Learn to Row

For males and females aged 45–60, this beginner-friendly program offers comprehensive training in rowing.

  • Program Availability: February/March, November/December.

  • 8 professionally coached sessions: Twice a week for 4 weeks. Early start at 5am. Dates are set before the program commences.

  • One-month bonus membership: Continue rowing after completing the program.

  • Cost: $350

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Experience Level: No previous experience required

Provided by the Club: All equipment (boats, oars), coaching, and an experienced rower in the stroke seat

Insurance: Personal insurance included

Location: 150 Jane Street, West End QLD 4101, Australia (map & directions)
Lesson Length: 1.5 to 2 hours per lesson

Schedule: Each program consists of 8 sessions over 4 weeks

  • 2 Sessions per week

  • 4 Sunday mornings

  • 4 Weekday mornings  (Tuesday or Thursday)

Start Date: You must start in the first week of the program; otherwise, your enrolment will be considered for a future program.

Substitute Sessions: Not available due to the intensive coaching resources required.

Participant Cap: Each program has a limited number of participants to ensure high-quality coaching.

  • I didn’t expect the LTR program to give me so much: new friendships, basic sculling skills and a calmness brought by concentration and the backdrop of gorgeous sunrises over the river. Kaye is endlessly encouraging and committed to sharing her passion. I am still working on finding ‘the perfect stroke’ and I love it!

    Emily

  • I completed the LTR with BRC in April 2023. I went from a complete novice to feeling confident to row with club members. Kaye was great and the process was well structured. Learning to row has been the best thing I have done. Once I finished the club members welcomed me into the club and have been very supportive on my rowing journey. I highly recommend BRC learn to row and as a club to join after.

    Danielle

  • If someone had told me I was rising at 4am to move boats then row as the sun rises, I would have said 'impossible!'. But the awe of an ever-changing river, the glow of an early dawn, the camaraderie of my fellow crew and the mentoring by deeply experienced and generous rowers make the rowing adventure a pleasure, a joy and a challenge.

    Heidi

  • Experience Brisbane in a Unique Way

    We guarantee you’ve never seen Brisbane like this. Glide past iconic landmarks, navigate under bridges, and soak in the scenic views – all from the water!

  • Learn from a Seasoned Rowers

    Our friendly Brisbane Rowing Club coach, Kaye, is an experienced rower who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you master the art of rowing.

  • Enhance Your Fitness

    Rowing is an excellent way to build physical strength and fitness. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing workout routine or find a fun new way to get in shape, rowing on the Brisbane River offers the perfect low-impact exercise option.

Frequently asked questions

  • It depends. If you rowed for at least one school season and feel confident in your ability to follow commands and safely lift a boat, you might be able to join our development squad directly. However, the Learn to Row course can serve as an excellent refresher. If you already know the difference between a gate, sleeve, gunwale, and button, you may not need to start from the basics.

  • Yes. Although it's rare to end up in the river during learning stages, it's important to be comfortable in the water.

  • You will row in a group of 4, consisting of 3 Learn to Row participants and one club member. If you're attending with a friend, let us know in advance, and we'll ensure you row together. If you're attending alone, no worries! Most newbie rowers come by themselves, and you'll row with your group every week, making great friends along the way.

  • If you can't attend all sessions, it's best to enroll in the next course. Missing classes can hinder your skill development, which is crucial if you plan to continue with our club.

  • You need to start on the first week of the program. If you are unable to do so, your enrolment will need to be considered for another program. Substitute sessions cannot be offered due to the level of coaching resources required for the Learn to Row program. Additionally, the number of participants in each program is capped.

  • Bring a soft plastic water bottle (metal and hard plastic bottles can damage the boats), a cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses (on a cord to prevent losing them in the river). Sunscreen is available if you forget yours.

  • Wear well-fitting sports clothing without pockets to prevent the oar handles from getting caught. Socks are a must for hygiene reasons, as the boats have built-in shoes. For shoes, choose ones that can be easily slipped off, such as Crocs, sandals, or slip-ons. Be prepared for your shoes to get wet.

  • Sessions last about 2 to 2.5 hours, including time for washing and storing boats and oars. Our location is at Jane St, West End, near the river end where the West End Markets are held. On market days, parking is available for $5, or you can find street parking nearby. On other days, there's off-street parking between the Davies Park football field and the rowing sheds. Look for the enormous pine tree near the Rowing Qld offices, and follow the path towards the river to find our shed.

  • When I started the ‘Learn to Row (LTR) program, little I knew how much impact rowing would have on my life! Rowing ticks all boxes for a perfect setup for the day. You are out in nature and see our beautiful river in a totally different light (mainly because normally you would be still asleep), you have your morning exercise done, and you are connecting with a wonderful group of people who are welcoming and supportive. It has been a bit over 6 months since I completed the LTR program but I couldn’t imagine a life without rowing anymore.

    Liane

  • I recently had the pleasure of learning to row, and it exceeded all my expectations. From the start, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructor Kaye made me feel welcomed and supported. The balance of physical challenge and mental focus was invigorating and rewarding. Each session brought a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie with fellow rowers. The beauty of being on the water, combined with the rhythmic harmony of rowing, made each practice a highlight of my week. I highly recommend learning to row to anyone seeking a fulfilling and enjoyable activity.

    Edth

  • I recently undertook the BRCs learn to row programme and now regularly row several times a week with club members in quads and eights. The program is an exceptional introduction to the sport instilling confidence and fundamental skills in novice rowers, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned rowers. Over the weeks of the course, we developed rowing technique and learned the intricacies of teamwork and synchronization. The supportive environment and camaraderie on the Brisbane River fostered a sense of accomplishment and confidence, empowering novices to continue their rowing journey with a solid foundation and a newfound passion for the sport.

    Tony

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Learn to Row!

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