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Learn2Row - Participant Feedback - Reserve a Place - ARA Registration - Risk Assessment - Useful Information

Advanced Learn2Row - March/April 2007 (Provisional course details)

Learn2Row course 31st March / 1st April 2007

 + Wed evenings 28th March / 18th April

.........6 places available

Learn2Row course 14th / 15th April

+ Wed evenings 28th March / 18th April

.........6 places available

If you're interested in a future course please Contact Us.

Goring Gap Boat Club is proud to be one of the few rowing clubs in the country to hold
Amateur Rowing Association
accreditation as a Learn to Row centre

The GGBC Advanced Learn2Row course is the ideal opportunity for club members to get some expert instruction on the basics of sweep oar rowing. It's aimed at novices rowers (rather than complete beginners) who want to learn more about technique in a controlled and welcoming environment.

This intensive course is run over a whole weekend (Sat, Sun) with 3 structured session each day. In addition the two courses will combine for two mid-week evening activities - rowing tank and swimming pool.

The course will fast track club members over a series of  sessions covering - water safety, British Rowing Technique (BRT), boat checks and adjustment, coxing and much more.

There is a mandatory swim test and capsize drill for all participants - in a heated pool - to ensure all know what to expect should the worst happen. A great way to build confidence. You'll soon be standing on one leg while perched on a single scull!

  • Course feedback and coaching - Throughout the course an experienced coach will be on hand to provide expert advice and guidance from the vantage point of the club's safety / coaching launch. In addition a L2R webpage will be online (click here for an example) with still and video footage of your outings....one of the best ways to get feedback and invaluable coaching advice. You'll be surprised how much you rowing improves over the course....you'll have the pictures to prove it!
     
  • Who can attend - Advanced L2R is an adult only course (18+) specifically designed for current GGBC members. You don't need to be super fit to join....technique is the key at this stage. That said you should row regularly and be confident on the water. As a club member you must be able to swim at least 50m in light clothing for safety reasons.
     
  • How many participants - To ensure everyone gets the most from the course numbers are strictly limited to just 6 people. Each participant will spend one session coxing and another observing from the coaching launch
     
  • What to wear - a layered approach is always best given the vagaries of the British weather. Tight fitting tops and leggings are best to prevent clothing becoming entangled. A light waterproof is also handy and a hat. Don't wear anything too precious.....or white! See the GGBC kit page
    and the ARA guidelines
     
  • Course Fee - just £30. Includes fees for the swimming pool and rowing tank sessions.

The course will be run from the Oratory boathouse

Course structure

Each of the six modules has a theory section covering core areas of the course and a practical session either on the water or ergos.

We'll use a variety of teaching methods:- instructional DVD, demonstration, group discussion and various exercises to provide a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment. We'll try to cover all the activities stated...but may be not in the stated order!

Day1 - Saturday

  • Session 1 - Introduction
    8:30am - 10:30pm

    Here we give an outline of the course. You'll receive an electronic copy of the L2R handbook giving full course details and objectives.  There will be a short safety video and instruction on boat handling including the appropriate pre-outing safety checks.
    Practical - warm-up, stretching and basic ergo technique. Timed 'Round the Island' sprint
     
  • Session 2
    11am-1pm
    British Rowing Technique - an introduction to the UK's very successful method (see the links for more details). Practical - Emphasis on stroke composition - arms - body - slide and balance
     
  • Session 3
    2pm-4pm
    Coxing skills and coaching from the cox's seat. What are the cox's responsibilities?
    Practical - the catch

Day 2 - Sunday

  • Session 4
    8:30am - 10:30pm
    Risk assessment - How to ensure everyone is safe.
    First aid - resuscitation and hyperthermia
    Practical - mastering the finish
     
  • Session 5
    11am-1pm
    Boat adjustment - pitch, gate heights, gearing etc
    Practical - hang and suspend - the drive phase.
     
  • Session 6
    2pm-4pm
    Review of course - participant questionnaire
    Timed 'Round the Island' sprint....hopefully much fast than session 1....if only because there will be less cruisers around!

Additional Evening Sessions (combined group)

  • Oratory School swimming pool - Wed 28th March
    7pm-9pm TBC
    Swim test and capsize drill in a single scull
     
  • Rowing Tank - OUBC Oxford - Wed 18th April
    7pm-9pm TBC
    Rowing in a specially designed indoor pool.

Post L2R - there will be lots of opportunities to put your new found skills into practice either for a recreational row or during the intense competition of the Goring & Streatley regatta. You'll also be equipped to teach others the basics of rowing in a safe and correct manner.....ideal preparation for regatta training.

 

Participant Feedback

GGBC is proud of the quality of instruction that it provides. We are always keen to encourage feedback and discussion - a vital part of any learning process.

We also want to ensure we continue to hone the course to even higher standards. Your comments are very important to us.

During the course video footage of the crews in action will be available so that you can analysis your technique and monitor your improvements.

At the end of the course we ask all participants to fill in a feedback questionnaire....your chance to tell us what you really thought!

 

How to Reserve a Place

How to reserve a place

Download the application form  and send a cheque for £30 payable to 'Goring Gap Boat Club'.

The course is bound to be popular....so don't delay ......or you'll be disappointed!

Confirmation of your place will be forwarded by return. If the course fails to reach the minimum number required or has to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons then you'll receive a full refund.

If you have any questions or suggestions please don't hesitate to contact us at:

L2R@goringgapbc.org.uk

 

ARA Registration

The GGBC L2R course follows the guidelines outlined by  the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) - the UK rowing governing body. The ARA are actively encouraging people from all walks of life to try rowing - either competitively or for recreation.

The ARA have a comprehensive website with a specific section for L2R course participants . All participants are encouraged to register (it's free! - click here  - choose option 3) and take advantage of the extensive instructional material available.
Useful ARA links:-

 

Risk Assessment

We all need to be aware of safety and how to conduct ourselves in a safe manner. It’s in everyone’s interests to follow a few simple guidelines, mostly just common sense, which will make everyone’s time on the river a more enjoyable and accident
free experience.

GGBC fully supports and implements the ARA Water Safety Code
A risk assessment has been carried out for the course a copy of which can be downloaded by clicking here.

In addition there is a separate RA for the Rowing Tank - click here

If you have any concerns regarding safety please bring them to the attention of the coaches or safety advisor.

 

Useful information

How to find us
Oratory SBC



GGBC Membership
Booklet

Rowing Technique - Excellent technique is the key to fast efficient rowing. Here is a superb rowing animation showing all the key points - click here

 

....and some links to footage of top rowers in action .... the way it should be done.

Pair Rowing -
Pair Rowing -
   Eight -

Ergo -

RowPerfect -


British Rowing Technique -

The Anatomy of an Eight -

Sequence 1
Sequence 1
Sequence 2
Sequence 1, Sequence 2
Sequence 1

British Rowing Technique
Coaching Drills

Presentation

Click Here

 

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