Great.  We look forward to seeing you.

We have changed the ad-hoc 'come along anytime' approach to learning to row as this became somewhat chaotic with those who had no idea what to do having to try to catch up with others at various stages of ability.  This also makes it difficult to follow British Rowing guidelines to provide a structured programme.

In September 2007 we decided to trial courses outside the normal training times, and our first such course started in March 2008 with a 12-week plan, now refined to 5 half days.  The last course was October 2011 half term (D-14) and the next will be during the 2012 East holiday. 

We can accept boys and girls for the course between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age with a minimum height of 1.5m.  We apply these rules strictly as all courses are normally over-subscribed.

If you just want to leave your details to enable me to contact you when I have details of future courses, please follow this link to my on-line database entry form.  Leave your details and I'll add you to my e-mailing list. Please note that the only way you will be notified about future courses is through this link - sorry but I just don't have time to follow up individual email enquiries.

The courses

A 5 day course costs £125.00*.  It starts at 9am and finishes at 1pm each day.

The 2011 courses were a great success with over  50 youngsters having being introduce to rowing, many of whom have now joined Weybridge Juniors and are racing in local events (and winning!).

The next course will be held on 9 - 13 April 2012 (during the Easter Holiday, starting Easter Monday).  Click here for the course application page.

*Please note that  for those aged 14 - 17 the first six hours of the Easter course will be subsidised through Surrey County Council's 'Sportivate' programme.  This initiative is designed to encourage young people to take up and continue in sport.  The effect of this is that for those who qualify and who sign up to the 'Sportivate' programme, the cost of the course is reduced from £125 to £102.50.  Of course, this requires a bit more paperwork ... not much.

About Sportivate

This course is subsidised by Sport England, Active Surrey and Sportivate, with the active participation of Surrey County Council.

Sportivate is a nationwide initiative to get young people into sport and to stay involved.  That we have been asked to be associated with it is to the Club’s credit and we are delighted to be involved.

Sportivate is subsidising the course fee for all applicants aged 14+ and require a specific form to be completed in order to qualify for the discount.  To obtain this concessionary rate, participants must complete the appropriate (14-15 y/o or 16-25 y/o) registration form which we have to return to the Sportivate people.

Future dates

Dates for the other 2012 rowing courses have yet to be confirmed, but I am working on the possibility of the following dates:

4 - 8 June (half term, the Diamond Jubilee week)

6 - 10 August (summer holiday, week 2 of the Olympics)

29 Oct - 2 Nov (Surrey Schools half term)

When I have dates confirmed (I rely on colleagues volunteering for these courses) I'l open them up to booking.

If you would like details of Rowing Courses at Weybridge Rowing club, please complete the attached form to register your interest.   FORM

Thanks

Clive

(information updated 3rd February 2012)

Important notice for all courses

The Club reserves the right to cancel due to weather or other reasons.  In the event that any of the courses are cancelled 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 don't turn up or decide not to continue during any of the courses.  

Please note (most important) that participation on a course doesn't guarantee acceptance into the club.  There is limited space in the Junior Section and we have to ensure that all rowers are competent and fit enough to cope with the on-going 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.

Information about the course:

Getting there

The Club is reached from Jessamy Road (off Thames Street) in Weybridge.  Some mapping programs and satellite navigation systems have the somewhat unhelpful knack of dumping the user in Hamm Court if you input the Club's post code, so I recommend researching the location before rushing to get there on day one.  Go to the bottom of Jessamy Road, over the road bridge and park in one of the spaces opposite the park.  Take the path down the far side of the park to the metal bridge over the Wey Navigation (it can be slippery, so take care) and the club is right ahead of you.  The Clubroom is upstairs.

I am asked to advise that the land immediately after the road bridge from Jessamy Road is private, and the owners do not tolerate vehicles being abandoned on the road, pavements or grass.  In order to preserve our relationship with the owners, please do not park or turn on the pavements or the grass.  Be aware there are big rocks along the road which are likely to cause damage to your vehicle if you transgress!

Clothing

Clothing has to be appropriate for the weather conditions for the course.  If the course is a winter one, participants will need to dress in layers (so a layer can be removed one at a time, or replaced, as required).  I suggest to bring gloves and a hat too.  

If a summer course, hats and sun cream will be required.  

In all cases, you have to bear in mind that rowing is a sport that requires ease of movement so close fitting shorts and tops are best.  Tops should not have pockets in the front (most hoodies do) as it's most likely that thumbs will get caught in the pockets.  Jeans are not permitted and shorts are preferred.

Food

We normally supply juice and snacks, but if a participant has particular requirements for food or drink, we would ask that they bring them to the course.  It is essential that all on the course 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.

Please bring a water bottle for re-hydration in the boat, particularly if it is hot.

Course plan

Courses evolve as they go depending on the abilities of the participants, but generally we start off 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 club house and the sport.  We go on to explain how to get into and out of a boat.  This takes up most of the first session.  Subsequent sessions will be on the water in the touring quads and teach the art of timing, feathering, and rowing (sculling) itself.  Subject to suitable weather/water conditions we may put participants into the 'fine' boats such as quads, doubles or even singles.  We would not use singles during winter courses; we tend to use bigger boats for courses at this time of the year.  Normally we will include a capsize drill (so spare clothes are essential).

For more information about rowing at Weybridge please email clive[at]wrcjnr.com or click here to send him an email.

Note: for adult beginners please contact Caroline Turnbull on weyrowclub [at] aol.com or see www.weyfarers.org.uk/courses.htm

Courses are being run in April, July and November of 2012.