Novice Rowing and Learn to Row

Sons continues to offer beginners to the sport an opportunity to pick up an oar and find out the joys of wearing copious quantities of lycra. The 2012 women’s learn to row participants played a key role within the revival of the women’s squad, whilst the men continued the season going it alone under the watchful eye of Tony Brown. Both sets of novices have enjoyed success throughout the season and have played a key part in the race entries, earning their spurs at several regattas throughout the summer. The training and racing experience of this year will stand them in fine stead as they transition through to the main squads in 2013.

This summer saw the introduction of a new style “Learn to Row” course, implemented as a stand-alone summer course. 25 people took part in the 6 week course and gained an introduction to rowing on the tideway. The Club continues to pride itself on its accessibility and welcoming nature, and these courses are a vital part to the club’s continued success. Notable mentions should be made here of the work of Andrew Maunder and Cat Hart who oversaw the course, and of course to the many members who assisted them.

Our thanks go to Tony, Andrew and Cat for their work in these areas.

Fleet

Sons (relative to the size of its membership) has the benefit of a large fleet at its disposal, but the fleet is in an aging condition and it is a priority of the club that this is addressed for the club’s continued success. In the last 12 months the committee has authorised the captains to source a new 4-/x for the men’s squad and an 8+ for the women’s squad. The main requirement for the 2013/2014 season is to work on the boat replacement plan so that the club can ensure that the fleet is maintained at a level that will continue to aid the rowing ambitions of the club.

The club has clearly enjoyed a very full year of racing and membership levels are at their highest for some time. It is vital however that the club does not just sit still, and must therefore plan for the future. Priority should be given to further the development plans of the club, and in turn focus on how the Club can increase its income. Only with a clear vision and the means to fulfil it will the club be in a position to continue its year on year growth.

The membership is both vibrant and active. I hope everyone has enjoyed their year and is looking forward to what 2013/2014 can bring.

A final thank you to those involved in the success this season:

The Captains: Tony Brown, Lizzie Austin, Ross Cook; The Coaches: Sam Haeata, Drago Zhelev, Emily Hillyard, Cat Hart, Paul Hinds, Craig Richardson, Andrew Maunder; The Social Secretary: Lju Lazarevic; The Committee; and The Members.