Union Rowing Club Masters Learn-to-Row Program 2026

To register for Masters Learn to Row 2026/2027 season please complete this form

Week 1: 7/8 October

The first session will be a land-based session. We will introduce to the club, club protocols, explain the moving parts of a rowing skiff, and we will handle the various oars we use.  We will be working on the basics of the rowing stroke on the ergometer. We will take to the water on the second session, for a first try-out of the basic rowing stroke. We will begin with sculling (where you have an oar in each hand). This is important, as sculling is easier on the body and will set you up to be able to row in a sweep boat later on with much more confidence. 

Week 2: 14/15 October

After the obligatory warm up on the rowing machines, we will begin our on-water session with basic exercises practicing specific parts of the rowing stroke. We may work towards taking complete strokes, usually with a squared-up blade. Normally we will not be rowing as a full crew yet but will take turns at balancing the boat.

Week 3:  21/22 October

This week, we will focus on feathering the blade of the oar and work specifically on the all-important detail of holding each oar correctly. We will maintain the correct posture throughout the stroke and keep chipping away at the basics. 

Week 4: 28/29 October

As individuals learn a new skill at different speeds, we will focus on putting all parts of the rowing stroke together at a relaxed pace. If time allows, we will endeavor to work with each person individually on any specific aspect of the rowing movement they may have trouble with. It is important to remember at this juncture that rowing well is not as easy as it looks and to be patient with yourself. 

Week 5: 4/5 November

This week, we will  continue the work of the previous weeks and try to lengthen the distance covered in a training session. This will depend to some degree on weather conditions and available daylight. 

Week 6: 11/12 November

All going well, we will introduce you to sweep rowing in an eight. You will use only one, much larger oar, making it necessary to move your body in quite a different way while maintaining the basic rhythm of the rowing stroke. 

As mentioned elsewhere, please be aware that we may have to cancel the occasional session if bad weather (especially wind) prevents us from heading out on the water. We will provide make-up session for each one we miss. To get the most out of our course, it is important that you attend your training sessions as regularly as you can. 

Start Date: Wednesday October 8, 2026

Time: 5.30 to 7.00 pm

Duration: 6 Weeks, 2 x a Week (Wednesday and Thursday evenings) Finishing on the 13th of November 2026.

Key Learnings/Experiences: Proper technique of rowing on an erg, sculling in a boat (two sculling blades ) and at least 1 session of sweep rowing in a boat (1 sweep oar), camaraderie and teamwork.

Register your interest: Complete this form

This year is a later start than usual due to coaches being overseas in August and September.

If you are considering partaking in the 6 week course, please plug the dates below in to your personal diaries to ensure you can attend all sessions and get the most out of the program.

People often ask …

What to bring to each session: Wear tight fitting sports gear such as long or short lycra bottoms, sports T and layer according to the weather with L/S thermals or merino tops, socks, running shoes. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Do I need to be fit to try the sport of rowing? A basic level of strength and fitness will enhance your enjoyment of the sport. The actual rowing stroke is relatively kind on the body however we do have to be able to bend down and pick up 15 to 20 kg each from the ground and be able to press it over our heads to get the boats in and out of the water. It is important that everyone takes their share of the weight to keep all participants safe.

What happens after the 6 week program, should I want to continue with Rowing? You sign up as a member of URC by filling in a membership application form which can be found on the website. You pay the remaining amount owing of the yearly sub $380.00. ($530.00 minus your L2R fee of $150.00 =$380.00). There are Club rows that you put your name down for on a weekly basis, these are found on the Union Google sheet. The Club rows occur Saturday and Sundays at 9.30 to 11.00 am year round and during summer when daylight is plentiful Wednesdays at 5.30 to 7 pm.

How do I get in to competing? The regattas are listed below. Should you and some of the other Learn to Row Graduates decide you want to attend regattas, you will start to train as “Novice Crews” and the club will support you with supervision/coaching/coxswains. You will train for Novice events at the regattas that offer Novice events for Masters. From the time you race your first race you will be able to race as a Novice till the end of Masters Nationals Champs that same year/season.

2026 - 2027 Regatta schedule

  • Aoraki 1000m Regatta, Lake Ruataniwha - Twizel, 31st Oct - 1st Nov

  • Ashburton Regatta, Lake Hood - Ashburton 28th-29th November

  • Otago Championships, Lake Ruataniwha - Twizel  12th-13th December

  • Canterbury Championships, Lake Ruataniwha - Twizel, 16th-17th January 

  • South Island Championships, Lake Ruataniwha - Twizel, 30th-31st January

  • South Island Masters, Champs, Oreti River - Invercargill 24th - 25th April 2027 TBC

  • NZ Masters Champs, Lake Ruataniwha - Twizel, 8th - 9th May 2027

Rowing is a fantastic sport which offers everyone the opportunity to start on an even playing field given everyone comes into it with no experience. Rowing has so many benefits from health and fitness, making lifelong friends, having fun, travel, competition (if you choose) and life skills such as resilience and teamwork. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to sharing our love of the sport with you.