Start Rowing

How to get started

If you are wondering if rowing is for you, why not join us for an introductory session to experience Celtic Sea rowing on our beautiful River Conwy waters.

As a budding rower or a cox in the making, grab yourself a place on one of our Beginners’ Sessions to get some Celtic longboat experience and basic training.

Each session provides 2 x 45mins rows, covering key techniques of Celtic Sea Rowing. Fee £20
Each session involves a mix of shoreside basic training and time rowing on the water
Basic training will cover safety, boat handling, rowing terminology and techniques
Rowing is taken at a pace to suit beginners, with guided training from a coaching cox and a minimum of 2 experienced rowers
All rowing equipment is provided, including lifejackets, see our Lifejacket Policy
Wear something comfy and weather appropriate (see General information for rowers below) and some water to drink!
You do not need to be a club member to sign up for the introductory sessions
Sessions are scheduled on demand, but typically run weekly, early evening, from March to September
All rowing sessions are weather dependent. Weather cancelled introductory sessions will be rescheduled

To request an introductory session or get more information email: startrowing@conwayyachtclub.com

General information for rowers

Grab a waterproof dry bag, to carry and protect any kit and belongings to keep with you, such as…
- Water bottle! Hydration is essential, so always bring with you a water bottle filled with some refreshing drinking water. Top tip: the bottles with a cap to keep the mouth piece clean and dry are the best
- Personal medication that you need to carry with you e.g. asthma inhalers or EpiPen
- Valuables e.g. mobile phone, keys, wallet
- Alternative clothing for changing weather conditions

Choose good footwear
- Good sole grip and flexibility to protect your feet when walking across slippery and uneven shorelines and pontoons
- Washable, as they will get wet, salty, muddy and sandy.
- Good fitting, full foot shoe or boot, that’s not too bulky to keep your feet secured well in the footbox
  - Wetsuit shoes are a good option for summer rowing. Choose a pair with a decent sole for good grip and sole protection
  - Wetsuit boots with thicker neoprene (~5mm) and rubber soles are great for winter rowing and even better when worn with water & windproof knee socks or waders.

What clothes to wear?
- Dress in something comfortable and breathable, that allows you to move freely when rowing, and getting in and out of the boats
  - Leggings or shorts
  - T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies
- Layers are the answer to every weather condition!
  - Layer up in the winter, with a thermal base layer, you can always delayer as you warm up rowing
  - Wear lighter layers in the summer and always have a base layer of sunscreen to protect uncovered skin from the sun.
  - Carry or wear waterproof outer layers if there’s a chance of rain
- Wear clothes that you do not mind getting wet or a little muddy from boat launching and retrieving

Headgear
- Pack the sunnies or wear a visor to protect your eyes …water reflects any sunlight really well!
- Have a selection of hats or caps for head protection from sun, rain or windchill
- Tie long hair back for good visibility

Hand protection
- Gloves for rowing are a personal preference….depending on your rowing technique gloves can lessen or increase the likelihood of blisters
  - In summer lightweight, fingerless gym or cycling gloves are options
  - In winter, waterproof, full-hand cycling or ski gloves can be options

We have a range of Deganwy Rowers branded kit, which can be purchased directly from the following suppliers:

Happy and Safe Rowing

Here is some guidance to follow for happy and safe rowing adventures

Weather

It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out, so you dress for the conditions. There is no such thing as bad weather if you’ve got the right clothing!

Be self-aware

If you are not feeling well or have an injury that may be aggravated by rowing, skip the session and recover before rowing again. Let your lead cox know as early as possible so they can substitute the crew.

Team working

Our Celtic longboats are manually launched and retrieved. This involves manoeuvring the boats, on trolleys, over uneven beach terrain and lifting them off and on to trolleys at the water’s edge. Each boat launch requires a minimum of 5 people, co-ordinated by the cox. To avoid any strains, bumps, slips or trips, know your own physical boundaries and don’t push past them, keep an eye on your surroundings and your crew buddies, listen out for the cox’s instructions and work as a team.

Hazards

Watch out on jetty’s and pontoons where there are likely to be slip and trip obstacles such as ropes, rowing kit, sandy or wet pontoon surfaces and other rowers moving about – no one wants to make a splash! The same applies to the beach…the underfoot conditions are always changing depending on tide and weather. Take care walking shoreside…the sand can shift from being firm to very soft or slippery, and pebbled areas can be sharp and also slippery.

Before setting off

Coxes will run through a safety briefing before setting off, but do let your cox know if you have any ailments or restrictions that they need to be aware of. If you do injure yourself or feel unwell during the row, let your cox know immediately.

Life jacket policy

Wear a life jacket, including when entering and exiting the boats…even if you’re an experienced rower. Always ensure your equipment is fit for purpose and in good condition. Club lifejackets are provided for beginners, but once you are an established rower it is better to get your own lifejacket so it is set-up to fit you best. If you need advice on lifejackets and their maintenance, just ask one of the coxes.

Drink

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.