So, you’re interested in gig rowing?
Portishead Pilot Gig Club (PPGC) run a six week Learn to Row (LTR) course for adults (Y12+) at least once a year as well as a similar course for Youth (Y7 - Y11). Occasionally we offer free Taster Days too - so watch out for these.
Our next Youth LTR course will start in January 2025. Dates tbc. Please register interest by joining the Youth WhatsApp Link below where you will find more information, and be first inline for further updates.
Our next Adult LTR course will be announced in 2025
LTR is aimed at beginners and designed to give you a taste of gig rowing before you decide if it’s the sport for you.
The costs is just £30 for the six sessions. This is non-refundable and must be paid in full before the starting the course.
You will be taught the basic strokes, how to row as a crew, boat commands and relevant health and safety information to ensure you are safe on the water.
Gig rowing is a physical sport and so some degree of strength and fitness is an advantage, but we are an inclusive club and aim to make our courses suitable for anyone.
If you would like to join our adult LTR course, follow this link or for our youth LTR click here. The links will take you to a WhatsApp group that acts as our waiting list. (Say hello so we’re notified when new people join and we will send you our LTR form to complete). We will answer any questions and post more details in these groups as they become available.
The chances are that after a few sessions in the boat, you will be hooked, but any new rowers must complete the LTR course satisfactorily before becoming a full member of PPGC.
After joining PPGC, most new rowers join a ‘Development Squad’ for a period of time so that they can build confidence and improve their technique before joining their relevant male/female squads (Youth, Open 18+, Vets 40+ or Super Vets 50+).
Full membership is currently £140 per year which can be paid pro-rata if you join part way through.
Members usually have the opportunity to row twice a week all year round either in the marina or, when tides are right, locking out into the Bristol Channel.
For those wishing to improve strength and fitness, membership also includes club circuits sessions and the use of club ergs (rowing machines). There are many spin-off social groups too.
Members also have the chance to row in fun regattas or, if you choose to take part in ‘Selection’, you could eventually become part of a race crew and train to take part in more competitive regattas, including the annual World Championships in the Isles of Scilly.
We might be biased, but gig rowing is an amazing sport that will see you get fit, make friends and have fun.
Nat and Sarah (LTR Coordinators) look forward to helping you ‘Learn to Row’.
Adult Learn to Row WhatsApp Group
Youth Learn to Row WhatsApp Group
