Learn to Row at Pengwern 

We run ‘taster' sessions throughout the winter at 11.30am on Saurday mornings and then switch to an evening in the week after the regatta is over in mid May. We welcome people of every age, sex and fitness.

Sessions last about an hour to an hour and a half, and after the first one practising a few basics on a rowing machine we hope to get you on the water with other like minded individuals. We have a range of nice safe ‘beginner’ boats for you to learn in before you eventually progress to the very wobbly, wafer thin racing shells.

Requirements

1. You must be able to swim at least 50 metres in your sports kit.

2. That’s about it really!

Clothing

Don’t go buying any of that figure hugging lycra to start with. That may come later.

Once you are on the water learning the basics you are more likely to be too cold than too hot so wrap up warm, particularly in the winter. It is better to have lots of layers of thin ‘stretchy’ material which will allow flexibility and can be peeled off a layer at a time as necessary, Loose bulky down jackets get it the way. Remember you will be sitting down and you don’t want it all to ruck up in front of you. Open backed sandals are also painful as your heels will get rubbed in the boat’s heel traps. Gloves can be worn to start with ‘in extremis’ but they are a clumsy accessory and best kept for church.

Cost

Taster sessions are free for the first month to allow time to see if you are going to enjoy the sport, but of course you are only allowed the limited access afforded at the time appointed. To obtain the full benefits of being a member you have to join.