What Is Rowing and How Do You Get Started at a Club?

Rowing is a team water sport in which people propel a boat using oars, and the most common way to begin is through a club's beginner program—often called "Learn to Row"—rather than trying to join a competitive squad straight away. A university club such as the University of New South Wales Rowing Club (UNSWRC) is a useful example: it caters to student, masters, and community members, and its site lists squads for novices, seniors, masters, and coxes alongside a Learn to Row entry point. The sections below explain the sport's key terms, the squad structure you'll encounter, and the practical steps from first enquiry to getting on the water.

Rowing basics: sweep vs sculling

Rowing covers two main formats, and knowing the difference helps you read any club's program list.

• Sweep rowing: each rower holds one oar. Boats are described by how many rowers they carry—a "four" or an "eight"—and each person rows on one side only.
• Sculling: each rower holds two oars, one in each hand. Common boats are singles, doubles, and quads.

A related role is the coxswain (often shortened to "cox"): the person who steers the boat, coordinates the crew, and calls the race strategy. Coxes typically don't row, which makes the role a route into the sport for people who want to compete without rowing itself. UNSWRC lists coxes as a distinct squad category, which reflects how clubs organise this role separately from rowers.

The squad types you'll see at a club

Clubs usually sort members by experience and age rather than by a single "rowing team." At UNSWRC the listed squads are:

The exact age bands and eligibility rules vary by club and by the governing body's competition categories, so confirm them with the club rather than assuming.

The typical beginner pathway

For most people, the sequence looks like this:

1. Find a club near you. Location matters because you'll be at the shed regularly. UNSWRC, for example, is based at Waruda Place, Huntleys Cove NSW 2111, and notes that the club is accessible via the right-hand driveway at the end of Waruda Place.
2. Enquire about a Learn to Row program. This is the standard on-ramp: it teaches boat handling, basic technique, and water safety before you join a squad.
3. Check membership and fees. Clubs typically separate membership from program costs, and payment may run through a platform—UNSWRC's site shows Stripe among its payment signals. Ask what's included and what's extra.
4. Move into a novice squad. After a Learn to Row course, beginners commonly progress into the novice group for their first season of racing.
5. Consider other roles if rowing isn't for you. Coxing, or supporting the club through sponsorship or volunteering, are alternatives the club structure supports.

Practical first steps and what to expect

• Contact the club before turning up. Sheds are working boat storage and training spaces, not drop-in facilities, so arrange a visit.
• Ask about the regatta calendar. Clubs publish a calendar of regattas (competitions) and training dates; UNSWRC lists a Calendar and a Newsletter among its member resources. Knowing the season's dates helps you judge the time commitment.
• Review membership, FAQ, and policies pages. These usually cover fees, uniforms, and expectations. UNSWRC's site includes Membership, FAQ, Policies, and Uniform sections.
• Check scholarship options if cost is a concern. UNSWRC lists Scholarships as a resource, which suggests some financial support may be available—ask the club directly about eligibility.
• Expect a mix of on-water and off-water work. Technique, fitness, and boat maintenance all form part of club life.

Choosing a club: what to compare

Use the same criteria across the clubs you consider:

• Proximity to the shed and how often you can realistically train there
• Whether a Learn to Row program exists and when it runs
• Squad options that match your age and experience (novice, senior, masters, coxing)
• Total cost, including membership, program fees, and any uniform or regatta costs
• Member resources such as a calendar, newsletter, and policies that tell you how the club is run

A university club like UNSWRC is one model—open to students, masters, and community members—but the same questions apply to any local club you approach.