Starting your rowing journey can feel exciting and slightly intimidating, especially if you’re stepping into a completely new sport. As someone who recently took the plunge, I can say the experience has been rewarding, both physically and socially. Here’s what you can expect in your first few weeks as a new rower, along with some tips from my experience.
Joining a Rowing Club: Taking the First Step
For me, it all started when I discovered my club’s open day online. I decided to show up, ring the doorbell, and see what it was all about. What I found was a welcoming community. One volunteer, who was busy making coffee for other members, kindly shared details about the club’s programs and how new members could get involved.
The introduction program spanned three months, with weekly lessons every Saturday. It was designed for small groups—in my case, four new rowers paired with two experienced coaches. If your club offers something similar, I highly recommend it. These programs give you structured guidance and a chance to connect with fellow beginners.
Your First Rowing Lesson: Breaking It Down
The first lesson is a mix of excitement and learning the basics. Here’s how my day went and what you might expect:
1. Warm Welcome and Orientation
After a quick coffee and chat with the coaches, we headed to the ergometer (rowing machine). This is where we began learning the fundamental rowing motion, which is broken into four key phases:
- De inpik (Catch): Start by sitting tall with your knees bent and arms extended forward. The handle should be just above your feet.
- De haal (Drive): Push powerfully with your legs while keeping your arms straight. Engage your back as you lean slightly backward.
- De uitpik (Finish): Pull the handle toward your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- De recovery: Extend your arms, lean your torso forward, and bend your knees to return to the starting position smoothly.
The motion should feel fluid, and when using the ergometer’s screen, it’s supposed to create a smooth, mountain-like pattern.
(Pro tip: Sliding back slowly during the recovery phase is your time to relax, so don’t rush it!)
2. Mastering Key Techniques
Rowing is a technical sport, so don’t worry if it feels awkward at first. Some essential tips we learned included:
- Engage your lats: Use your larger back muscles to pull rather than relying solely on your arms.
- Keep your core engaged: A strong core provides stability and ensures a smooth transfer of power from your legs to the oar.
- Maintain a straight posture: Avoid slouching or over-arching your back; staying upright helps with efficient movement and reduces the risk of injury.
- Synchronize with the team: Watch the rower in front of you to match their timing. Rowing is a team sport, and coordination is critical.
- Avoid rushing the slide: Move smoothly and control your seat’s slide on the recovery phase to maintain balance and rhythm.
- Keep your wrists flat: This prevents strain and allows for more efficient strokes.
- Breathing rhythm: Inhale during the recovery and exhale during the drive. Proper breathing ensures you maintain endurance throughout the session.
3. Introduction to the Fleet
Once we felt comfortable on the ergometer, it was time to meet the boats. The coaches explained how to:
- Safely lift and carry the boat from the rack.
- Identify positions like “stuurboard” (starboard) and “backboard” (port).
- Get in and out of the boat without tipping it over by maintaining balance and moving carefully.
4. First Time on the Water
For our first water session, the coach attached a rope to the boat to keep it steady as we practiced basic strokes. Here’s what we focused on:
- Practicing strokes (“slagen”): Alternating between left and right oars to get a feel for the movement.
- Turning the boat: Learning how to control direction using coordinated strokes.
- Relaxing during recovery: Understanding the importance of pacing to conserve energy.
The emphasis was on getting comfortable with the boat and water rather than achieving perfect technique.
Expect a Learning Curve—And Some Fun
Rowing is a sport where technique matters more than brute strength, so expect to make adjustments as you learn. Coaches and fellow rowers will have valuable insights, and it’s normal to refine your movements over time.
(Pro tip: Don’t be surprised if you hear differing opinions on technique—it’s part of the fun and evolution of learning!)
Final Thoughts
Your first few weeks in rowing will lay the foundation for an amazing journey. Embrace the learning process, enjoy the camaraderie of your teammates, and don’t forget to laugh at the occasional awkward moments (like trying not to flip the boat!).
If you’re considering starting rowing or are about to begin, take that first step. Visit a club, talk to the members, and give it a try. You might just find yourself hooked like I did.
