The Ulverscroft Fund has enabled All-Aboard to kickstart a rowing project which supports adults with Visual Impairments to learn and enjoy rowing in a safe, fun and friendly environment.
In 2024, the rowing sessions will run every Sunday at 11.00am to 1.00pm from 31st March to 20th October Sessions are just £6 each per person and no rowing experience is required.
Each session will be delivered in a rowing ‘gig’ and a ‘skiff’ – two fixed-seat wooden rowing boats that were designed for sea rowing and are therefore very stable. The Gig will have an Instructor and will have room for 3 participants and 3 sighted volunteers. The Skiff will have a cox steering the boat and room for 2 participants and two sighted volunteers.
There will be a Meeter and Greeter to welcome you, provide you with a buoyancy aid to introduce you to the rest of the group. The volunteers will offer if you would like assistance down to the water’s edge. We have lockers you can put your bags away in and we have small bags to store any guidance canes onboard so it stays near you. For the first 15 minutes of every sessions, beginners will be shown the oar and learn the correct rowing stroke while regular rowers can warm up and practice the stroke with the boat tied up.
If you are interested in attending, please book on by emailing [email protected] with the dates you wish to attend. Please understand that this activity requires a certain number of people, so we need at least two working days notice if you wish to cancel or re-schedule otherwise you may be charged for the session you did not attend.
Currently, our payment process involves you being invoiced every month, which you can by by card (in-person) at our office; or you can pay by BACS.
This session is runs by volunteers who have First Aid Training and Disability Awareness Training. They are all keen rowers who love sharing their passion with others. If there is a specific technique which you find helpful (i.e. hand-over-hand technique) do let them know so they can adjust the teaching style to suit you.
Individuals with a Visual Impairment and other complex needs (i.e. learning disabilities etc) may find attending our Saturday Sailability and Paddleability sessions more suitable, please ring 0117 929 0801 for more details.
Come and join in the fun!
