Junior Rowing Course

Join the Junior Rowing Course at Reading Rowing Club this summer for a week-long intensive program. The course is specifically designed for juniors interested in learning to row during the Summer Holidays of 2023. Unfortunately, all courses for this summer have already filled up, and no further courses will be available until 2024.

Participants who have confirmed their place on one of the courses will be required to attend a swim and capsize test in July at Queen Anne's School Pool (exact date to be confirmed). During this test, participants will need to demonstrate their ability to swim 50m on their front and back in light clothing, tread water for 5 minutes, swim underwater for at least 5m, and complete a capsize test.

The cost for the swim/capsize test is included in the overall course fee. Throughout the course, participants will learn boat handling skills, ergo technique, and have the opportunity to scull and row in different sized boats, including crew boats. The courses will be led by experienced coaches from Reading Rowing Club.

Participants are required to bring their own lunch, water, and additional snacks for the duration of the course. They are not allowed to leave the clubhouse to visit local shops, so all food and drink must be brought at the start of the day. Changing rooms with showers are available for course members to use.

For those who are interested in joining the Junior squad in September, there is a possibility of receiving an offer for a place following the successful completion of the course and subject to availability. Please note that suitable attire, including shorts, leggings, warm socks, t-shirt, long-sleeved top, and a warm long-sleeved top without front pockets, should be worn during the course. It is also recommended to wear layers of clothing and trainers on colder days.

Terms and conditions:
1. The Junior Rowing Club courses are organised and held at Reading Rowing Club's premises located at The Boathouse, Thames Promenade, Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8BD.
2. Athletes of all prior membership or association with the club can enrol in the junior courses. However, each athlete will be required to complete a temporary membership application at the start of the course and will be temporarily admitted as a member for the duration of the course.
3. The courses have different schedules, with half-day courses running from either 09:00 to 13:30 or 13:30 to 17:00 each day, and four-day courses running from 09:00 to 15:00 each day. The course fee does not include accommodation or food, so attendees must bring their own sufficient and appropriate food and drink. It is important to note that attendees are not allowed to visit shops during the day and must remain within the environs of RRC clubhouse.
4. All athletes, as well as parents or guardians of junior athletes aged 13 to 17, must complete and sign the course application and consent form to process the applications.
5. Enrolment and participation in the course are at the absolute discretion of the Course Organiser.
6. Reading Rowing Club provides all necessary training equipment both on and off the water, but participants are welcome to bring their own sculling boats and blades.
7. Safety is of utmost importance, and the Club retains responsibility for safety throughout the course. Safety and navigation instructions will be provided by the coaching team, and participants must adhere to them at all times.
8. The course will include river outings in various sculling and rowing boats, and participants should be prepared for such activities.