Junior Learn2Row Program

The Essendon Rowing Club Junior Learn2Row program is designed for anyone between the ages of 12 (Year 8) and 18 years old that is keen to learn how to row! 

POSTER  |   REGISTER HERE!

If your child is younger than this, but still looking to get involved, we can teach them the fundamentals of rowing from the coxwain seat (membership for coxwains is free!)

The four-session program provides the opportunity to develop basic rowing technique and boat handling skills, learn river rules, and discover the joys of rowing on the scenic and quiet Maribyrnong River.

Participants can continue rowing following conclusion of the program by becoming a member of the club.

When:

Sessions are typically conducted on Sunday mornings over a 4-6 week period, however this may vary during busier periods of the regatta season.   Session dates and times are confirmed with participants following registration.

* You must REGISTER HERE in advance to participate.  If you have questions please contact - learn2row@essrc.com *

Cost and Duration:

The cost of the program is $60 per participant, which includes 4x 1.5hour sessions.

Requirements:

• No experience necessary!
• Moderate fitness / good general health
• All participants must be able to swim 50m unassisted in light clothing.  Please bring your swimming certificate.
• Available to attend all sessions - rowing is a team sport, we need everyone to launch the boat!

What to Wear and Bring:

• Footwear that can be worn in water - thongs, flipflops, slides
• Leggings /bike shorts, singlet / t-shirt / top. Avoid loose clothing, pockets, and jewellery, as they can easily become caught while rowing.
• Socks and runners.
• Water bottle and sun protection – visor/hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• A towel and spare change of clothes.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn, while having fun!

Other Important Information:

• For safety and coordination purposes ‘extras’ and ‘walk-up’ participants are not able to be accepted.  Please REGISTER HERE.
• Refunds and make-up sessions are not available.
• Our volunteer coaches have a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience. Some of these coaches have progressed rowers to state and national titles and representation over the years!
• Sessions are typically conducted over a 4-6 week period to allow for cancellations that may need to occur due to inclement weather.
• We do NOT wear life jackets when rowing
• The annual ERC membership fee (2024-25) for a junior member is $375.  Prorata applies for new members joining partway through the year.
• A beginner will typically take 3-6 months to be ready for racing - depending on the frequency of training they do.  Juniors typically train 3-4 times per week including Sunday mornings. As the rower progresses, training will become more intense and frequent.
• Other costs of rowing include:  entry fees $15-$25 per event when racing, travel costs, racing uniform (“zoot suit”) approx. $90.
• The summer rowing season starts in early September and concludes in April. Regattas are held most weekends around Victoria (including the Yarra River, Geelong, Nagambie, Ballarat, etc.)
• The winter rowing season is a lot shorter, starting in mid May to the end of July. This is mainly held on the Yarra River in single sculls
• For entry into regattas, the rower will need to notify the coach of their availability for attendance at that regatta and coaches will select crews for each event
• ERC has a large contingency of junior rowers, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, with a range of abilities.