LEARN TO ROW

Learn to Row

Twickenham Rowing Club have been teaching newcomers to the sport how to row for over 160 years. Past graduates of our learn to row programmes have progressed to compete at the highest levels of the sport, representing the club both at Henley Royal Regatta and internationally for Great Britain.

This page covers adult learn to row. For information on juniors learn to row click here.

What can you expect from learning to row at Twickenham?

As well as satisfying your individual ambitions the purpose of the learn to row course is to provide the wider club with a steady flow of athletes to populate our various competitive and recreational squads.

The course is comprised of eight sessions over a period of four weeks and will be a mix of land based training and on the water tuition. Each course will consist of a maximum of twelve people and will be led by a qualified coach who will be supported by experienced club rowers.

Participants will be presented with a certificate at the end of the course if they have demonstrated sufficient progress and they have attended at least eight out of the ten sessions. The Club is close to capacity in terms of rowers, therefore participants will not necessarily be offered membership at the end of the course. If participants demonstrate certain attributes such as good technique, positive attitude and good level of fitness the coaches will discuss options with those individuals about joining the Club. The course certificate will outline to other clubs that the participant has an understanding of the fundamentals of rowing.

Dates of 2025 courses:

We are pleased to offer the following courses in 2025:

Courses 1, 3 and 5 run Tuesdays at 18:30-20:00 and Saturdays at 12:00-13:30

Courses 2, 4 and 6 run Thursdays at 18:30-20:00 and Sundays at 12:00-13:30

Course 1: Starting on Tuesday 8th April and ending Saturday 3rd May
Course 2: Starting on Thursday 10th April and ending Sunday 4th May
Course 3: Starting on Tuesday 6th May and ending Saturday 31st May* (Please note the session on the 24th May would take place Friday 23rd May at 18:30 due to Twickenham Regatta)
Course 4: Starting on Thursday 8th May and ending Sunday 1st June
Course 5: Starting on Tuesday 3rd June and ending Saturday 28th June
Course 6: Starting on Thursday 5th June and ending Sunday 29th June

The courses comprise eight sessions and will cost £350 per person.

After the course you will be able to:

Identify the type of boats and equipment that you will be using.
Be familiar basic coxing commands
Demonstrate correct basic rowing technique.
Know how to set up and safely use an ‘Ergo’
Safely get a boat on and off water
Perform skill exercises
Do basic manoeuvres (backing down / full circle) and stopping in a controlled manner
Understand boat care and maintenance
Anticipate risks and hazards and demonstrate safety on the water

You will also benefit from:

Improved fitness
Improved social life
The ability to bore your non rowing friends with your amazing new found hobby.