Learn To Row

We welcome new beginners to the sport of rowing

PBDRC’s 2025  Learn To Row Course

This year’s course is going to run from Tuesday 10th June until Sunday 3rd August 2025.
 
The 2025 Learn-to-Row course is fully booked. Please contact newrower@pbdrc.co.uk to be added to the waiting list.
 
The learn-to-row course is aimed at beginners with no previous experience of rowing, who are interested in taking up the sport. We’ll be coaching you step by step through the fundamentals of rowing so that you can feel confident going afloat on the water.

PRE-REQUISITES

The essential pre-requisites for rowing are:

  • being able to swim for at least 250m with light clothing
  • being aged 18 or over
  • being able to attend the majority of the sessions in the programme
  • having a good sense of humour

COURSE STRUCTURE

The programme will involve training sessions on land and on water.
 
On-land sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 18:30-19:30. These will involve technique and fitness training on our indoor rowing machines and on our rowing ‘tank’ (an indoor pool that simulates rowing on the water – don’t worry, you stay dry and can just wear normal gym clothes!). 
 
Water sessions will be held on Sunday mornings. The water session times will be based on tidal, daylight and weather conditions and therefore may vary week to week. In case of adverse weather conditions, water sessions may be substituted with land-based sessions without notice.
 
Note:  Rowing boats are designed to be fast, and the cost of this speed is stability. To begin with, Sunday sessions will be on land until the group have secured enough on-land practice to be safe to go afloat. 
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 your interest by emailing phoebe.ohene@pbdrc.co.uk by Sunday 1st June 2025. One of the course coordinators will get back in touch to confirm whether you have secured a space. 

How many other people will be learning with me?

The course will be for a maximum of 12 people

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 we find that if participants miss more than 2 consecutive sessions, it is difficult to catch up. If you think you will have to miss more than 2 sessions during the course, please let us know as soon as you can. For certain sessions (e.g. health & safety induction), participation is essential. Please let us know in advance if you are going to miss a session

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?

Experienced club members who have volunteered their time.

Where is the course held?
Indoor and water 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. Santander 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. 
How do you teach me?

We start in the gym on the rowing machine. You will then progress to the rowing tank.  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 kind of boats will I be rowing in?

We’ll be getting you out on the Thames in sculling boats with 3 other crew members, including one to two experienced rowers who will be there to show you the ropes, steer the boat and help keep you safe. Please note that as the majority of our club members scull (rowing with two oars, as opposed to sweep rowing which uses one oar), we’ll be teaching you to scull. We think learning to scull opens up more opportunities to get out on the water, and it’s easier to pick up sweep rowing once you can scull than the other way around!

What should I wear?
It is sad to say it, but rowers are all about the lycra. Not because we’re 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 close-fitting gym clothes and 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
  • A close fitting wind/ waterproof top layer is also needed in the winter months.  
  • We recommend that you bring a change of clothes for after the water sessions, as the sessions can be rather splashy when you’re starting out
Are there changing facilities?
We have both male and female changing rooms with showers. 
What will it cost?

The cost of the course is £250 per person. All of the proceeds go towards the maintenance of the boats and boathouse.

What if I have another question?

If you have any questions about the course not answered by the above then please emailphoebe.ohene@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