‘Learn to Row’ courses a hit at Twickenham RC

Two months of Learn to Row courses have come to an end this weekend at Twickenham Rowing Club with fantastic results.  Over 120 people applied to get onto the courses; the biggest interest seen in rowing in the club’s history. 

Applicants were required to take a short series of tests on their allocated open evening and over 60 people were invited to join the course.  New rowers spent time learning ergometer technique, rowing technique in the club’s tank room, general fitness required for rowing and of course getting out onto the water in mixed eights and fours to put their learning into practice.  Both courses culminated in a fun regatta held by Eel Pie Island.

Three quarters of the course attendees have now applied to become fully-fledged members in the Twickenham Rowing Club 2008/09 development squad.

Corin Margetson, head development coach commented, “The interest shown in rowing and in Twickenham Rowing Club has been phenomenal.  The GB Rowing team’s success in Beijing has really helped to inspire people to get involved in rowing.  This has been such a successful year for us and we are hopeful for many regatta victories for this year’s development squad and maybe even a push for Henley.  Bringing new people to the sport is something Twickenham Rowing Club is really passionate about and we are looking forward to running the courses again next year”.

Giles Graham, a newly recruited rower added, “I’d been looking for a team sport for some time and whilst learning to row is a huge challenge, the enthusiasm of the coaches, overall camaraderie and opportunity to learn a new sport have been key in motivating me. I chose Twickenham RC because living locally I had heard about its competitive approach within a friendly environment, which seemed ideal when it comes to being a novice. The real incentive is hopefully racing in the regattas next year – a few wins along the way would be nice!”

The course was also not just an opportunity for any budding Steve Redgrave’s to give rowing a try.  Another key role in a rowing team is the coxswain.  Sally Ross is one of the newest coxswain recruits and she said, “I was really interested in learning how to row – however I then became aware of the coxswain role in a squad and thought I would be good at it.  Coxing is a sport within a sport; a cox can make or break a race and I like a challenge.  The coaches have been really good here in helping me to learn all about coxing.  There is a lot to learn but I look forward to winning my first pot with my squad!”

Visit the club’s website at www.twickenhamrc.net or find a club near you using the ARA’s clubfinder section