How to organise a recreational section?

Learn to Row courses
See British Rowing's Learn to Row course booklet. Many clubs already run Learn to Row courses and are happy to share their experiences - see our Club Finder page. There is also a suggested course outline on this site which you may wish to use.
Equipment
Most recreational rowers are looking for a social activity, so go for crew boats rather than single sculls. There are several manufacturers who produce boats specially for recreational and touring rowing, which are more stable than racing boats but still satisfying to row. See our equipment page for details.
Organisation
You will need to appoint a recreational rowing co-ordinator, who should be a committee member or vice-captain. Ideally you will also have a dedicated coach for the recreational section, to help them develop their skills and get the most out of their sport.
Expanding their horizons
Many recreational rowers will want a challenge in addition to plodding up and down the same stretch of water every week. Here are some ideas to make their rowing lives more interesting:
- Fun regattas
- Distance awards
- Rowing tours - see our touring page