We offer different types of Learn to Row courses: Junior, Adult and Coxing.

Adult Introduction to Rowing Course 2026

This course is aimed at adults aged 18 and over who are interested in trying rowing at Exeter Rowing Club.

The course will consist of 2 sessions a week, which participants will choose from 5 available session slots. The majority of the time will be spent on the water in four-person boats, each of which will have at least one dedicated coach. Alongside this, there will also be opportunities for some land-based technique training on rowing machines and general education on equipment.

Our aim is to provide a crash course in rowing, so that you come away from the four weeks with a good understanding of what the sport is about, how you can join in with the wider club, and of course enjoy yourselves along the way!

Course equipment

We will provide all rowing related equipment and instruction will be provided at a ratio of at least one coach to three participants.

Dates and timings

The course will run for four weeks, starting on Wednesday 9th September. There will be five available session slots per week:

Wednesday 18:30
Saturday 11:00
Saturday 13:30
Sunday 11:00
Sunday 13:30

Sessions will run for 2 or 2 ½ hours. We row in most weather conditions, though if sessions are cancelled because of bad weather you will be informed in advance and alternate plans will be made, and sessions may be rearranged to a suitable alternative date.

What to bring/wear

We recommend clothing and trainers suitable for reasonably strenuous exercise on both land and water. Loose fitting clothes and especially hoodies with pouches are not recommended as these can get in the way of the oars. In addition, you should bring:

both trainers and wellies, or sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
A towel and a complete change of clothes in the unlikely event of a capsize
A water bottle

Anything you bring should be able to get wet and/or dirty. The general advice for rowing is that clothing should be light, relatively close-fitting but flexible (most of our rowers wear lycra when training). Even on warm sunny days, it’s advisable to have warm and waterproof layers in your bag, just in case.

Payment

Payment is due at time of booking. This fee is non-returnable unless due to a cancellation in good time and we can fill the place.

The month’s membership costs £40, plus a one off payment of £40 to British Rowing for insurance purposes. You will need to sign up to this before you can register to attend the Taster Sessions in September. https://www.britishrowing.org/join/ 

What happens after the course?

Upon completion of the course, participants may wish to join the club as a full member.

Depending on squad capacity, we cannot guarantee every participant will be able to join the club, though we hope to be able to offer membership to the majority of participants.

Priority will be given to those interested in competing in at least one race in the 2027 West of England Amateur Rowing Association (WEARA) championship, usually held from May through until the end of August. More information on racing and squads will be given during the course.

Junior Learn To Row

Learn To Cox