Learn to Row

Considering taking up a new sport? Ever thought of taking up rowing?

Have you watched rowing at the Olympics in Paris 2024 and thought you’d like to give it a try or have you seen us out on the river rowing between Salford Quays and Spinningfields, Manchester? 

Agecroft Rowing Club is one of the largest and most successful clubs in the North West and we running taster days for you to come down and give it a go before undertaking a learn to row course over 6 sessions. 
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What happens on a ‘Taster’ day?

During a 90-minute session, we will take you through 3 structured sections: 
  1. Land-based illustrating correct rowing machine technique and basic warm-up and stretching exercises; 
  2. On the water where you will have a chance to sit in a large crew boat and row around Salford Quays; and 
  3. A tour of our purpose-built facilities, find out about our expansive boat fleet, and for those interested discuss next steps on how to join a 6 session learn to row course.

We will do a couple of short sprint competitions on the indoor rowing machines as well for you competitive ones!

Supported by qualified coaches on the day, you will get a taste of the sport.

How do I book onto the ‘Taster’ day?

Follow the link to the ‘Go Row’ section of the British Rowing website to see if any Taster Days are available or email the Learn to Row contact details opposite so we can add you to our waiting list. 
What happens on the Learn to Row (LTR) course after the ‘Taster day’?

Following a taster day, we offer a 6-week LTR course either on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon which consists of 6 x 75 minute sessions, where you will learn:
  • The fundamentals of rowing.
  • How to row and basic technique on the water.
  • How to use equipment on the water as well as correctly in the gym.
  • Building confidence of how to control and move a boat around as an individual and as part of a crew. 

The course goes through the basics of rowing and is focussed on time on the water in a crew boat under the guidance of some of our club coaches and athletes. 

At the end of the course you will be confident being on the water as well as enjoying the physical and mental benefits that rowing brings.

Bookings for the LTR course will be available on the ‘Go Row’ section of the British Rowing website when available. Please note availability for LTR courses is limited and it is recommended you can attend at least five of the six sessions, so you get the best out of the course.

Are there any requirements for the Taster Day and the Learn to Row courses?
  • Taster days / Learn to Row courses are only available to adults 18+.
  • We advise that you are capable of swimming 25m fully clothed, if not you may be required to wear a life jacket whilst in the boat.

What do I wear?
  • Normal gym attire is fine. I.e. shorts or leggings, comfortable top and trainers.

What else is worth bringing?
  • We would advise options of layers in case it’s cold (e.g. T-shirt, long sleeve, waterproof jacket). Plus spare shoes (in case your trainers get wet) and a water bottle.
 
What to expect after the Learn to Row course?
  • We are looking for keen and competitive athletes, who are looking to compete in a team sport at a friendly, successful club.
  • We train hard and have fun along the way. We are looking for athletes who may have competed at a high level in another sport and are now looking for a new challenge, or who have always wanted to give rowing a go - now is your time.
  • Last year's Learn to Row group saw five of the Women competing at WEHORR (The world's biggest Women's boat race) four months after completing the course, and we would love to repeat this feat with some of this year’s course attendees...it could be you!
  • Many of our previous Learn to Row athletes have gone on to compete at a National level, with three of our Henley Women's Semi finalists having learnt to row at the club within the last four years.

What are my transport/parking options?
  • Tram: The Boat House is just a short walk from the Salford Quays Metrolink station on the Eccles and Media City line.
  • Car: Exit the M60 at junction 12 and follow the M602 to junction 3. Take the 3rd exit on the roundabout (A5063) and follow the signs to Salford Quays. There is NO PARKING available at the rowing club itself, however, there is free parking available along Waterfront Quay and Merchants Quay at weekends.

If you are keen to give rowing a go / get involved, and want to know more... get in touch using the contact details on this page.
Note: you will be taken to an external website run by British Rowing, the governing body for rowing in Great Britain. You can use this site to search and book for a L2R session at Agecroft.
Contact details

To find out more about Learn to Row
Email address: [email protected]
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