.
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Participation on a course does not guarantee acceptance into the Club. There is limited space in the junior section and we must ensure all rowers are competent and fit enough to cope with the ongoing training regime. Unless a rower comes from another club, or already knows how to row to a competent standard, entry to the junior section is only through a 'full' beginner course.
Participants should be aware what becoming a member of the junior section entails:
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THE WHERE AND HOW MUCH
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A course costs £190.00. Typically, the course is run over 4 or 5 consecutive days, consecutive mornings or afternoons.
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All sessions are held at the Club - follow this link to find us.
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THE WHAT TO EXPECT AND BRING
Courses evolve according to participants' abilities, but generally we start by showing how to use the ergos (rowing machines) and the importance of posture, how to generate power without rushing and so on. We also explain about the boats and blades and do a 'health and safety' briefing about the clubhouse and the sport. We go on to explain how to get into and out of a boat - this takes up much of the first session.
Subsequent sessions will be on the water in the touring quads, teaching the art of timing, feathering, and rowing (sculling) itself. Subject to suitable weather/river conditions, we may put participants into 'fine' boats such as quads, doubles, even singles. We do not use singles during winter courses and tend to use bigger boats for courses at this time of the year.
Rowing is a sport requiring ease of movement so close-fitting but not overly-tight tops and shorts are best. Tops should not have pockets in the front - as most hoodies do - thumbs are highly likely to get caught in the pockets. Jeans are not appropriate or permitted.
Clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions. If the course is a winter one, participants will need to dress in layers - better to remove or add layers than to wear one bulky layer. A hat and gloves often come in handy too.
If on a summer course, a hat and sun-lotion are required.
Please bring a spare set of clothes, a towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes - just in case anything happens! Rain… capsize… Normally we will include a capsize and recovery drill, so a full change of clothes is essential.
If you wear glasses, make sure you have a headband to hold them on. Fingernails should be cut short, and long hair tied back.
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Food-wise, we normally supply juice and snacks, but if a participant has any particular dietary requirements, we ask they bring their own food/drink to the course. We cannot provide a nut-free environment. It is essential all those attending have a decent meal before they come out - not just a snack bar in the car on the way to the club, please! They will be burning a lot of calories.
Be sure to bring a water bottle for re-hydration in the boat, particularly if it is hot.