Local clubs in and around Oxford include Falcon Boat Club, City of Oxford RC, Hinksey Sculling School (juniors only), Oxford Academicals RC and, further afield, there are thriving clubs in Abingdon and Wallingford. All these clubs accept beginners with certain provisos about age or affiliation. Before deciding which club to approach and which course to attend, there are some basic factors to consider.
Each club offers its own beginner course. In the main, for people investigating the options for starting rowing, choice should be welcomed. You must, when you make your selection, think about the longer view of your rowing progress. Is the club you choose set up to accommodate your continued involvement at a level which suits your expectations and your availability? Does it have an existing pathway which can offer you a range of rowing experiences – sculling and rowing, touring and racing boats, casual and competitive groups? Does it have coaching or supervision in place to ensure your time is spent in an enjoyable and effective way? Is it signed up to follow the British Rowing Learn-to-Row principles?
I have been running adult beginner courses for almost 30 years. After 17 years at City of Oxford RC, I am now based at Falcon because I believe that the club offers the ideal environment for beginners to develop without undue pressure.
At Falcon, they have the tried and tested experience and they have the equipment and the expertise. With FBC, you will be enrolling on probably the longest established and most successful beginners’ course in the country! On completion, you can then review your situation confident in the knowledge that your basic rowing and sculling skills are as good as they could be, given the time you have committed to this wonderful sport.
How could you not want to do that at Falcon!? Register your interest now (see Contact) and be kept informed about course dates and availability.