St Neots Rowing Club has an enviable record in Junior rowing. We are one of the most successful clubs in the area in terms of regatta wins and achieving Junior international honours. Indeed ambitious rowers from other local clubs join St Neots because of the quality of the coaching available.

Having said that, it's not just about coaching the best, we cater for a broad spectrum of abilities, and each year introduce rowing to about 30 children. The club has participated since 2003 in the ARA’s Project Oarsome scheme to link rowing clubs with local schools to encourage participation in rowing.

To better manage the range of abilities we divide the Junior squad into 3 groups:

Elite

These are very good rowers with potential to achieve international honours. They've typically been rowing for 2-3 years by the time the reach this level. Training takes place 6 days a week, with sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9:00 and midday and evenings from 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Development

Encompasses a range of skills, having those who have just come up from the beginners group and those about to enter the Elite group. This group can do up to 6 training sessions a week but they are less intensive than the elite group.

Beginners/Recreational

This is where new recruits spend their first year rowing. The children are taught the basics of rowing technique and how to behave responsibly in a river environment. Those children who enjoy rowing but who do not want to compete or train 6 days a week are also part of this group which helps to bring the beginners quickly by learning from their peers.

But a word of caution here, the river is a dangerous environment for those who are inattentive. For this reason we don't just accept any junior beginner into the club. Additionally, we have to consider the resources we have available, in terms of boats and coaches.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience is had by all the children, we run a 3 stage induction process for children wishing to take up rowing.

Dry Start

Initial introduction to rowing is done using a Concept2 Rowing Machine on land. This provides us with the ability to teach basic technique in a controlled environment where instruction can easily be given. The course normally involves 6 one-hour sessions, although this can be reduced where the number of participants is small.

Wet Start

Those who successfully complete the Dry Start Course, progress to the Wet Start Course where they are introduced to the boats and get out on the water for the frst time. The course takes 10 weeks to complete.

Club Junior Membership

After completing the Wet Start course the coaches review the progress each child has made, taking into consideration commitment, ability, behaviour, and attitude. Those who the coaches believe have the ability to progress are asked to become members of the Junior Sqaud and join the Beginners/Recreational Group.

We have around 10 ARA qualified coaches including a GB Coach. All commitee members and coaches are CRB checked.

As well as teaching the children how to row and developing their skills we also have a schedule of local regattas which we attend. This is optional for those in the Beginners/Recreational Group.

Children wishing to start rowing will need to be at least 13 years old. This is a physical limitation as children younger than this are generally not large enough to handle the boats. Additionally each child must be able to demonstrate that they can swim 100m in light clothing. We normally run our Dry Start courses in liaison with local Secondary Schools, Longsands and St Neots Community College, but alternatively contact our Junior Co-ordinator and where possible we'll try to arrange additional courses.

If you would like to know more, download our Junior Policy document or contact the Junior Co-ordinator on juniors@stneotsrc.co.uk.