British Rowing taster sessions go down a treat

Throughout the 2011 WRJC, British Rowing offered a series of taster sessions on a quiet stretch of the River Thames – providing novices and newcomers to rowing with a friendly introduction to our sport.

The hour-long sessions – held a stone’s throw away from the elite junior racing, at the back of the Eton Dorney complex – proved to be a huge success, with participants ranging from 12 to 70 years old getting out onto the water for the first time.

“This is the first time I’ve rowed, after many years watching my son,” said one participant. “It went really well, I really enjoyed it.

“It was a nice day out on the river,” he continued, “and – if I can get lycra to fit – I might just try it again! It was lovely today.”

The free taster sessions proved enormously popular over the course of the championships, with each of the five days’ sessions swiftly filling up with enthusiastic rowers.

Sarah Birch, British Rowing’s Coaching and Development Team Leader and facilitator of the sessions, hailed the impact of the taster sessions – and believes that many of the participants will want to get back in a boat as soon as possible.

“The British Rowing taster sessions were a huge success,” she said. “We had all sorts of people coming down to try out rowing – from young children desperate to get out onto the water like the WRJC competitors, to adults looking for a new activity to take part in.”

“Everyone really enjoyed having a go at rowing, and being in a boat on the beautiful River Thames. Local clubs have already received membership enquiries from people who took part in our water sessions.

“It just goes to show that rowing is a sport for anyone!”

For more information on how to start rowing, use the British Rowing Club Finder to contact your nearest club.