Development
From first stroke to confident rower
Overview
Development is the entry point for everyone joining OTRC. Whether you've never sat in a boat before or you're returning to rowing after years away, this is where your journey starts.
We offer two ways in. Taster Days are one-off free sessions that give newcomers a real taste of rowing - you'll get on the water, learn the basics, and find out if it's for you. Learn to Row is a structured 4-week course (6 sessions) that takes you from complete beginner to rowing confidently in a crew boat.
After completing the course, you get 12 weeks of free rowing at the club to keep developing your skills. That means you have the whole summer to try rowing properly before committing to full membership from 1st September. British Rowing membership is included for 12 months, giving you insurance cover and access to the wider rowing community.
The goal is simple: by the end of your development period, you'll know which part of the club suits you best - whether that's Recreational rowing, Fitness & Skills, or even Racing. There's no wrong answer, and no pressure to decide quickly.
Training Schedule
Development sessions run throughout the year for new and progressing rowers:
| Day | Time | Session Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:00 | Water | Skills & Progression Session |
| Thursday | 18:15 | Water | Development Water Session |
Learn to Row courses run on Saturdays at 12pm and Thursdays at 6:15pm
Development sessions run throughout the year for new and progressing rowers:
Learn to Row courses run on Saturdays at 12pm and Thursdays at 6:15pm
Your Journey
The Learn to Row course is structured over 4 weeks to build your skills progressively:
Foundations
Learn the basics on the ergo and in stable boats. Understand the rowing stroke, safety procedures, and how the club works.
First Time on Water
Get out on the river in coxed boats with experienced rowers alongside you. Build water confidence and start putting the stroke together.
Crew Boats
Row as part of a crew. Learn to move together, respond to calls, and experience the feeling of a boat running well.
Building Consistency
Consolidate your skills with longer outings. Start to develop your own style and discover which type of rowing suits you best.
What Happens After the Course
Once you've completed Learn to Row, you have 12 weeks of free rowing to continue developing. During this time, you'll naturally gravitate towards the part of the club that suits you best:
Recreational
Row for enjoyment, fitness, and social connection. Flexible sessions, no pressure, great people.
Learn moreFitness & Skills
Push yourself harder with structured coaching focused on technique and conditioning.
Learn moreRacing
Ready for competition? Train with racing crews and enter events at local and regional level.
Learn moreReady to Start?
Our Learn to Row courses run throughout the year. No experience needed - just bring yourself and a willingness to try something new.
Sign Up for Learn to RowReady to Get Started?
Take the first step - sign up for Learn to Row
