Learn To Row

We welcome new beginners to the sport of rowing

Poplar RC Learn To Row Course

The next course is likely to start in summer 2025.

Please send an email with your contact details to newrower@pbdrc.co.uk to register your interest. We will then contact you with more information about the learn to row course once we have a firm start date.

The learn-to-row course is aimed at beginners with no previous experience of rowing, who are interested in taking up the sport. It aims to take participants to a level where they are confident afloat and can then continue to participate in club activities on a regular basis.

If you have rowed before, no matter how long ago, and want to get back into it you don’t need this course. Please complete a new membership form.

PRE-REQUISITES

The essential pre-requisites for rowing are:

  • being able to swim for at least 250m with light clothing
  • you must be aged 18 or over
  • you should be able to attend all the sessions in the programme
  • you must have a good sense of humour

COURSE STRUCTURE

The programme times and dates are based on tidal and daylight conditions and the need to fit around other club activities. On-land sessions will held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Each water session will last between 1 and 2 hours depending on weather, tides and availability of equipment. Water sessions may be cancelled without notice because of adverse conditions in which case we will try and substitute a land-based session. Session times may be changed at short notice to fit around other club activities.

Rowing boats are designed to be fast, the cost of this speed is stability. You will have to learn the correct technique on our rowing machines and in our rowing tank on land before you get near a boat.

Rowing Squads from PBDRC on the Thames
Poplar rowing and sculling boats on the river Thames

FAQs

How do I get on the course?
Register you interest by emailing newrower@pbdrc.co.uk.  Then attend an open day at the club. You will be expected to do a gym session so you know what will be expected so appropriate clothing is required. Then you can have a tour of the club, meet the coaches and rowers and have some well deserved tea and cake.
I want to learn to row. Can you teach me?
Yes, this is what this course is for. Be warned though, rowing can be seriously addictive – the competitive crews at the club will train 4 to 6 times a week for about ten months of the year. It’s not an exaggeration to say that rowing can change your life!
Will I have to commit to train that hard?
No you train as much as you want to depending on whether you want to compete or row recreationally. In common with all sports the time you put into it is the best indication of what you will get out it. Poplar RC does cater fully for recreational as well as competitive rowers.
Do I have to wait for the course to start to start learning?
For the formal course, yes. However, in the run-up to the course you can visit the club and have an introductory look around. You can also improve your fitness levels ready to learn to row by running, cycling or fitness training in a gym.
How many other people will be learning with me?
The course will be for a maximum of 16 people, with places allocated according to gender and age. We may also take into consideration how local you are to the club.
What happens if I miss a session?
We ask you to try very hard to attend every session. This course is fast-moving, people learn quickly, and experience shows that if you miss more than 2 sessions you will fall too far behind to catch up. If you miss 2 consecutive sessions without notice, we reserve the
right not to accept you back on the course. Please check the course programme offered to you and don’t sign up unless you are genuinely prepared to attend every session.

If, because of unforeseen circumstances, you think you will have to miss more than 2 sessions 1 of 3 during the course, please let us know as soon as you can. It is essential to participate in certain sessions (e.g. health & safety induction) and if you miss these your progress will be seriously delayed.

Do I need to be fit to start?
A basic level of fitness is required before you start, but more important is that you are keen to improve. The course will include fitness goals, as well as enabling you to master the basic techniques of rowing. If you have any concerns regarding your fitness you should consult your GP before starting a new exercise regime. It is important that you tell us of any conditions that may affect your ability to participate in strenuous activity.
Who will be teaching me to row?
Club members who have volunteered their time. The course is overseen by a qualified British rowing coach however some sessions may be taken by a senior club member.
Where is the course held?
The indoor sessions will be at:

Poplar, Blackwall and District Rowing Club (PBDRC),
The Boathouse,
Ferry Street,
London
E14 3DT.

Nearest DLR station: Island Gardens. Unlimited evening (after 5.30pm) and weekend parking at the clubhouse and cycle racks
immediately outside. Boris bike rack within 200 yards (Island Gardens). Masthouse Pier is a 10 min walk from the clubhouse and Greenwich Pier is directly opposite both with regular Thames Clipper service , and the clubhouse is very close to the Greenwich foot tunnel which gives pedestrian and cycle access from the south side of the river.

The river sessions will be on the Thames at Greenwich, with access from the PBDRC clubhouse. Some sessions afloat may be held at the London Regatta Centre at the Royal Albert Dock, E16 2QD. Nearest DLR station: Royal Albert. Car and bike parking at the Regatta Centre.

How do you teach me?
We start in the gym on the rowing machine. You will then progress to the rowing tank (and indoor pool that simulates rowing on the water).  When we feel that you are ready you will progress to rowing a boat on the water. Due to the inherent instability of rowing boats you will not progress until the coach feels you are ready and it is safe to do so.
What should I wear?
It is sad to say rowers are all about the Lycra. Not because we are vain but because loose clothes can get trapped and tangled in the equipment. 
  • For indoor training we suggest trainers and close-fitting gym kit. 
  • For rowing on the water you will need old trainers, wet-shoes, Crocs or strapped sandals (not flip-flops or Wellingtons) to wear as you will have to wade into the river to put the boat in and more close-fitting gym clothes.
  • A close fitting wind/ waterproof top layer is also needed in the winter months.  
  • Always bring a change of clothes for gym and water sessions.
Are there changing facilities?
We have changing rooms with showers for both men and women.
What will it cost?
Before starting the course you will have to become a club member £45 per month. We also ask for a £200 donation to the club. 
When it’s finished do I have to join the club?
No, but if you want to continue rowing you will be welcome to join the club as a full member. The cost of membership is noted on the Membership Form you will have to complete before using the club after completing the course, see ‘membership’ on the club
website. The membership subscription includes a £5/month contribution to the Crown Club which builds funds to replace club equipment and offers cash prizes in a draw each month.

All members are encouraged to join British Rowing to take advantage of the insurance provided to members. Anyone competing for the club in open events against other clubs also needs to be Gold members of British Rowing: see www.britishrowing.org

Do I get to race?
There will be an opportunity to race in a Club Race event organised by PBDRC. This may be possible during the summer, as we run several club races during the season in which those who want tomay get the chance to compete. We hope that you will join the club and continue rowing training.
What happens after the course if I join the club?
Depends on what level you want to row and how much time you want to commit. You can join the men’s or women’s novice squads and train to race. You can join an existing crew or form a crew with like-minded course graduates and we will try and provide coaching. Or you can row recreationally – occasional sessions when you feel like it.
I have another question
if you have any questions about the course not answered by the above then please email newrower@pbdrc.co.uk.

About PBDRC

Poplar Blackwall and District Rowing Club is a rowing club on the Northern bank or the River Thames opposite Greenwich on the Isle of Dogs, London.

We are open to all levels of rowers for fun, practice, training and competition.

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PBDRC
56 Ferry Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3DT

Our Address

Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club
The Boat House
Ferry Street
London
E14 3DT

enquiries@pbdrc.co.uk

020 7538 9869