Students have a go at gig rowing

Cornish students have been trying their hand at gig rowing for the first time, as part of two exciting projects in the region.

Students from Truro and Penwith College have been participating in Learn to Row projects delivered by Flushing & Mylor Pilot Gig Club and Mounts Bay Pilot Gig Club, with the help of recently-acquired Explore Rowing and Sport England grants. The initiatives are designed to introduce the students to the concept of gig rowing, taking them out on the open water and allowing them to experience what it is like to be part of a team inside a 32-foot boat.

The courses, which have been delivered by volunteers from the gig clubs, form part of a wider project that aims to provide more rowing opportunities for young people from the Cornwall community by linking gig clubs with local schools.

Truro and Penwith College have recently developed a Health, Wellbeing and Sport programme to help young people stay active, providing activities throughout the day for students to participate in.

The two gig clubs have received funding support from Sport England and British Rowing to help deliver rowing activities within the community. Flushing & Mylor PGC secured Sport England funding to help develop its club house and purchase equipment, in addition to securing a British Rowing grant to purchase two plastic training gigs. Mounts Bay PGC received funding from Sport England through the Sportivate programme, and is currently applying for additional funding for more equipment. Both clubs are open to all and are extremely keen to engage with Truro and Penwith College to help attract new members to the club.

Julian Wills, Truro and Penwith College Sports Maker said: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with these two extremely committed Pilot Gig Clubs. They have great volunteers and are offering some brilliant opportunities for our students.”

As well as delivering the ‘Learn to Row’ course, the clubs will be linking with Truro and Penwith College to deliver other initiatives including training and participation opportunities throughout the year.