Learn to row at Falcon! All welcome. Next course starting soon – contact us for details.

FAQs

Where are the sessions held?

• At Falcon Rowing and Canoeing Club, off Meadow Lane, close to Donnington Bridge. For a map of the area where we row, click here (opens new window).

What do they involve?

• 12 sessions over 6-8 weeks, depending on the season.  Usually one weekday evening at 6.30pm (when light or indoor facilities allow) and one or two weekend mornings at 11am. Each session lasts about 2 hours.
• Water sessions are in boats for eight people where some of the crew will stabilise the boat while others practise their rowing
• Indoor sessions use a tank - a rowing specific facility like a swimming pool with sliding seats along the edge and blades (oars) in the water.

How fit do I have to be to do the course?

• We welcome all levels of fitness – the “learn to row” course is more about technique than fitness, but if you go on to join the club after the course, you would see a definite improvement in fitness very quickly as you train.

Do I need to be able to swim?

• Yes – all participants need to be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing.

What are the safety procedures?

• We follow the Water Safety Code guidelines laid down by our national governing body, the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA).
• You need to inform the coaches of any medical conditions you may have, and give permission for first aid to be given in case of an emergency.

How much will it cost?

• £90 for the 12-session course to include membership, equipment and facilities hire, insurance and coaching.

Do I have to learn all the rowing jargon?

• Not all of it, but most of the commands you'll pick up as you go along. We've created a list - click here.

What should I bring/wear to the sessions?

• Trainers and socks
• Shorts/leggings
• T-shirt
• Warm outer top layer (not too baggy)
• Water bottle
• Sun cream (when appropriate!)
• Hat or cap
• Warm clothes to change into after the session

Please don’t bring valuables such as phones or money to the club.
What happens after the course?

• If you want to continue rowing, you can join the club and you will be expected to pay membership fees (approx £200 p.a. pro rata).
• The club currently offers a further course of coaching for those wishing to step up their ability from basic technique to competent oarsperson (£30 for 10 sessions).  This transition course assures your continued development in rowing and / or sculling.
• You can then choose from three pathways: recreational, touring or competitive rowing. (You can always cross from one to the other as your circumstances and aspirations change!).
• Recreational rowing and sculling involves more stable boats and the emphasis is more on fun outings.
• Touring is generally a sculling based activity.  It also uses more stable boats but to travel to local places of interest. It targets some events in which to take part or compete (contact Tim Chapman for more - yorkshiret@googlemail.com).
• Competitive rowing involves a commitment to train in order to race in regattas and local time trials.  Your introduction to this level will be carefully supervised and designed to match your competence and aspirations.

Are there any other extra costs after joining the club?

• For recreational and touring rowing, essentially no. For competitive rowing, see below.
• In order to race, you have to be a member of the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA but soon to change its name). This costs £19 per year for juniors and £40 for adults. You also get full insurance and a monthly magazine. Click here for more information.
• If participants race at official ARA events, the entry fee is £6-£8 per race. When relevant, we usually ask for a small additional contribution for petrol for trailering the boats to the regatta (£2-£4). We expect to attend 6-8 events per year.
• At official ARA events, members must race in club kit. A range of club kit is available, but we recommend an all-in-one rowing suit as this is the most cost-effective – they cost about £35 and last for a long time. Upon joining you can see our kit in our Members Area of this website.

How can I get involved?

• As with all rowing clubs, FRCC depends on the contribution of its volunteers - its members, their friends and families.  During the beginners’ course, you will receive the attentions of a dedicated coach.  Subsequently, you will be shown how to take responsibility for supervising your own sessions as a part of your rowing development.  The way is open to train as a coach / coach assistant, or simply to help out with regattas, barbecues etc.

Why not follow up your initial interest and contact us to find out when you can join in?