20th August 2024
Why rowing is the perfect mix of exercise, fun and being close to the elements
“It has really built my confidence and what I feel I can do.”
This is the experience of Pippa, a rower who joined Affinity Rowing Club five years ago and had never done anything like this before.
One of three Cornish Gig (fixed-seat) rowing clubs based out of Newhaven Harbour, the club attracts a mixture of rowers of all ages and backgrounds.
“We have mixed genders, mixed ages from people in their twenties to seventies, and mixed ability,” Pippa explains. “You do not have to be massively fit.”
Pippa, who is now 54, was looking for something to do and wanted to meet new people, so a friend suggested she check out the rowing club.
Now she has gone from a non-rower to cox, who is responsible for steering, motivating, executing strategy and coaching the rowers.
“I fell in love with rowing. I have found it so beneficial for me,” Pippa says.
“It is a good workout, you get to burn off steam and you are out on the water spending time doing something fun.”
Pippa is quick to dispel the idea that rowing is an elitist sport.
“A full membership costs £20 a month, and you can row two to three times a week.
“All you need is to be able to do is swim, although you can wear a life jacket.”
Rows take place all year round and consist of sessions to develop technique and speed plus the club enters into many competitions and regattas.
The club regularly attends the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Isle of Scilly and the club has several female coxes who coxed crews in the championships.
Pippa says: “It was exhilarating and scary, I had the best time and such a sense of community.”
But the social side of the club seems to be just as important as the sport itself.
“On some rows we do a bit of rowing, have a chat, then row, and then have cake,” laughs Pippa. “It is a very lively group.”
They have even been running music rows across the summer, with some rowers dressing up in their disco finery.
In addition, research shows that exercising outdoors is very beneficial – something highlighted in the recent This Girl Can’s ‘Let’s Get Out There’ campaign.
“It is a very eco sport,” adds Pippa. “Being out on the water is so wholesome. It is good to be really close to the elements.
“Just give it a go. Come and join us and see if you love it.”
Rowers from Affinity Rowing
