The Best Things About Rowing Clubs

The best things about rowing clubs are the boats you could not buy alone, the coaching, and the crew mates who get you out of bed. If you want to row on water, join one. If you only want a fitness habit at home, an erg is cheaper and simpler, and you can always add a club later.

Boats and coaching you could not get alone

A racing boat is a big purchase. Pre-owned singles on one builder’s UK list are around £9,550 to £12,400 (checked 30 Oct 2026), before storage, oars and insurance. A club supplies the boats, safety cover and coaching for the cost of a membership.

Learning alone is also slow and risky. At a club you pick up skills that books cannot give you: how to carry a boat, launch and land, rig it, steer a straight line and recover when something goes wrong. Our guide to sculling for beginners shows what to expect in your first sessions.

What a first course gives you

British Rowing says Learn to Row courses generally last six weeks, with one two-hour session a week, and typically cost £90 to £120. It varies by club, but the sum is easy to run.

Item	Typical figure
Sessions	6
Hours of coached time	6 x 2 = 12
Course fee	£90 to £120
Cost per coached hour	£7.50 to £10

Membership after the course is a separate cost. Ask for it in writing before you commit, along with any boat, launch or race fees.

A crew that expects you

Early starts and hard sessions bond people. In a crew boat, your training partners are literally in the same boat, and an eight cannot go out if one seat is empty. That is a stronger reason to turn up on a cold morning than any app streak.

Clubs also run socials, volunteer days and end-of-season events. Many members first came for the exercise and stayed for the friendships, which matters most in the months when motivation dips.

Dates on the calendar

Clubs run training camps, head races and regattas. Racing is optional, but a date gives your training a purpose. Beginners often start with a novice regatta or a fun head race, where the emphasis is on taking part. Our competitive rowing page covers the next step.

Structure you would not design yourself

Coached sessions run from technical drills to steady-state outings, and someone else does the planning. Being outdoors on the water is a change of scene from the gym too. If you have a medical condition or an injury, speak to your GP before starting.

Better erg training

Clubs often use ergs for winter and for testing, and British Rowing says most of the UK’s 550 rowing clubs have a dedicated rowing studio. Coaches can spot faults on the erg that you would never notice yourself, and what you learn in the boat carries back indoors. Pair club sessions with our training plans if you want more structure in the week.

Types of club

Type	Typical feel	Suits
Community or town club	Mixed ages, social	Adults starting out
University or college club	Student-led, often competitive	Students
School club	Youth coaching	Juniors of around 13 to 18
Masters sections	Age-banded racing	Rowers aged 27 and over
Coastal or sea rowing club	Crew boats in open water	Rowers who like the sea

What to check before you join

• Novice course. Ask when the next intake is, how long it runs and what it costs.
• Travel. As a rule of thumb, you will visit two or three times a week, so a club within about 30 minutes is realistic. Tidal clubs also have to fit around the tide.
• Safety culture. Look for buoyancy aids where appropriate, coaching launches and clear rules about when you can go out.
• Fees. Find out what membership, boat use and coaching cost, and what is included.
• Atmosphere. Visit on a training evening. A good club answers questions and introduces newcomers to members.

The downsides are worth naming too. Sessions are tied to club times and daylight, winter can mean weeks of erg work when the water is unsafe, and you may spend time on boat-washing rotas and volunteer duties.

How to start

Find clubs near you through the clubs hub or our list of rowing clubs in the UK, then contact two or three about their next novice course. British Rowing’s Learn to Row page explains how the courses work. If you are still weighing it up, read 10 reasons to join a rowing club.