Weymouth Rowing Club Induction Course
Each boat costs in excess of £20,000, with each of the 6 oars needed costing £250 each - so you can see that with constant fundraising to maintain and update them, they are very precious to us, and we work hard to take care of our most valuable asset. So - the first thing you will be doing during the first session is to look at the boats and learn the rules of handling the equipment safely and carefully, without damage to either you or the gear!
You will also be told about rowing 'etiquette' , as all sports have, so that you understand why members may ask you to do certain things if you forget - they are not 'getting at you' just because you are new!
On the first session you will be put in the boat with some experienced rowers so that you can copy them and they can be there if I need them to take over (if Moby Dick comes up behind us for example!!). You will probably find that 30-45 mins will be enough rowing time the first time you go out. You will be using muscles you didn't know existed!
For the second and subsequent sessions you will be in the boat for an hour, again with some of our experienced members. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the characters who row in our club.
After you have mastered the basics you will move you on to a novice crew, which will be on a Saturday morning for ladies, and stay on Sundays for the men.
A few helpful tips:
Try to be down 15 minutes before your row, to give time to sort out oars and launch
the boat.
Tell us if you cannot swim, we can supply life jackets if you prefer, but be
assured our gigs are very stable
vessels.
Please inform us if you have any injury or illness that we need to know about.
Wear layers of clothing, rather than bulky jackets
which will inhibit movement. You will get quite warm probably
and may like to take a layer or two off. Loose tracksuit bottoms or sports leggings/shorts are good + T shirts and
sweatshirts, waterproof or fleece jacket and hat if you want. Carrier bag to put layers in under the seat is a good
idea cos things can get a bit wet! Trainers or boots that have thickish soles are good - but not work boots with
steel toecaps, as they can damage the boats. Above all - wear OLD stuff! Rowing is not kind to Monsoon
dresses (take note guys..) or shiny new trainers! Your feet will get wet launching the boats, please be prepared
for this.
If you have cycling gloves which are not too bulky, you may find them comfortable
to row in and save you
getting blisters.
Remember to bring some water to drink. It's not
good to get dehydrated when you exercise, and we stop
several times to drink and rest.
How to find us
You will find us on the harbour side just before the Stone Pier, and opposite the berthing for the Condor. Most of us park up on the Nothe near the pub and walk down the steps, turning right at the bottom. Otherwise walk around the harbour on Nothe Parade, past the Lifeboat and sailing club. Keep going until you see a long low shed on your left - that's us!
Please contact Wendy Pearce or on 07876 365388 or 01305 780121 and let her have your phone number. She will be able to let you know when the next session is.
We look forward to seeing you!
Each boat costs in excess of £20,000, with each of the 6 oars needed costing £250 each - so you can see that with constant fundraising to maintain and update them, they are very precious to us, and we work hard to take care of our most valuable asset. So - the first thing you will be doing during the first session is to look at the boats and learn the rules of handling the equipment safely and carefully, without damage to either you or the gear!
You will also be told about rowing 'etiquette' , as all sports have, so that you understand why members may ask you to do certain things if you forget - they are not 'getting at you' just because you are new!
On the first session you will be put in the boat with some experienced rowers so that you can copy them and they can be there if I need them to take over (if Moby Dick comes up behind us for example!!). You will probably find that 30-45 mins will be enough rowing time the first time you go out. You will be using muscles you didn't know existed!
For the second and subsequent sessions you will be in the boat for an hour, again with some of our experienced members. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the characters who row in our club.
After you have mastered the basics you will move you on to a novice crew, which will be on a Saturday morning for ladies, and stay on Sundays for the men.
A few helpful tips:
vessels.
and may like to take a layer or two off. Loose tracksuit bottoms or sports leggings/shorts are good + T shirts and
sweatshirts, waterproof or fleece jacket and hat if you want. Carrier bag to put layers in under the seat is a good
idea cos things can get a bit wet! Trainers or boots that have thickish soles are good - but not work boots with
steel toecaps, as they can damage the boats. Above all - wear OLD stuff! Rowing is not kind to Monsoon
dresses (take note guys..) or shiny new trainers! Your feet will get wet launching the boats, please be prepared
for this.
getting blisters.
several times to drink and rest.
How to find us
You will find us on the harbour side just before the Stone Pier, and opposite the berthing for the Condor. Most of us park up on the Nothe near the pub and walk down the steps, turning right at the bottom. Otherwise walk around the harbour on Nothe Parade, past the Lifeboat and sailing club. Keep going until you see a long low shed on your left - that's us!
Please contact Wendy Pearce or on 07876 365388 or 01305 780121 and let her have your phone number. She will be able to let you know when the next session is.
We look forward to seeing you!