Can Beginners Learn to Row at Shoreham Rowing Club?

Updated

Yes. Shoreham Rowing Club states that it welcomes both beginners and experienced rowers, and it runs a dedicated Learn to Row squad for people who are new to the sport. According to the club's website, no prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go. The club rows on the River Adur at Kingston Beach in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and offers both coastal and river rowing.

What the Learn to Row squad covers

The club describes its Learn to Row programme as the starting point for newcomers. Sessions introduce the basics both on land and on water, including:

  • Rowing technique
  • Rowing terminology
  • Safety
  • Teamwork

This structure means you are not expected to know anything about boats, blades or commands before you arrive — the squad is designed to take you from zero to rowing on the water under supervision.

Who it is for

Your situation What the club says
Complete beginner Learn to Row squad is "the perfect place to start"; no experience needed
Returning or experienced rower The club welcomes "all levels"
Just curious / visiting The site mentions visiting for a taster session

The club's location on the edge of Kingston Beach, a short walk from Shoreham town centre, makes it practical to visit in person before committing.

How to get started

  1. Read the "Row for us" section on the club website. It is aimed at anyone interested in joining, whether experienced or brand new, and explains how to get started.
  2. Check the "How to Join" guidance on the site for the current joining route.
  3. Look at the race calendar and results pages if you want a sense of the club's competitive side before deciding — useful context, though not required for beginners.
  4. Get in touch with the club to ask about the next Learn to Row intake or a taster session. The site does not publish a fixed schedule or fees, so confirm dates, costs and what to bring directly.

Practical points to confirm before you go

The website does not state prices, membership fees, session times or minimum age, so treat these as open questions. When you contact the club, it is worth asking:

  • When the next Learn to Row course or taster session runs
  • What clothing or footwear to bring for a first session
  • Whether you need to be able to swim, and any other safety requirements
  • Whether sessions run on the river, the coast, or both for beginners

The bottom line

Shoreham Rowing Club is explicitly open to beginners and provides a structured Learn to Row squad that teaches technique, safety and teamwork on land and water. If you have no experience, start with the "Row for us" and "How to Join" pages on the club site, then contact the club to book onto the next beginner intake.