Rowing should be open to everyone; we welcome all ages, genders and levels of ambition. Our Learn to Row programmes offer a fun and friendly introduction to rowing, whether you’re a junior discovering the sport for the first time, a young adult looking for a new challenge, or an adult beginner ready to find a new passion.
When you join a Learn to Row course at Kingston, you’re stepping into an environment where beginners become confident rowers, and where the right talent and commitment can grow into future sporting champions. Our club has a proud history of developing rowers who go on to represent the UK at major national and international competitions.
Build strength, resilience, teamwork and friendships on a Learn to Row Course
What to Expect on Every Learn to Row Course
All our Learn to Row pathways at Kingston include the same high‑quality, confidence‑building foundations:
- Introduction to the boathouse - meet the coaches, explore the equipment, understand how a rowing club works
- Learn the rowing technique - introduction to the rowing stroke on the indoor rowing machine (“ergo”)
- Equipment basics - understand the parts of the boat and oars
- Getting in and out of the boat - safe, supported practice before going on the water
- Water safety and confidence drills - including capsize drill and balance work
- Building the rowing stroke on the water - progressing from basic movements to full strokes
- Rowing together as a crew - timing, rhythm and teamwork
- Fine‑tuning technique - blade work, power application, balance and coordination
These foundations ensure every rower, junior or adult, leaves the course with real skills, confidence and a sense of achievement.
Upcoming Courses
Adult Learn to Row & Refresher
(Aged 18+ Five Half‑Day Course)
Whether you’re completely new to rowing or returning after time away, this adult learn to row course gives you the skills, confidence and fitness to take your next steps in the sport.
You’ll learn technique on land and on the river, and experience the teamwork and camaraderie that make rowing such a rewarding sport. Many of our adult beginners go on to join our Development and Senior Squads in their second season, there’s no obligation to become a member after the course. We simply hope you’ll enjoy your time with us and feel inspired to continue.
After the course, if you’ve been bitten by the rowing bug, we’ll talk through your aspirations and help you find the right pathway, whether that’s Recreational rowing, Masters rowing or progressing towards competitive Senior squads. Membership may be offered to participants who demonstrate strong technique, a positive attitude, good fitness and responsiveness to coaching. However, membership is not guaranteed at the end of the course.
Courses run as five half‑day sessions, Monday to Friday inclusive. Participants must be able to swim 50m in light clothing and have no medical conditions that would make rowing unsafe.
Remaining 2026 Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Start Time | End Time | Places Available |
| Monday May 18th | Friday May 22nd | 9am | 12 noon | Completed |
| Monday May 18th | Friday May 22nd | 1pm | 4pm | Completed |
| Monday Sept 7th | Friday Sept 11th | 9am | 12 noon | 04 |
| Monday Sept 7th | Friday Sept 11th | 1pm | 4pm | 00 |
Attendees should dress in close-fitting sports wear (due to moving parts in boats), including a waterproof top (as close-fitting as possible), a base layer and leggings if cool. They should not wear hoodies, baggy tracksuits or anything similar.
Course Fee
The total cost for the week‑long course is £375, including a £50 non‑refundable admin fee.
How to Apply
To apply for an adult course, please complete our application form and submit payment.
For any queries, please contact us.
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Juniors (Aged 12-17)
The Junior Learn to Row Course at Kingston Rowing Club is a fun, active and confidence‑building introduction to the wonderful sport of rowing. Designed for school years 7 to 13, the course runs over five consecutive half‑days, giving juniors the time and skills to enjoy the feeling of moving a boat smoothly across the water.
No special clothing or equipment is required - just comfortable sportswear and enthusiasm. Participants must be able to swim 50m competently in light clothing.
All sessions are delivered by our friendly team of British Rowing‑qualified coaches, all of whom are CRB‑checked and experienced in working with young athletes.
| Start Date | End Date | Start Time | End Time | Spaces Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27th | July 31st | 09:00 | 12:00 | Completed |
| July 27th | July 31st | 13:00 | 16:00 | Completed |
| August 3rd | August 7th | 09:00 | 12:00 | Completed |
| August 3rd | August 7th | 13:00 | 16:00 | Completed |
| August 10th | August 14th | 09:00 | 12:00 | Completed |
| August 10th | August 14th | 13:00 | 16:00 | Completed |
| August 17th | August 21st | 09:00 | 12:00 | Completed |
| August 17th | August 21st | 13:00 | 16:00 | Completed |
| August 24th | August 28th | 09:00 | 12:00 | Completed |
| August 24th | August 28th | 13:00 | 16:00 | Completed |
Course Fee
The total cost for the five half‑day course is £350, which includes a £50 non‑refundable admin fee. To secure a place, full payment of £350 is required at the time of booking.
How to Book
If you would like to book a Junior Learn to Row place, please complete the booking form and make payment.
For course enquiries please contact the LTR co-ordinator on kingstonltr@gmail.com
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Why juniors love it
- A fun, friendly introduction to rowing
- A chance to learn a new sport outdoors
- Teamwork, fitness and new friendships
- A great stepping stone into junior rowing — and for some, the start of a pathway that could lead to representing the UK
Please note: Attending a junior learn to row course does not guarantee entry to the Junior Squad. Coaches may offer membership to those who meet their selection criteria; we do try to accommodate athletes where possible. Pupils should dress in close-fitting sports wear (due to moving parts in boats), including a waterproof top (as close-fitting as possible), a baselayer and leggings if cool. They should not wear hoodies, baggy tracksuits or anything similar.
Young Adults (Aged 18-25 Evening Courses)
In partnership with British Rowing — Summer 2026
This summer we’re launching two intensive Learn to Row courses for 18-25 year‑olds, designed for ambitious young adults who want a fast, structured and exciting introduction to rowing. It is the ultimate team sport: you train and race as a crew, push your limits together and make friends for life.
These courses are especially suited to sporty individuals, including those who may have stepped back from their first sport due to injury, who want something physically challenging, inclusive, team‑based and competitively fun.
Course Dates
Each course runs 6pm–9pm over three evenings:
- Course 1: Monday 6 July – Wednesday 8 July
- Course 2: Monday 13 July – Wednesday 15 July
Price
£99 per course (subsidised through British Rowing; includes 12 months British Rowing membership).
All Young Adult intensive course bookings are made through British Rowing
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Cancellation Policy
We do not offer refunds. If you give at least 14 days’ notice, we may credit your payment toward another course. If you cancel within 14 days of the course start date, any payments already made will be lost.
Testimonials
"I have truly enjoyed the course and cannot explain how beneficial it has been to break the crazy work routine I am usually in. Everybody, both Coaches and Learners, were lovely and for 2 hours a week I didn't think of anything but enjoying and learning" KP
"From beginning to end we were very professionally coached 'from zero to hero' resulting in a huge sense of self and group accomplishment. Crystal clear instruction from highly personable coaches saw confidence levels soaring in just a few days. Layer on top of that some excellent banter and a liberal dose of competitive spirit and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic week's learning. In short, you exceeded all expectations to create something rather special during these unusual times." JG
"The Learn to Row course exceeded all my expectations. Despite my initial fears as a novice the highly experienced coaches created a safe and supportive environment and encouraging atmosphere, providing excellent guidance that helped boost my confidence quickly. Very friendly people and an incredibly fun experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking both adventure and personal growth." DS
