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Tell me about rowing

12 replies

superpushymum · 24/10/2012 17:25

Is anybody's child doing it? Do they enjoy it? What is the best age to start? All opinions are welcome!

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Ruthchan · 24/10/2012 20:46

I used to row.
I started coxing at the age of about 12 and took up rowing at about 14.
I loved it and continued until I graduated from University and moved to an area with no rowing.
I think starting in your early to mid teens is a good time.

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amillionyears · 24/10/2012 22:08

One of my DDs does coxing,not quite the same thing!

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ClareMarriott · 25/10/2012 21:05

Contact www.britishrowing.org and see what they say

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stealthsquiggle · 25/10/2012 21:12

Early to mid teens, definitely - you need a fairly mature shape IYSWIM. Great sport though - ultimate team sports IMHO.

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trice · 25/10/2012 21:21

Dn started at 12. She loves it and wins all kinds of medals.

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superpushymum · 25/10/2012 22:45

Thank you for your replies! DS is 10 (11in few months) and our local rowing club accepts kids over 11 years old.

Can you row in winter? Or is it better to wait till summer?

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amillionyears · 25/10/2012 22:51

Mine does it in winter. Weirdly loves the cold crisp early mornings on the river.

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HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 22:53

Yes you can row in winter (merino wool thin skins or thermals recommended, and pogies). If starting at age 11 they should have a gradual introduction, and it is good if they learn about how toblook after boats. They should have a capsize drill (preferably in a swimming pool, or in summer) before going on the canal/river in a rowing boat. They have to use 2 oars until they are a bit older, then they can start to sweep, unless in a single obviously. Check with your local rowing club.

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HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 22:54

Can't take boats out in thick fog, or when the waterways are frozen where we are.

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CaurnieBred · 25/10/2012 22:57

Our friends DD rows - she started when she was 13/14. It takes up a lot of time - 2-3 times a week she is down at the river. But she loves it and does really well.

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HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 22:58

If you wait until summer, there will be a lot of regattas and heads going on, coaches and boats and helpers going off here and there, and your dc will not get as much attention. Not to mention a lot more other craft on the water, and fishermen to contend with. Best to build up awareness in winter when it is quieter.

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Ruthchan · 26/10/2012 15:57

11 seems quite young to start, but if she's properly taught and starts with two blades she'll be fine.
Rowing goes on all year unless the weather prevents it.
When the rivers are too high and fast flowing or there is thick fog it stops. Rain, snow etc are no problem and it continues as normal.
(I used to come out of the boat looking like a snowman on snowy days as I barely moved when coxing.)

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