Learning to row
Learning to row
Learning to row award
Learning to row
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for:
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Adults aged 16+
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Complete beginners or those returning to rowing after a long break
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People looking for a new sport, a social activity, for a fitness challenge
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Those curious about rowing but unsure where to start.
You do not need to be particularly fit — fitness develops during the course.
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What will you learn?
Over the course, you will:
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Learn the basics of rowing technique
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Understand rowing equipment and boat handling
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Build confidence on the water
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Learn essential water safety
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Row both indoors and on the river
All sessions are led by experienced, qualified club coaches.
Spring 2026 course dates and times
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Indoor sessions
Two sessions in March either 17th/ 19th and 24th/ 26th, to fulfill the two indoor sessions component of the course.
On the water sessions
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Monday 13 April | 6–8pm
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Friday 17 April | 6–8pm
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Sunday 19 April | 3–5pm
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Monday 20 April | 6–8pm
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Friday 24 April | 6–8pm
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Sunday 26 April | 3–5pm
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Cost
The course fee is £200, which includes:
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All coaching
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Boat and equipment use
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Safety cover
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Temporary club membership during the course
There will also be gym sessions on Tuesdays for those who would like extra indoor training.
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What happens after the course?
Many participants choose to continue rowing with us. After completing the course, you will have the opportunity to:
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Join a development squad - we train on a Sunday (11am) and Tuesday (6pm)
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Row recreationally or work towards competition
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Become part of the club’s social and rowing community
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How to Book
Places are limited, and courses often fill quickly!
To book a place or ask any questions, just email ltr@royalchester.org - places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in touch quickly!
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Learn to Cox courses - Places for age 14+
Most rowers, sooner or later, depend on a ‘Cox’. Beyond steering and basic commands, these highly competent individuals bring a vital difference to a crew’s training and race performance through excellent leadership and motivation skills (ie bossy, just in a good way!), helping each rower to be the best they can be on the day! Take a look at these links to get an idea of how they make the difference HERE and also HERE.
If you're interested (or would be happy to undertake a Coxing role leading up to your Learn to Row course), we'll train you and give you guidance with our more experienced crews - in return, we'll invite you to join our indoor land training program where you'll also learn the basics of the stroke and work on your fitness (NOTE - initially, 3 places available).
For comfort and weight capacity in a boat, most coxes are ‘compact’ - mostly under 60kg and less than 5’6” - believe me, it’s not worth squeezing in if you don’t fit! And, coxes join for free, yes, FREE! (- if you start rowing, you revert to paying the normal rate). IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT US on captain@royalchester.org (or, refer a friend).
[Psst! - If you already have prior Coxing or Rowing experience, and want to develop your skills, and want to develop in the sport, please contact us via our ‘Contact Us’ link on our Home page, HERE.