Juniors

 WJ14x+ Aberdeen Sprint 2008 - Photo: Niall Darroch

"Junior rowing -- for fitness, learning a new skill, making new friends, and competition!"

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The club has a growing junior section which is overseen by Sarah Whitley and managed by Niall Darroch. At grass roots level, junior rowing is fundamental to the sport's future and at St Andrew we recognise how important it is to have a thriving junior membership.

Although there is no precise lower age limit for people to start rowing, factors such as height, reach, and strength play a critical role. In practice, the club's junior programme accepts  members who are currently of secondary school age. The upper age limit for junior rowing is J18 (the person must be under 18 years on 1st September of the year preceding the main racing season).

Our juniors row regularly on the Union Canal in Edinburgh (see below for session times); they train too in the gym at Boroughmuir RFC. Coaching and training is focused on developing rowing and sculling technique alongside improving general physical strength and cardiovascular endurance.  Beginners and those under 16 years do not tend to do weights, but they make up for that in other ways.

Racing is an integral part of all rowing and is no exception for our juniors. The club participates in events throughout Scotland in various boat classes, from singles and doubles, through quads and eights. We also compete on the Concept 2 ergometer at the indoor rowing events.

Brand new beginners are welcome at our Sunday junior sessions. You do not need any fancy kit to start -- the club provides all equipment and coaching.

To find out if rowing is for you, we offer all juniors a trial membership of four weeks for £20. We start beginners in a group on the first Sunday of each month. If, after four weeks, you think rowing's your thing, we'll deduct the £20 from your full junior membership subscription.

To get the ball rolling, contact Niall Darroch.

Session times (subject to change, particularly in school holidays)

Tue 1700-1830 (all full junior members)

Thu 1700-1830 (experienced juniors J15 and older)

Sat 1200-1400 (all full junior members)

Sun 1200-1400 (beginners and all full junior members)

Unless otherwise arranged, all sessions are on the Union Canal. During winter, besides warm rowing clothing, bring gym kit (and £1) in case the canal is frozen and the session moves to the gym.

Please note that beginners' sessions are slated for Sundays. All those who have completed their trial period and paid their subscription may also come to the Tuesday and Saturday sessions. Thursday is for the most competitive and experienced - ask a coach to see if you are at a standard to attend.

Competitive members will likely do additional sessions and should seek advice from the junior coaches as to appropriate activities.  Competitive J15 and older members will soon have the opportunity of additional gym sessions before water training on Saturdays and Sundays (further details to follow).