Posted on August 03, 2016 by Jenny Cromack

 

With the Olympics starting this weekend, the worlds greatest athletes are about to hit the spotlight and perform some familiar and some new sports.

In the 2012 London Games the Great British rowing team won 4 Golds, 2 silvers and 3 Bronze medals. Since the London 2012 games rowing has become even more popular and it is predicted that the Rio games will set a spark of interest for people to get on the water and try something new.

If rowing takes your fancy then there are 6 week ‘new to rowing’ courses which teach the top tips to rowing. Beginners start on a wider boat that offers more stability so anyone worried about taking the plunge shouldn’t worry as it’s not very common.

If you’re worried it’s too late to learn a new sport then don’t worry last year, nearly 700 over 50 year olds took out a British Rowing membership for the first time. With members still competing at 80 years old!

Most clubs say that within 6 weeks individuals are rowing competently. Some clubs may offer free taster sessions but typically a Learn to Row course will cost between £90-£120. If you catch the bug and want to join a club, there is normally a club membership fee which may differ depending on the level you want to take up. Some clubs have special rates for young people, pensioners and social members.

There are a number of clubs around West Yorkshire that welcome beginner rowers. I searched a 20 mile radius from our Marshall Court studio and found 10. To find your nearest club search here