Just starting rowing?

You are welcome to come down any Sunday morning to have a go. We encourage prospective new members to attend for a month before applying to join the club, just to make sure that they enjoy it.

Over the first few sessions we teach the basics on the rowing machine and in our training boats, and if you are keen and able, integrate you into our rowing squads

The best time to turn up is 10am on a Sunday morning – we run open sessions especially for those looking to try the Sport.

What to wear

Rowers normally wear an 'all-in-one', which is a stretchy, close-fitting garment with both top and shorts in one piece. Sometimes other clothing may be worn underneath.

An 'all-in-one is not absolutely necessary but having close fitting garments allowing easy movement is important as this avoids the oar or sculling blades getting caught which could lead to a capsize.

Cold weather

• Warm/waterproof layers
• A first layer of a thin technical/thermal material, which can wick (transfer) away moisture from your body
• Layers of light clothing allow you to regulate your temperature. Layers can be removed as you warm up and added if you cool down.
• Suitable headgear (half of the body's heat loss can be through the head)
• A light windproof/waterproof top will reduce heat loss besides reducing the wind's chill factor
• A close fitting tracksuit top, bottom or sports leggings.
• Wearing an all-in-one on its own in cold weather is not adequate

Hot weather

• Clothing to keep you cool and protect you from exposure to the sun
• Layers of light clothing e.g. t-shirts, allowing their removal as you warm-up and wick away moisture from the body
• Headgear for sun protection, clothing to prevent sunburn
• Sunglasses to reduce glare from the water
• Sun cream/sun block
• A water bottle is a must for both winter and summer training and racing. Dehydration will impair your performance and can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What not to wear

• Loose fitting clothes that could catch your oars or get stuck in your slide when rowing
• Bulky garments that can absorb water and become very heavy when wet e.g. fleeces and quilted items
• Clothes that restrict your movement when rowing or if you fall in the water, particularly if wet e.g. denim jeans and tops
• Wellington type boots in the boat; coxes take note! Wellingtons which cannot be easily kicked off, without the use of hands, should never be worn in the boat, they present a real danger if you end up in the water
• If removing tracksuit bottoms or leggings, don't leave them around your ankles when in the boat; if you fall in they will affect your swimming ability
• Everyday non-sporting clothes