Learn to row

OUR LTR COURSES FOR 2025 ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED

Our introductory LTR course is aimed at men and women who are looking for a new challenge and want to learn to row. If you have played other competitive sports or regularly attend a gym and want to test yourself in a team environment, then rowing is the sport for you. Or if you’re new to sport and fitness and want to learn a new skill in a friendly and supportive environment, then come along.

During the winter period you are more than welcome to turn up at the clubhouse at 11:00am Saturdays, to discuss your options for rowing in the future, and take a look at our facilities. Experienced rowers can be given a taster session prior to joining. There will be some limited opportunities for newcomers to receive coaching.

We run our Learn to Row courses throughout spring and summer. They comprise of three coached sessions on the water, including an introductory session on land.

We will teach you the core sculling techniques while working on your fitness. Sessions will take place on land and the river and you will always be supervised by a coach who will lead the sessions. You are advised to have a basic level of fitness, and ideally you will be agile enough to get in and out of a boat without physical assistance. You will need to let your coach know beforehand, of any medical conditions.

Our LTR courses are for anyone from 18 years upwards – there is no upper age limit! 

Rowers, like windsurfers or kayakers, must be able to swim. Our pre-requisites are as follows:

Swim 50 metres in light clothing

Swim 5 metres fully submerged under water

Tread water for at least 2 minutes with your head above water

There is a maximum number of places on each course, once this is reached we will not be able to accept anyone else.

On the day of your first session, you will need to arrive at 08:30am, to give us some time to show you around the club and its facilities. We will go through blade work and technique on the rowing machines and then we'll get you out on the water. Thereafter, sessions commence at 9:30am. Please allow at least two hours for your sessions and a further half hour for your first session to include the initial introduction. We do recommend you leave enough time for our bacon sarnies afterwards!

The nearest car park is next to Deben Leisure Centre. The Tea Hut and tennis courts are on your right. Head over the railway line crossing and past the boatyard on the left. We are on the front by the boating ramp. 

Please bring a pair of wellies! We do have spares, but you'll need these to get in and out of the boat and it can get quite muddy. Ensure you are wearing lightweight, lycra style clothing (and layers to keep you warm depending on the weather). Bring a water bottle, head wear, sunglasses and spare clothes. Tracksuit bottoms, hoodies and baggy clothing are not advised, as they tend to get caught on boat equipment. 

Please look at the following link on what to wear:

https://www.britishrowing.org/knowledge/rower-development/british-rowing-technique/what-to-wear/ 

A charge of £60 for the LTR course is required to confirm your place. 

Bank account details:  Deben Rowing Club, Account No: 00287595 Sort Code: 30-99-85

Members are expected to volunteer some of their time to help ensure Deben Rowing Club is run efficiently and safely. There are many supporting roles available from boat and equipment maintenance to facilities. Coxing plays a vital role in crew performance and safety. This is a mandatory skill now included in the development process of those new to rowing. Volunteering can help provide a platform to learn and develop new skills, which we actively encourage.

There is no obligation to continue or sign-up as a member after the course but we hope you will have enjoyed your time enough that you are interested in joining us more permanently.