Rowing Clubs
Rowing in the U.K. is coordinated by the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA). I was surprised to find that there are over five hundred clubs affiliated to the organisation and it appear there is a rowing club available to you in most towns and cities.
Children can start rowing from around the age of nine, although it is more normal to find children from the age of 13 and upwards becoming involved in the sport.
If you have not considered rowing as a possible sport for your child before then there are number of reasons to consider doing so. To start with it is great for fitness. Rowing is also a low impact sport, so it does not put an undue strain on key joints. It gives a great cardiovascular work out and also helps to build and strengthen muscle. It is worth noting that rowing exercises more muscles than any other sport.
In addition it is a great way for children to learn the importance of teamwork. Everyone in the boat has a job to do and everybody needs to pull their weight. It is an excellent sport for helping to build both physical and mental endurance.
Rowing can also be a highly competitive sport. Therefore children who show an aptitude for rowing have the chance to progress rapidly in a positive environment.
With most rowing taking place outdoors it is a good way for teenagers who may otherwise be stuck at home to get out in the fresh air and blow away some cobwebs.
You are also likely to find that a rowing club is very good for the social development of a child. Clubs usually have a busy social calendar and children are involved at least to some degree. Many clubs will host and also go away to regatta weekends. Some clubs will also go abroad for training camps.
Although not cheap the cost of a junior rowing club membership is favourable compared to many other sporting activities. In many cases you will find junior subscriptions available at a cost between £100 and £150 per year. Many clubs offer a free trial period to children who would like to try rowing. Aside from clothing a club will provide all the equipment your child needs.
Rowing clubs are forward thinking when it comes to coaching and during the first few weeks you can expect your child to receive a comprehensive grounding in rowing technique. Early coaching is carried out using special training boats. These are designed to be very steady in the water. This helps to build a child's confidence before moving onto faster and narrower racing boats.
More advanced clubs can offer indoor training on rowing machines in winter and in bad weather. When selecting a club look out for ones who have a Clubmark accreditation. This is a scheme run by Sport England and sets a standard for clubs to reach. In order to be awarded a Clubmark accreditation a rowing club has to prove it has high standards of child protection and safety, quality coaching, equal opportunities and good management.
Follow this link to find a rowing club near to where you live: Rowing Clubs
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