Learn to row

Courses run at intervals throughout the year. To find out about upcoming courses, you must register your Interest, and you will then receive email notification before signups open.

You will be sent an email a week before registration opens with the course details, letting you know what time the signup link will be sent. The signup link is a payment link for the first half of the course fees.

When it’s sent, the places are first come, first served and usually sell out in under a minute, so make sure you are ready to open the email and make payment at the right time.

No. Our Learn to Row courses are designed for people who have no rowing experience at all. You will be taught everything you need to know with no assumption of prior knowledge.

However, you must be at least 18 years old, and able to swim 150 m competently.

No. While rowing is a great sport to improve your fitness, we do not assume that you are already an Olympic athlete! However, if you have physical difficulties that might make it hard for you to get in and out of boats or carry equipment, please contact us to discuss your needs before registering for a course.

• Safety, both on and off the water. The circulation pattern on the water, rowing terminology and commands.

• Being able to identify the boats and equipment that you will be using, both on the course and in the future.

• The correct rowing technique for both sculling and sweep rowing.

• How to use a rowing machine (erg) with proper technique to benefit your rowing and fitness.

• How to get on and off the water, and in and out of the boat safely.

You will also meet other members of the club and and make new friends!

The course is based around two main areas. We have use of an indoor rowing tank, which simulates the action of being in a rowing boat in a controlled environment, and is perfect for introducing and developing technique. On the water we use sturdy ‘Lake Boats’ which are very stable and specially designed for beginners, before progressing to fine boats which are used for racing. In addition, you’ll learn using the club’s rowing machines (ergs).

Courses take place at Royal Docks Watersports (formerly known as the London Regatta Centre or Royal Docks Adventure), which is near the ExCel centre in London's Docklands. The address is: 1012 Dockside Road, London E16 2QT.

The nearest public transport is Royal Albert DLR station. Prince Regent (DLR and bus) is within a few minutes' walk, and Custom House (Elizabeth line, DLR, bus) is a little further. There is limited paid parking available on site.

You will receive details about the times and dates of each session. Usually they will run over consecutive weekends. Please ensure you are changed and ready at least 30 minutes before each session.

As we train both indoors and outdoors, you'll need to wear clothing appropriate to the weather. It is best to dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothing to adapt to the conditions. In cold weather we recommend thermal layers and a beanie hat. In warmer weather shorts and a t-shirt are suitable. Close-fitting clothes are preferred as there is less chance of them catching on any of the equipment. Jeans are not allowed on the water. You should wear normal trainers as footwear.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel for a shower afterwards.

Bring a bottle of water. If the weather is sunny, please wear sunscreen, as there is no shelter out on the water! You may also wish to wear sunglasses.

Please make sure you have had breakfast before each session – rowing is hungry work! You may want to bring some energy snacks or cereal bars to keep you going.

There are a limited number of lockers available at the Royal Docks Watersports Centre which are available to rent from reception. However, as we as a club use a lot of lockers, we have use of a room to store our bags in during training. Your coaches will direct you to the correct place. We do not recommend that you bring mobile phones or valuables into the boat with you.

There are changing rooms, showers and toilets on site, including a gender-neutral accessible changing room. There is also a coffee shop for refreshments.

Rowing is a year-round sport. Autumn and Winter seasons are generally time for preparation in anticipation of the Spring/Summer regatta seasons. Advanced rowers compete in long distance endurance Head Races during the winter months. As it takes time to learn how to row competently, this is an ideal season in which to learn in order to give you the time to prepare and potentially enjoy the benefits of the following regatta season.

If conditions are too bad we will train indoors in the tank, which is a rowing boat simulator. As above, please dress appropriately for the weather. In severe circumstances we may have to postpone or reorganise sessions.

Once they have successfully completed the Learn to Row course, graduates will be offered the chance to join the club as a full member of the Novice Squad.

The course fee is non-refundable. Once a participant commits to the course by making the payment, then they are enrolled on the course.

All participants will be sent an electronic waiver form by our Health and Safety officer. Each participant must sign and return this prior to the course start date.