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Running a Learn to Row course: a club guide

A good beginners' course is how most clubs grow. Here is how to plan one that keeps people safe and keeps them coming back.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

Plan it

  • Dates, times and number of places that match your coaches and boats.
  • Stable boats and a calm stretch of water.
  • Enough qualified coaches, with launch cover where needed.
  • A clear price and how people pay.

British Rowing offers support and resources for clubs running Learn to Row courses.

Keep it safe

  • Swim test and capsize drill before going afloat.
  • A safety briefing on the first session.
  • Beginners only in boats and conditions the club has agreed.
  • Health questionnaire and emergency contacts.

Turn beginners into members

Have a clear next step ready: a novice squad, a membership offer and a named contact. Most clubs lose beginners in the weeks after the course, not during it.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog helps run the course and what comes after: book boats for each session, record swim tests and capsize drills, restrict beginners to stable boats, and invite them to join the club with a membership category and subs ready to go.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: Block out boats for the course sessions so they're ready for beginners.
Block out boats for the course sessions so they're ready for beginners. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

How long is a Learn to Row course?

Clubs vary. Many run a handful of sessions over a few weeks, then move beginners into a novice squad.

Do beginners need to pass a swim test?

Most clubs require a swim test, and often a capsize drill, before anyone goes on the water.

How do we keep beginners after the course?

Have the next step ready: a novice squad, a membership offer and a named contact who follows up.

Related

Guide: Rowing swim test and capsize drill: what clubs ask for What rowing clubs ask for before someone goes on the water: the swim test, the capsize drill, why clubs differ, and how to keep track of who has done them. Guide: Funding for rowing clubs: where to look and how to make the case Where UK rowing clubs look for funding for boats, boathouses and participation, and how to evidence usage and need in a grant bid. Guide: British Rowing membership types explained The difference between club subs and British Rowing membership, the main British Rowing membership types, and which one a rower needs to race.

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