Learn to Row

We welcome new coxswains throughout the year and provide dedicated coaching for all our coxswains, from beginners to senior race coxes. If you’d like to learn to cox please contact us at information@furnivall.org.

The 2026 courses will run

• Course 1: 04.06.2026 - 26.07.2026 (Please note that the weekend of 20./21.06.2025 and 04./05.07.2026 will be off)

• Course 2: 23.07.2026 - 06.09.2026

Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 18:45 - 20:15 as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 - 14:30 (Group A) OR 14:00 - 16:00 (Group B)

You must be over 18, able to swim 50 metres and reasonably fit. That’s it.

The course lasts six weeks and will involve three sessions per week: a land session on the rowing machines on Thursday evenings and two water session during the early afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Rowing at its highest level is an incredibly demanding sport. But when you are starting out, a basic level of fitness is all you need. If you are used to working out at least twice a week, you’ll be fine.

We’re not going to say that being tall does not help! But much more important is having a willingness to train and ability to learn from coaches and other rowers.

Furnivall Sculling Club is just up from Hammersmith Bridge. It’s a beautiful place to row out of: our south-facing clubroom has an incredible view of the Thames and sits above our boathouse, full of an extensive fleet of boats. Our facilities include a well-stocked weights room and an indoor-rowing room packed with Concept 2 rowing machines. We also have a great bar!

For learn to row, you do not need any specialist rowing kit: basic gym wear will be fine. It’s a good idea to wear close fitting kit so you do not get caught up in it when you are out on the water. Wellies are necessary for getting in and out of the boat but you can borrow some of ours if you don't have your own. And bring a change of clothes: rowing is a watersport and we don’t stop for rain!

There is a steep learning curve at the beginning of rowing and experience tells us that those who do not miss sessions go on to make the best rowers. Plus rowing is a team sport and we need the right number of people at each session to be able to get boats out. So preference will be given to those who can attend every session.

The 2026 course will be £349. The full course fee will be payable when you’ve been accepted onto the course and is non-refundable.

You will be invited to celebrate your success at annual Furnivall summer party on 26.07.2026, where you can meet the club’s current members, coaches, and captains. Those who graduate from the course will be able to apply to join the club’s Development Squad and continue their rowing journey. Your first year will be spent developing your technique and fitness, along with competing in novice events in London and beyond. From there, we’ll support you towards competing in our top crews and representing us in major national races.