Learn to row with us
“Thank you so much for a fun weekend. The coaching was wonderful, insightful and helpful, and your patience and good humour are a credit to you!”
Mark, learn-to-row graduate
Learn-to-row is a British Rowing affiliated programme designed to take you from complete beginner to aspiring rower. At Lakeland Rowing Club, adult courses run over a single weekend.
Working in a group of five students, our experienced coaches will lead you through all the basic techniques of sculling (rowing with two blades) and coxing.
We take a student-centred approach, teaching key boat-handling skills, rowing and steering techniques as well as navigational knowledge, ensuring you develop your ability at a pace that works for you - while also having fun.
The aim by the end of the weekend is to row competently in a crew boat of four people or a stable single scull, so you can join club sessions or impromptu outings on the lake with other members.
We’ll then help you progress your rowing to suit your goals, be they recreational or competitive.
Adult courses cost £110 in 2024, including club membership to end-March 2025. Dates for 2025 will be announced in the spring. If you would struggle to afford a place, please ask when you get in touch about applying to our John Inman bursary fund.
Junior learn-to-row courses
Our two-day junior learn-to-row courses cost £40 in 2024, including club membership for the rest of the year. Dates for 2025 will be announced in the spring. If cost is a concern, bursaries are available.
Booking an adult place
We run adult learn-to-row courses between March and August. To take part, you must be at least 18 years old.
Courses consist of one or two land-based and four or five water-based sessions spread over a single weekend. In 2024, they cost £110 per person, including club membership for the rest of the year.
To register interest for 2025, please email our learn-to-row coordinator, Don Mitchell, including your mobile number.
If cost is an issue, full and partial bursaries are available from the John Inman Fund - just let us know in your email if you would like to apply.
Keeping you safe
Anyone can take up rowing, but it’s important for your instructor to be aware of anything that might affect you during the course. There are two main things to consider before you take to the water:
Can you swim?
Before starting the course, you will need to confirm that you can swim 50 metres in light clothing. If you have any concerns about this, please get in touch with our safety officer and learn-to-row coordinator, Don Mitchell, for a chat. It may be that you will need to wear a personal flotation device (PFD), which would support you if you ended up in the water.
Do you have any health concerns?
If you do, your doctor will be able to advise you. You can also speak in confidence to the club’s welfare officer, Nicola Jackson, or to your learn-to-row instructor.
A Lakeland junior boys’ crew come off the water after competing at Talkin Tarn ARC’s annual regatta
Pictures: Paul Mills (main), Lakeland RC (centre), Clive Penkett (above)