Rowing could be described as more of a sport than an activity. Viewers watching the strain of the athletes in the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race will realise rowing is done for the competition rather than as a leisurely pastime.

However if you are a budding Redgrave or Pinsent and want to have a go at this physically demanding sport then the good news is Northern Ireland has plenty to offer. Rowing can be accessed through a number of clubs and is available for all ages and abilities. Competitive classes are separated by sex, age, size and ability.

Competition is available all year round with Head of River Competitions (time trials) throughout the winter months leading through to Sprint Competitions in the summer. Rowing is an excellent way to keep fit, you can choose to row by yourself in a scull or in a crew of up to eight people.

The best way to get started is to contact the Irish Amateur Rowing Union to find details on your local club. Each club have their own methods of introducing new members, often you will be placed in a similar skilled group and coached together. The equipment and structure of coaching is standard therefore skills learned can transfer from one club to another.

Rowing is a very physically demanding sport therefore a good base level of fitness is required. Once this is achieved a desire to be coached and win will bring you a long way.

Rowing clubs will provide all the equipment and coaching you need in return for an annual membership fee from £120.