Touring
Touring is a great way to see the river at a relaxed pace ... covering up to 25 miles per day in wide stable boats with enough room for provisions, camping equipment and a group of friends.

If you'd like to join us on a touring trip then please email		 Jerome K Jerome's famous book '3 men in a boat' has been the inspiration for many an extended river trip on the Thames. A great read while you relax by the riverside contemplating the next days' adventure.

 

Tours for 2008
Spring Tour - 17th & 18th May 2008

Pangbourne to Wargrave ....and back. That's around 10 miles each way....so plenty of time to stop off for refreshments.

Camping overnight on 'The Lynch' or 'Hallsmead Ait'...two islands near Wargrave.		 We aim to take a minimum of three boats......so there should be room for at least 12 people. It may be possible to join the tour for just a day if you can pair up with someone like minded.

Camping on the islands (as the recent TV 'Three men in a boat' series) is great fun....camp fires, a bottle of wine and a sing song - oh what a jolly romp!


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Late Summer Tour - 23rd, 24th & 25th August - TBC

Here's one proposal for a three day outing.......

Day 1 - Pangbourne to Moulsford, camping on the islands just above the railway bridge. 9 miles

 Day 2 -  Moulsford to Day's lock, Little Wittenham. Camp on the island at Day's lock. 8 miles

Day 3 - 17 miles from Day's lock to Pangbourne. A long row but all down stream.

Should be fun.......

 

Boats
GGBC are fortunate to have a pair of Eton tub doubles and a tub pair. Each boat has room for two passengers who steer the craft. Unlike traditional Thames skiff they have sliding seats and outriggers....which should mean they are much faster.



Snuffy in action!

 We also have a couple of Salters punts - wide and stable these boats can accommodate at least 4 passengers. Touring in these may be limited to relatively short journeys unless you can punt proficiently....but none the less they are great fun.



Punts - kept at the Swan Hotel

 

Links to Touring and Skiff Clubs
There are a growing number of ARA accredited recreational clubs throughout the country. Part of the remit of these centres is to encourage a wider representation of the population to participate and enjoy rowing. Many will have active touring groups so if you're in the area why not contact them and go for an outing in a new part of the country.

ARA accredited recreational clubs:		 The ARA also has an active touring group. They run an annual UK tour each year.

Those a little more ambitious might consider the FISA world rowing tours.....

There are also a number of clubs that race skiffs (and punts!).....

Touring is also very popular in Europe - lots of organised trips in France can be found at Rowing.tv

 

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