The GGBC adult Learn2Row
course is the ideal opportunity to get some expert
instruction on the basics of sweep oar rowing (one oar, both
hands). It's aimed at complete beginners and novices who
want to learn the basics in a controlled and welcoming
environment.
GGBC has
always had an enviable reputation for encouraging new comers
to 'give it a go' - this course provides a more structured
approach (following the ARA L2R
guidelines) to get to grips with the basics and having fun
on the river.The course will fast track beginners over a series of
intensive sessions from the basic techniques using
ergometers and restricted fours through to rowing a super
fast eight.
- 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 - L2R is an adult only course (18+). You don't need to be
super fit to join....technique is the key at this stage, but you
must be able to swim at least 50m in light
clothing for safety reasons....highly unlikely you'll
have to put this into practice.
- How many participants - To ensure everyone gets the most from the course numbers
are strictly limited to just 12 people.
- 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 - including FREE GGBC membership is
just - £75. A non-returnable deposit of £35
secures a place with the balance being payable at the
first session.
The course will be run from the
Oratory boathouse
each Saturday morning from 10am-midday for seven weeks
starting on Saturday 14th October. |
In addition there will be a midweek evening session at a
rowing tank to perfect your technique in a controlled indoor
environment.
Course structure
- Introductory session - 14th Oct, 10am -
midday
Here we give an
outline of the course, a quick tour of the facilities,
a chance to meet the coaches and learn a little about
what GGBC has to offer. You'll receive a L2R handbook
giving full course details and objectives - a ideal
reference for all the new terms and phrases, and the GGBC members handbook. There
will also be a short safety video and instruction on
boat handling etc. Please don't forget
your sports kit as we'll aim to take to the river for a
quick outing..
- Saturday sessions - 21st Oct - 18th Nov,
10 - midday. Over five weekends
we'll bring together some of the key objectives - technique,
flexibility, co-ordination, balance and teamwork - all detailed in the
handbook. Members of the course are also welcome to come
along to the Sunday club sessions for extra practice....
- Wednesday sessions - 25th Oct , 7 -
9pm. A trip to the indoor rowing tank at Oxford....a
great way to concentrate on stroke technique and timing
in a controlled environment. Ideal for one to one
tuition.
1st Nov , 7-9pm - A second mid-week
session at a ergo room is also planned...a chance to
perfect your technique and measure your fitness.
-
 Final session - 25th Nov,
10am - midday. A fun outing to see how well
you've progressed..... plus the award of the much prized
L2R mug! .... and may be a celebration BBQ and a few
glasses of wine.
Post L2R - the L2R course includes free
membership of GGBC until March 2007. GGBC continue
rowing every Sunday throughout the winter (weather
permitting)......so you might even be part of our crew for
Angers, France in the spring. And with the Olympics just around the corner who knows where it could
lead.... |
