Discover the Joy of Rowing: Your Guide to Adult Learn to Row Courses

Rowing is a captivating sport in New Zealand. Many people are drawn to it, inspired by the Kiwi Pair, the Tokyo Eight, or Emma Twigg. If you’re an adult considering rowing, you’re not alone. There’s a growing interest in trying this fantastic sport.

Adult learn to row courses serve two important purposes. They help raise funds for clubs and attract new members to your masters training group. Let’s explore how to run a successful adult learn to row course.

How to Run an Adult Learn to Row Course

Running a successful adult learn to row course involves three main components: scheduling, recruiting volunteers, and securing equipment.

1. Choose the Right Dates

Timing is crucial. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons in New Zealand. The weather is often stable, and there are fewer distractions like school holidays or overseas trips.

A simple learn to row course can consist of six lessons. After that, you can offer a follow-up course with another six lessons. This structure allows participants to try rowing without pressure. They can continue if they enjoy it or gracefully bow out if they don’t.

Aim for three consecutive weekends for your course. Offer sessions on both Saturdays and Sundays. The follow-up course should ideally run on the next three weekends without gaps. Gaps often lead to dropouts.

2. Recruit Volunteers

You don’t need to be an expert to volunteer. If you completed a learn to row course six months ago, you have enough knowledge to help newcomers. Typically, a club needs about six volunteers for every 12 students.

Most of your role will involve helping students set up their foot stretchers and ensuring the boat is level while they practice rowing.

For effective coaching, refer to the book Masters Rowing: Training for Fitness, Technique, and Competition by Volker Nolte and Wolfgang Fritsch. Wolfgang’s chapter clearly outlines what to teach first and how to progress.

One key difference between coaching adults and youth is that adults should get on the water from the very first lesson. Avoid using ergs initially. Instead, let them row with square blades and full slide. This hands-on experience is what hooks them. Later, you can teach them about body sequencing and coxing commands.

3. Secure the Right Equipment

Equipment is essential for a successful course. If your club has access to coastal boats or surfboards with riggers, these are excellent for beginners.

Pontoon floats can also be attached to boats for added stability. They make it easier for beginners to start rowing. Additionally, they can be used by club rowers for practicing catch drills. Eric Verdonk used them extensively before winning his Olympic medal.

Alternatively, regular club or high school boats can work, provided you have experienced rowers sitting at the boat level. Aim for a mix of 50% novices and 50% experienced rowers in each boat. Be mindful that heavier athletes, particularly those over 100kg, can be challenging to accommodate in school boats, which typically cater to athletes weighing 70-80kg.

Setting Course Fees

Determining the right fee for your course is crucial. Rowing often undercharges compared to other sports, despite the expertise and time required from volunteers. A fair price for six lessons ranges from $300 to $400. With 10 to 16 athletes per course, this could generate between $3,000 and $6,400.

Promoting Your Learn to Row Course

Effective advertising is key to attracting participants. Create a dedicated page on your website titled “Adult Learn to Row.” List the dates for upcoming courses throughout the year. An expression of interest form can help you gather names and contact details. This way, you can notify interested individuals about future courses.

Don’t overlook local high school parents. They’re already at the club bringing their kids. Offering them the chance to try rowing while their children are at practice is a win-win.

Additionally, reach out to local newspapers and radio stations. They often love covering community activities and might send a journalist to report on your course.

Pathway to Membership

Once the course concludes, it’s vital to have a clear pathway to club membership. Plan which group the graduates can join to continue their rowing journey. This ensures they keep learning and enjoying their time on the water.

Good luck with your adult learn to row course!

The Legion of Rowers supports masters rowing in New Zealand. Check out our resources page for tips on running a business house regatta, organizing a training camp, and hosting a head race.

Embrace the joy of rowing and help foster a vibrant community!