We offer taster sessions for new rowers on a first come, first served basis, which may mean that there is a wait, particularly during the summer months. We will offer you a taster session as soon as we can, weather allowing and based on crew availability. Please contact the Membership Secretary for more information ssrc.membership1@outlook.com

We offer the first taster sessions for free and our learn to row course costs £35 for six sessions.

If you are interested in continuing to row after that then we ask you to sign up as a member. The annual membership rates for the current year are available on the members information page, but we endeavour as a club to keep membership fees as affordable as possible through fundraising and volunteering for inhouse maintenance.

Our Learn to Row course takes place over six structured sessions, combining both on-land and on-water training. You'll cover essential safety information and rowing techniques while building confidence on the water. By the end of the six weeks, you'll be ready to join one of our sections and continue your rowing journey.

We ask for a contribution of £35, which helps support the maintenance, upkeep, and insurance of our equipment. Our club is entirely run by volunteers, and we’re passionate about welcoming new rowers into our community.

That is no problem at all, we will teach you everything you need to know and keep you safe on the water.

Cornish Pilot Gig rowing is a strenuous sport in potentially hazardous conditions. The rowing stroke requires flexibility, particularly in the hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. Balance is important as you move from the quay, shore, or pontoon to your seat to begin your row and exiting the gig at the end of a row. You are expected to work as part of a crew helping lift Gigs and carry oars and other equipment. Therefore, you should be in good health and have no medical or physical condition precluding heavy exercise.

Your Personal Health

Some conditions such as asthma and diabetes, for example, do not prevent individuals from participating in the sport, but you do have a duty to declare any condition that might put yourself or others at risk. Likewise, you must declare any change in personal health whilst a member of the club that may put yourself or others at risk. It is important therefore that you inform those around you eg crew members, of any condition they may have to deal with in the event of an emergency.

Your Swimming Ability

For your safety, you must be a competent swimmer. You should be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres in light clothing. If you cannot meet this requirement, you must always wear a lifejacket in a gig.

No, many of our members don't live in Swanage and travel in from local towns and villages. We also have members who live in Swanage some of the time. We do ask that if you sign up for a taster session that it is because you are interested in potentially joining as a member and have a connection to Swanage to allow you to keep rowing. How often you row is up to you!

When you first arrive you will receive a briefing on land and be asked to complete an online non-members disclaimer form. You will then join a crew with experienced rowers and row for up to one hour in Swanage bay, your cox will teach you the essentials of rowing and teach you everything you need to know.

If you are concerned about what to wear, we suggest ensuring that you have enough layers on to keep warm and wearing comfortable clothing. You will want to be able to move freely, but we don't recommend wearing super big or baggy clothing. Most of our members wear sports clothing and trainers to row in.

In short, yes. In the summer months we get in and out of the boats via a Pontoon, but access to the pontoon can often involve stepping in up to ankle deep water, depending on the tide.

Many members either take off their shoes, or choose to wear wellies (not for rowing!) or wetsuit boots. If you are concerned, you are free to bring a small bag with a towel, change of socks or change of shoes.